Self-invested pension options: A dig beneath the headlines

'Freedom of self-investment means very different things in practice'

clock • 4 min read

Self-investment opportunities are the gems of the pension world but the type of pension scheme used can really matter, writes Alan Godbeer

The concept of self-investment within a pension scheme is something we as an industry can sometimes take for granted nowadays, but it is useful to remind ourselves that there was a time when committing contributions to pensions meant tying them up for years and years, only then for them to form part of a lump sum that would be touted around the market to find the best annuity rate available, one which hopefully didn't just disappear in a puff of smoke should you be unfortunate to die soon after retirement. Thankfully we have come a long way since then. Generous tax breaks on the way in a...

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 Pensions

Gender pensions gap grows to £113,000

Gender pensions gap grows to £113,000

Report finds more than a third of women are likely to face poverty in retirement

Martin Richmond
clock 18 November 2025 • 3 min read
The FOMO-fuelled run on the pensions bank – where the Treasury is the only winner

The FOMO-fuelled run on the pensions bank – where the Treasury is the only winner

'You can't build a savings culture on a foundation of uncertainty'

Matt Storey
clock 17 November 2025 • 5 min read
Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Govt reportedly considering introducing a £2,000 salary sacrifice annual cap

Joseph Warne
clock 14 November 2025 • 4 min read