SSAS is an occupational pension scheme that does not have the involvement of a life assurance company but where the assets are invested and managed by the scheme trustees an internal investment manager or an external investment manager.

SSASs historically have proven popular because of the investment powers and greater control they conferred on the members. Consequently HMRC has imposed tighter control on their operation than on other types of scheme. Since April 6th 2006 following the implementation of tax simplification measures most if not all of the special features of SSASs have been removed.

For a scheme to qualify as a SSAS there must be fewer than 12 members currently building up pension benefits at least one of whom must be a controlling director

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