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A powerful pension vehicle for company directors and business owners. Invest your SSAS pension funds into property-backed bonds and take control of your retirement planning.
A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is an occupational pension scheme typically set up by a company for the benefit of its directors and senior employees. Unlike a SIPP which is a personal pension, a SSAS is established by the sponsoring employer and is governed by a trust deed, with the members acting as trustees of the scheme.
SSAS pensions offer exceptional flexibility in how pension funds can be invested. They are particularly popular with small business owners and company directors because they allow investments in a much wider range of assets than traditional pension schemes — including loans to the sponsoring employer, commercial property, and alternative investments such as property-backed bonds.
With a SSAS, the trustees (typically the company directors themselves) have collective control over the investment decisions, making it an ideal vehicle for those who want a hands-on approach to managing their pension assets and diversifying beyond conventional investments.
Directors of UK limited companies can establish a SSAS as a company pension scheme, with the business as the sponsoring employer.
A SSAS can have up to 11 members, usually company directors or key employees. All members are also trustees of the scheme.
SSAS pensions are particularly popular with family-run businesses, where multiple family members are directors and can benefit from the scheme.
HMRC requires that a SSAS has a professional trustee (pensioneer trustee) to ensure the scheme complies with pension regulations.
Property-backed bonds offer SSAS trustees a compelling investment opportunity. Here is why company directors choose Smart Legals.
Earn fixed interest rates of up to 10% per annum on your SSAS pension funds, far exceeding typical pension fund returns and traditional fixed income investments.
Employer contributions to a SSAS are a tax-deductible business expense, reducing your company's corporation tax bill while building your pension fund.
All interest earned within the SSAS grows free from income tax and capital gains tax, allowing your pension pot to compound more efficiently over time.
Your SSAS investment in Smart Legals bonds is secured by a legal charge over UK property assets, managed by an independent security trustee.
Adding fixed-return property-backed bonds to your SSAS diversifies your pension beyond stocks and shares, reducing your exposure to market volatility.
As a SSAS trustee, you and your fellow directors make investment decisions collectively, giving you direct control over how your pension funds are deployed.
The process for investing your SSAS funds into Smart Legals property-backed bonds is straightforward.
If you do not already have a SSAS, you will need to establish one through a professional SSAS administrator. If you have an existing SSAS, review your trust deed to ensure it permits investments in loan notes and debt-based securities.
All SSAS trustees must agree on the investment decision. A formal trustee resolution is passed authorising the investment in Smart Legals bonds, documenting the agreed amount, bond series, and interest payment method.
Complete the Smart Legals application on behalf of the SSAS. We provide all necessary documentation including the Information Memorandum and bond subscription agreement for the trustees to review and sign.
Instruct your SSAS administrator to transfer the agreed investment amount from the SSAS bank account to Smart Legals. The investment is processed and your bond certificate is issued to the SSAS trustees.
Your SSAS pension funds earn fixed interest within the tax-efficient pension wrapper. Interest is paid quarterly or at maturity depending on your chosen bond, and all returns grow tax-free within the scheme.
Understand the key differences between a SSAS and a SIPP to determine which pension vehicle is right for your circumstances.
| Feature | SSAS | SIPP |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Occupational (employer) | Personal |
| Members | Up to 11 (trustees) | Individual only |
| Governance | Trust-based, collective decisions | Individual decisions |
| Employer Loans | Up to 50% of fund | Not permitted |
| Commercial Property | Yes | Yes |
| Property-Backed Bonds | Yes | Yes (provider dependent) |
| Ideal For | Company directors & business owners | Individual investors |
| Setup Cost | Higher (trust deed required) | Lower |
Both SSAS and SIPP are suitable for investing in Smart Legals bonds. The right choice depends on your personal and business circumstances. We recommend seeking professional advice.
Important points to consider when using a SSAS to invest in Smart Legals bonds.
A UK limited company must act as the sponsoring employer for the SSAS scheme.
A pensioneer trustee is required to oversee the scheme and ensure HMRC compliance.
The scheme must have a trust deed that permits investments in debt-based securities and loan notes.
All trustees must agree to the investment through a formal trustee resolution before funds can be committed.
Investments are not covered by the FSCS. While secured by property assets, your capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed.
We strongly recommend consulting a qualified pension adviser or financial planner before making SSAS investment decisions.
Speak to our team to discuss how your SSAS can benefit from property-backed bonds with attractive fixed returns and comprehensive security.