SSAS: Practitioner-only and professional trustees – what's the difference?

'Robust governance and informed decision-making are critical'

clock • 5 min read

Caitlin Southall shares her SSAS insight, specifically looking at practitioner-only and professional trustees...

Small self-administered schemes (SSAS) remain a hugely useful pension planning tool for business owners and directors who want flexibility and control. When it comes to SSAS governance, there are two primary structures – practitioner-only and those where a professional trustee is appointed, often alongside a professional scheme administrator. Under SSAS legislation, a scheme must appoint a scheme administrator, but not necessarily a scheme practitioner. The latter is not a formal role, but is one aimed at supporting the scheme administrator and trustees to comply with their fiduciary ...

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

Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

DWP makes key changes to traffic-light transfer conditions

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 June 2026 • 7 min read
DWP consults on new red flag to address emerging SSAS transfer concerns

DWP consults on new red flag to address emerging SSAS transfer concerns

Minister says SSASs may be more vulnerable to the potential for fraudulent misuse

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 09 June 2026 • 3 min read
Why pension transfers remain stuck in the slow lane

Why pension transfers remain stuck in the slow lane

'Some providers complete transfers in as little as five days on average, others take up to 90'

Lisa Picardo
clock 08 June 2026 • 5 min read