Top 50 SIPP Providers UK Comparison

A self-invested personal pension (SIPP) is the name given to the type of UK government-approved personal pension scheme, which allows individuals to make their own investment decisions from the full range of investments approved by HM Revenue and Customs.

Please note companies are ranked in no particular order and data comes from each company’s website and was last updated in March 2023. 

Featured: PensionBee*

• Founded in London in 2014, PensionBee has 360,000 customers and over £1bn of investments
• Pensions are managed by some of the world’s largest money managers – State Street Global Advisors, HSBC, BlackRock and Legal & General
• Low cost, flexible plans
• Personal customer support account managers, or “BeeKeepers”
• Switch plans, anytime
• Simple, hassle-free pension consolidation process
• Easy-to-use online dashboard and app
• Handy online pension calculator and online resources
• Award-winning: Online Business of the Year, SIPP Provider of the Year, Investment Marketing and Innovation 2019
• Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• Excellent customer reviews

Website: PensionBee
Read the full PensionBee review.

Featured: Bestinvest*

• Bestinvest is an investment company based in Mayfair, London
• The Best SIPP is a low-cost personal pension making it easy to choose how your retirement savings are invested
• Choose from more than 2,500 funds, ETFs, investment trusts and nearly all UK shares
• No account set-up fees and free fund dealing
• £500 contribution towards your pension exit fees
• Round the clock access to your online account
• Easy to follow, free-to-access support guides
• Award-winning: Best Low-cost SIPP Provider at the Investors Chronicle and FT Awards, Best SIPP Provider at the Shares Awards 2018 and Best SIPP for Beginners at the Moneywise Pension Awards 2018

Website: Bestinvest
Read the full Bestinvest review.

PROVIDER	PLATFORM FEE	ADMINSISTRATION FEE (annual)
@sipp	£231.00	undisclosed
Aegon	£180.00	undisclosed
AJ Bell	£425.00	£480.00
Alliance Trust	£210.00	£350.00
Alltrust	£375.00	£600.00
Amber Financial Investments	undisclosed	undisclosed
Ascentric	£300.00	£180.00
Aviva	£240.00	undisclosed
Bank of Scotland	undisclosed	£90.00
Barclays	undisclosed	£125.00
Barnett Waddingham	£300.00	£250.00
Bestinvest	undisclosed	£120.00
Charles Stanley	£240.00	£100.00
Close Brothers	undisclosed	£0.00
Curtis Banks	undisclosed	£260.00
Dentons	£350.00	£420.00
DP Pensions	undisclosed	£95.00
Embark Pensions	£250.00	£190.00
Fidelity	undisclosed	£45.00
Hargreaves Lansdown	undisclosed	undisclosed
HSBC	undisclosed	£45.00
IG	undisclosed	undisclosed
Interactive Investor	undisclosed	£240.00
Investec	undisclosed	undisclosed
IPM SIPP	undisclosed	£540.00
IWeb	undisclosed	£90.00
James Hay	undisclosed	£750.00
London & Colonial	£200.00	£220.00
LV=	undisclosed	undisclosed
Mattioli Woods	undisclosed	undisclosed
Momentum Pensions	undisclosed	undisclosed
Morgan Lloyd	undisclosed	undisclosed
Novia Financial	undisclosed	£75.00
Nucleus	undisclosed	undisclosed
Nutmeg	£500.00	£374.00
Organon Trustees	undisclosed	undisclosed
Parmenion	undisclosed	undisclosed
PensionBee	undisclosed	£480.00
Pilling & Co	£120.00	£120.00
Redswan Pensions	undisclosed	£395.00
Royal London	undisclosed	undisclosed
Sanlam	undisclosed	undisclosed
Standard Life	undisclosed	undisclosed
Stocktrade	undisclosed	undisclosed
Talbot and Muir	undisclosed	£210.00
The Share Centre	undisclosed	£180.00
True Potential Investor	undisclosed	undisclosed
Vanguard	undisclosed	undisclosed
Xafinity	£95.00	£190.00

1. @sipp

• Based in Glasgow and formed in 2001, @sipp is a privately owned, independent fund manager
• Four main SIPP offerings: Solo SIPP, Solo SIPP +, Collective SIPP and Full SIPP
• Also specialises in commercial property sales and SSAS investment products
• Transparent, menu-based pricing – pay as you use
• The ability to contribute, or transfer in benefits, anytime – without charge
• Whole of market investment options
• Fast same day application and investment request process
• Easy migration between family SIPP products, as and when needs change
• Drawdown and UFPLS options – with multiple payment dates throughout each month
• Clear, easy-to-understand downloadable literature

Website: @sipp
Read the full @sipp review.

