What is a SSAS?

A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is a type of occupational pension scheme primarily designed for company directors, business owners, and senior employees. It provides the opportunity to manage and control retirement savings with greater flexibility than traditional pension arrangements.

A SSAS places control directly in the hands of its trustees, who are almost always the scheme members themselves. This structure ensures that those who benefit from the scheme also make the key investment decisions, allowing the pension to be closely aligned with both personal retirement goals and the needs of the business.

Key Advantages of a SSAS

Investment Control
Trustees with the guidance of the scheme administrator have the authority to invest in a wide range of assets, including:

  • Commercial property and land - including offices, warehouses, retail units and development land.

  • Company shares and securities — listed equities, gilts and other bonds, and unquoted shares. 

  • Collective investment vehicles — authorised unit trusts, OEICs, investment trusts, ETFs and REITs.

  • Cash and deposits; insured/pooled funds with UK‑authorised institutions or insurers.

  • Loans

    • Loans to the sponsoring employer are allowed if they meet HMRC’s requirements. 

    • Loans to unconnected third parties may be possible where prudent, secure and fully commercial.

Borrowing: A SSAS may also borrow up to 50% of its net fund value to assist with asset purchases, provided the borrowing benefits the scheme and is on commercial terms

There are many other potential investments that can be considered within HMRC parameters. While not every asset will be acceptable under our scheme rules, we’re happy todiscuss viable options and how they might fit your strategy.

We’ll guide you on what’s permissible and prudent for a SSAS and handle the compliance checks. We strongly recommend seeking regulated financial advice alongside our guidance to optimise outcomes for you personally, as a scheme trustee and a director/business owner. 

Tax Efficiency

  • Contributions can qualify for corporation tax relief

  • Investment growth within the SSAS is tax-exempt

  • Up to 25% of the pension fund may be accessed as a tax-free lump sum at retirement

Collaborative Governance

  • Set up by the Principal Employer in collaboration with the Member Trustees (almost always the members themselves) and a Professional Trustee.

    Trustees run the scheme, with day‑to‑day administration and reporting handled by the Scheme Administrator.

    Decisions regarding investments and administration are made collectively by the trustees, allowing the scheme to be aligned with the company and the members individual  objectives

Business Flexibility

  • SSAS funds can be used to support the business through member-to-company loans

  • Offers a mechanism for combining retirement planning with strategic business funding

Who Should Consider a SSAS?

  • Company directors or business owners seeking more control over pension arrangements

  • Employers wishing to provide tailored retirement benefits to key employees

  • Individuals interested in diversifying pension investments, including in property or their own business

Considerations

  • SSAS must operate in compliance with HMRC regulations

  • Requires active management by trustees

  • We strongly recommend you obtain independent, FCA‑authorised financial advice on suitability and investment decisions. While we can guide you through establishing and operating the scheme and support compliance, we do not provide financial advice or determine whether a SSAS is appropriate for your circumstances.

Summary

A SSAS offers a flexible, tax-efficient, and controlled approach to retirement planning, enabling business owners and directors to align pension management with both personal and business objectives.

Find Out More About SSAS Pensions