Small Self-Administered Schemes – better known as SSASs – are a powerful and flexible type of occupational pension, designed specifically for directors and senior employees of active limited companies.
A SSAS allows you to take greater control of your retirement savings, invest more strategically (including into your own business), and integrate your pension planning with the future of your company.
A SSAS is a type of defined contribution occupational pension scheme, typically established by a private limited company for its directors and senior staff. All members of a SSAS must also act as trustees, giving them direct control over how the pension is managed and invested.
It is called “small” because SSASs are limited to a maximum of 11 members, often consisting of directors, senior staff, or family members.
The sponsoring company sets up the SSAS and appoints its trustees, who must also be members of the scheme. Both the company and the members can contribute, with contributions benefiting from favourable tax treatment.
Once established, the SSAS can invest in a broad range of assets. Unique features include the ability to lend back up to 50% of the scheme’s net value to the sponsoring business (under HMRC rules), and to co-invest in assets such as commercial property. SSASs also enable joint ownership structures between the company and the scheme.
The pension grows tax-free, and retirement benefits can usually be taken from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028).
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Loan-back facility | Lend up to 50% of the net scheme value to the sponsoring business, subject to HMRC rules |
| Commercial property investment | Purchase and lease back business premises, held within the pension scheme |
| Investment flexibility | Wide investment options, including stocks, funds, unlisted shares, and more |
| Tax efficiency | Contributions may qualify for corporation tax relief and grow tax-free within the scheme |
| Multi-member structure | Greater leverage and flexibility through pooled investing across directors and family members |
To explore how loan-backs work, visit How Does a SSAS Loan-Back Work?
A SSAS can only be set up by a private limited company that is actively trading or investing. The ideal candidates include:
All members must be trustees. In practice, almost all SSAS founders are directors of their respective companies. It is rare for non-directors to establish their own SSAS due to the complexity and cost involved.
If you’re comparing pension options, it helps to understand how SSASs differ from other schemes:
| Pension Type | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| SSAS | Occupational scheme with trustee control, pooled investing, and business integration options |
| SIPP | Personal pension with flexible investment options but no loan-back or multi-member structure |
| Group Personal Pension (GPP) | Employer-run but provider-managed, with limited investment scope |
| Executive Pension Plan (EPP) | Insured pension for directors, with fewer investment options |
| Final Salary Scheme | Promises a guaranteed income but offers no control; increasingly rare today |
Commercial property, equities, bonds, unlisted shares, and even private businesses.
Yes – up to 50% of the scheme’s net assets may be loaned to the sponsoring company. Read How Does a SSAS Loan-Back Work?
It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. A professional trustee ensures compliance with HMRC rules and prevents costly mistakes.
Yes. Every SSAS must have a scheme administrator registered with HMRC. This role carries important compliance and reporting responsibilities.
SSASs are typically run as a pooled fund, with member entitlements tracked proportionally based on contributions and transfers. In some cases, earmarking may be used.
Yes. Family SSASs are common and can support long-term planning.
We work closely with financial advisers who support business owners, helping them determine whether a SSAS is a suitable option for their clients. The majority of our work comes through professional advisers, and we believe expert financial advice is essential for making informed pension decisions.
At Day Cooper Day, SSASs are at the heart of what we do. We act as professional trustees, scheme administrators, and SSAS practitioners – offering a fully integrated service.
Our model is deliberately boutique. We prioritise service quality and long-term relationships over volume.
If your client is considering a SSAS, we can help you evaluate whether it is the right fit.
We work exclusively with financial advisers to support directors, business owners, and their families with bespoke SSAS solutions.
Get in touch for an expert conversation with one of our SSAS specialists.
Day Cooper Day Limited
Registered in England & Wales at 53-55 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4PJ. Company Number: 08956319
Whether you’re an adviser exploring options for a client or a business owner looking for guidance, our team is happy to help. Complete the form below and one of our SSAS specialists will get back to you personally, usually within one working day.