2. Aegon

• Originally known as Scottish Equitable back in 1831, Aegon is now one of the world’s largest financial service organisations
• Aegon’s ARC (Aegon Retirement Choices) SIPP product offers access to around 4,500 investment options
• Useful online resources such as a Retirement Advisory Library, Pensions Technical Zone and Retiready retirement planning service
• Simple transfer process – transfer an old pension to the ARC SIPP
• Multiple award winner including 2019 Best Claims Management / Claims Team award, Cover Protection award, Moneyfacts award, HR Specialist of the Year
• Moneyfacts 5 Star Rating
• Defaqto 5 Star Rating
• Many decent customer reviews and recommendations

Website: Aegon
Read the full Aegon review.

3. AJ Bell

• With assets totalling £54.3 billion, AJ Bell is one of the UK’s largest investment platforms
• A wide range of investment opportunities
• The AJ Bell Platinum SIPP is established as a trust, with you and AJ Bell (PP) Trustees Limited appointed as its trustees
• Low fees and costs
• Dedicated administration team and access to AJ Bell consultants
• SIPP Illustration Tool produces illustrations to show your projected pension commencement lump sum and maximum income drawdown pension
• Award-winning: Sunday Times 100 Best Companies, Money Marketing Awards and Moneyfacts Annual Star Ratings 2020
• Flexi-access drawdown available
• Payment of death benefits

Website: AJ Bell
Read the full AJ Bell review.

4. Alliance Trust

• Based in Dundee, Scotland, Alliance Trust is an award-winning investment platform service provider established in 1986
• Alliance Trust’s SIPP offers a range of long term investments including funds, investment trusts, ETFs and shares, which can be held in tax-efficient accounts
• Over 4,000+ investment options available
• The company also offers a range of Pension, ISA, Investment Account and child savings solutions applicable at various life stages
• Over 100+ Fund Managers available to give impartial investment advice
• Award-winning: Shares Award, Money Observer, Online Personal Wealth
• Growth is free of income and Capital Gains Tax
• A decent quantity of downloadable supporting literature and guides

Website: Alliance Trust
Read the full Alliance Trust review.

5. Alltrust

• Based in Cardiff, Alltrust provides bespoke investment service to clients and their advisers for self-invested schemes
• Individual and Group SIPPs available
• Pays a tax free cash sum and a regular income
• Contributions can usually be started or stopped at any point
• Provision for Group SIPP which is more cost-effective
• Technical Help Centre offers due diligence and guidance
• Good information on the website, easy to navigate
• Fixed fees – the company does not benefit from any cuts, any commissions, or any referral fees
• Alltrust also specialises in the provision of Actuarial, Trustee and Administration Services for SIPPs and SSASs

Website: Alltrust
Read the full Alltrust review.

6. Amber Financial Investments

• Located in Wilmslow and established in 2012, Amber Financial Investments provides a range of investment solutions
• Amber Financial Investments’ SIPP is called The Amber Wrap
• Clients are provided with their own customisable Client Portal
• Investments managed together in one convenient ‘wrap’
• Quarterly statements, contract notes and tax reports provided to facilitate clearer communication
• Independent advice free from restrictions
• Customisable client portal for quick account access
• Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• No hidden charges
• Partnered with SEI Investments (Europe) Limited, a leading global provider of investment

Website: Amber Financial Investments
Read the full Amber Financial Investments review.

7. Ascentric

• Located in Bath, Ascentric is an investment management platform
• It has recently become a part of M&G plc: a FTSE 100 international savings and investments business with a 170 year heritage
• Ascentric’s SIPP is a long term investment designed to provide you with a lump sum and/or income in retirement
• Access to a wide range of investment and tax wrappers
• Online platform brings investments and pensions together in one place
• A simple, single pricing structure
• A full valuation statement twice a year by post
• A member of the London Stock Exchange
• Money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

Website: Ascentric 
Read the full Ascentric review.

