Celebrating 50 years of the small self-administered scheme

Savers have had the flexibility to align investments with personal interests

clock • 4 min read

July marks a significant milestone in the world of retirement planning as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of small self-administered schemes (SSAS), Martin Tilley reflects…

In July 1973, the UK government introduced SSAS as a flexible pension scheme, allowing business owners, directors and senior executives to have more influence and investment flexibility over their retirement planning. These more flexible investments included commercial property, shares, and even loans to businesses. This flexibility has not only provided the opportunity for diversification but has also enabled individuals to align their pension investments with their personal interests and expertise. The schemes have also played a part in the development and growth of many small businesses....

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

OBR leak 'embarrassing' as Selby calls for pension stability after Autumn Budget

OBR leak 'embarrassing' as Selby calls for pension stability after Autumn Budget

AJ Bell’s Tom Selby joins Sahar Nazir in the studio to unpack the Budget

Sahar Nazir
clock 28 November 2025 • 1 min read
Andrew Goodwin: Advisers shouldn't have to be told to improve

Andrew Goodwin: Advisers shouldn't have to be told to improve

'The fact is that nobody stays ahead of the curve by standing still'

Andrew Goodwin
clock 28 November 2025 • 4 min read
Treasury Committee chair welcomes plan to replace Lifetime ISA

Treasury Committee chair welcomes plan to replace Lifetime ISA

LISA is ‘too complex'

Sahar Nazir
clock 28 November 2025 • 2 min read