Is a SSAS regulated by the FCA?

A SSAS is an occupational pension scheme registered with HMRC under Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004 and overseen by The Pensions Regulator. HMRC registration is the relevant regulatory gateway for establishing and administering one.

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, key employees, or family members. There is no minimum number of members; a single-member SSAS is permitted.

What is the minimum fund size for a SSAS to be cost-effective?

There is no prescribed minimum, but a SSAS is most cost-effective where existing pension funds total at least £100,000, or where the company is committed to contributing to reach that level. Where a commercial property purchase or a loan-back is planned from the outset, a SSAS can be worthwhile earlier.

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 is made at a commercial rate of interest and repaid over five years. TLPI prepares all of the loan documentation, and our consultants go through the terms with the company before anything is agreed.

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, meaning no further contributions but the pension stays invested. Alternatively, they can transfer their share of the SSAS to a personal pension such as a SIPP. TLPI manages the transfer process.

Can a director have both a SSAS and a SIPP at the same time?

Yes, and many directors do. Which arrangement suits someone depends on their own circumstances and what they want the pension to do. That is part of the conversation our consultants have with them.

How much is the TLPI referral fee?

TLPI pays a £500 referral fee when the scheme of the person you introduced is registered with HMRC. The fee applies to their first structure with TLPI. No fee is payable if they are already a TLPI client, or if they have been in touch with TLPI in the last 180 days.

How and when do I get paid?

We do not pay automatically. Once the scheme is registered with HMRC your dashboard updates, and you send TLPI an invoice for the fee. We pay within 14 business days of receiving it. A referral fee paid to you personally is income you declare yourself.

What happens after I make an introduction?

We contact the person directly to arrange an initial conversation with no obligation. You do not need to be involved further unless you want to be, and you do not need to explain how any of it works. We keep you updated on progress and let you know when the fee becomes payable.

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

No. You can introduce as many people as you wish, and the fee is payable for each one who proceeds, with no cap.

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

No. Introducing a client to a SSAS administrator does not require FCA authorisation. A SSAS is an occupational pension scheme, and an introduction is not regulated financial advice. Your ICAEW or ACCA membership is not affected by making a referral. See our Is it Safe to Refer 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we are asked most often, about how a SSAS works and about the referral programme itself.

SSAS Questions Referral Programme

SSAS Pension Questions

Referral Programme Questions

Still have questions?

If your question is not answered here, our team is happy to help. Email us, or register and speak to us directly.

partners@tlpi.co.uk Register to refer

How it works

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

Step 1

You make the introduction

Step 2

We have the conversation

One of our consultants speaks to them within 1 business day. You do not need to explain how any of it works.

Step 3

The scheme is set up

If it suits them, TLPI handles the set-up and the HMRC registration.

Step 4

You get paid

£500 when their scheme is registered with HMRC. You send us an invoice and we pay within 14 business days.

Step 5

They get the benefit

They end up with a pension their company can pay into, that can hold their business premises.