Is SSAS regulated by the FCA?

No. SSAS pensions are regulated by HMRC and The Pensions Regulator (TPR), not the FCA. SSAS is an occupational pension scheme registered under Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004. There is no FCA requirement for establishing or administering a SSAS.

How many members can a SSAS have?

A SSAS can have up to 11 members. All members must be connected to the sponsoring company — typically company directors or key employees. There is no minimum number of members; a single-member SSAS is permitted.

What is the minimum pot size for a SSAS to be worthwhile?

TLPI generally recommends a combined pension pot of £250,000 or above to make the administration costs cost-effective relative to a SIPP. However, where commercial property purchase or loan-back is planned from inception, a SSAS can be worthwhile at lower values due to the long-term tax advantages.

Can a SSAS purchase the company's own premises?

Yes. A SSAS can purchase commercial property from a connected party (including the sponsoring company or a director personally), provided the transaction is at market value as determined by an independent RICS valuation. The company then pays rent to the SSAS at the market rate.

How does the SSAS loan-back work?

The SSAS can lend up to 50% of its net assets to the sponsoring company. The loan must be at a commercial interest rate (minimum Bank of England Base Rate + 1%), secured on first-charge assets, and repaid within 5 years in equal annual instalments. TLPI prepares all loan documentation.

How long does it take to set up a SSAS?

From initial engagement to HMRC registration typically takes 8–12 weeks. The main timeline driver is HMRC registration, which takes 4–6 weeks once the application is submitted. The scheme can begin making investment decisions once registered.

What happens to the SSAS if a member leaves the company?

A departing director can remain as a deferred member of the SSAS (no further contributions, but the pension remains invested). Alternatively, they can transfer their share of the SSAS to a personal pension such as a SIPP. TLPI manages the transfer process.

How much is the TLPI referral fee?

TLPI pays £500 per converted referral. A referral is considered converted when the client's SSAS is established and the HMRC registration is confirmed. The fee is paid within 14 days of HMRC confirmation.

Do I need FCA authorisation to refer a client to TLPI?

No. Referring a client to a SSAS administrator does not require FCA authorisation. SSAS is not a regulated investment under FSMA 2000. Your ICAEW or ACCA membership is not affected by making a referral. See our regulatory clarity page for full details.

What disclosure must I make to my client?

You must inform your client that you will receive a referral fee from TLPI, and the amount of that fee. TLPI provides a pre-drafted disclosure letter template to all registered partners that satisfies ICAEW and ACCA disclosure requirements.

What happens after I make an introduction?

We contact the client directly to schedule an initial no-obligation conversation. You do not need to be involved further unless you wish to be. We keep you updated on the progress of the engagement and notify you when the fee becomes payable.

Is there a limit on the number of referrals I can make?

No. You can refer as many clients as you wish. The referral fee is payable for each converted client, with no cap. Some of our most active partners refer 4–6 clients per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from accountants, answered by our SSAS specialists. Covering regulation, setup timelines, referral fees, and everything in between.

SSAS Questions Referral Programme

SSAS Pension Questions

Referral Programme Questions

Still have questions?

If your question is not answered here, our SSAS specialists are happy to help. Email us or register as a partner to speak directly with the team.

referrals@tlpi.co.uk Register as a Partner

How the Referral Process Works

From introduction to fee paid — a simple 5-step process.

Step 1

You Submit a Referral

Step 2

TLPI Contacts the Client

Our SSAS specialists reach out within 1 business day to explain the benefits. You don’t need to do anything else.

Step 3

SSAS is Established

TLPI handles scheme set-up and HMRC registration. The client’s SSAS is fully established and operational.

Step 4

You Receive Your Referral Fee

Once the SSAS is set up and active, TLPI pays your referral fee. Fee is paid on scheme establishment, not on referral.

Step 5

Your Client Saves Tax

The director benefits from corporation tax relief, CGT exemption, and the ability to hold their business premises in their pension.