8. Aviva

• Aviva is a market-leading insurance company made up of separate businesses that offer a large range of insurance and savings products
• Aviva’s Personal Pension Plan is for individuals under 75 who want to invest for retirement in a tax-efficient way
• Manage online: stop, start or change payments with no penalties
• Flexible retirement options from age 55 onwards
• Flexible payment options: pay in monthly, yearly or one-off
• Leave money to a loved one if you pass away
• Good online resource and downloadable information packs
• Aviva’s Financial Advisors rated 4.6/5 in a 2019 survey
• Discount on fees over £20,000 investment

Website: Aviva
Read the full Aviva review.

9. Bank of Scotland

• The Bank of Scotland plc is a commercial and clearing bank based in Edinburgh, Scotland
• With a history dating to the 17th century, it is the fifth-oldest extant bank in the United Kingdom
• 20-45% tax relief on your pension contributions
• Pay no UK tax on income from dividends, and protect any profit from Capital Gains Tax
• Investment opportunities up to £40,000 per year
• Informative website with clear concise information
• Easy to use online tools and support services
• Detailed product information available online
• Simple pricing and no hidden costs
• FSCS protected

Website: Bank of Scotland
Read the full Bank of Scotland review.

10. Barclays

• Barclays plc is a British multinational investment bank and financial services company, headquartered in London
• Over 2,000 funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), trusts and shares to invest in
• Smart Investor provides access to tools, articles, videos and research to help customers make informed investment decisions
• Pay lump sums into your SIPP, or make regular contributions, whichever suits you best
• Over 2,000 funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), investment trusts and shares
• Useful online resources available such as the cover calculator tool
• Handy online jargon buster guide
• Transparent fee structure
• Provided and administered by AJ Bell, an award-winning pension provider

Website: Barclays
Read the full Barclays review.

11. Barnett Waddingham

• Barnett Waddingham is a leading independent UK professional services consultancy at the forefront of risk, pensions, investment and insurance
• The company’s Flexible SIPP is a versatile product combining the benefits of a ‘lite’ SIPP with the wider options and full service of a bespoke SIPPPanel of discretionary fund managers (DFMs)
• Specific commercial property expertise
• One set of terms with one fee schedule
• Dedicated individual contact
• An informative website with helpful downloadable content
• Offices all around the UK
• Moneyfacts 5 Star Rating 2020

Website: Barnett Waddingham
Read the full Barnett Waddingham review.

13. Charles Stanley

• A long-established, reputable firm, one of the oldest on the London Stock Exchange
• Award-winning: Platinum Winner, Boring Money Best Buy, ADVFN Best SIPP Provider
• The Charles Stanley Direct SIPP gives you control of where you invest, offering access to over 3000 Funds, as well as UK and Overseas Shares
• Competitive fees and charges
• Control over your investments and contribution methods
• Flexibility to select the best ways to take your benefits at retirement
• The Government will top up your contribution with 20% basic rate tax relief
• Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• A helpful website and well-functioning platform and app
• Useful downloadable content and supporting literature

Website: Charles Stanley
Read the full Charles Stanley review.

14. Close Brothers

• Established in 1878, the Close Brothers Group plc is a FTSE 250 leading UK merchant banking group
• Invest in a wide choice of investments
• No SIPP administration fee
• No charge for transfers
• Online portal is easy to use and accessible at any time
• View your SIPP on the go with the Close Brothers Asset Management App
• Free access to our expertise and in-house research
• Award-winning: Private Asset Managers, FT Adviser, STEP and Wealth Briefing
• Excellent customer reviews and recommendations
• A long-established, trusted brand

Website: Close Brothers
Read the full Close Brothers review.

15. Curtis Banks

• Curtis Banks specialises in self-invested pensions and since 2009 has grown to be one of the UK’s largest independent SIPP and SSAS providers
• Award-winning: Moneyfacts 2019
• Defaqto 5 Star Rating
• Direct access to commercial property, including borrowing, succession planning and part/joint purchase
• Access to nearly all UK platform, broker and discretionary fund managers
• Teams of qualified experts dedicated to every step of the pension process
• No minimum investment
• Modern, functional online portal, completely responsive to any device to access on the go
• Fully consolidated annual statement
• Useful online resources eg. downloadable How To guides

Website: Curtis Banks
Read the full Curtis Banks review.

16. Dentons Pensions

• Located in Surry, and established in 1979, Dentons Pensions has been delivering self invested pension administrative services for over 40 years
• Denton’s SIPP is a personal pension wrapper that lets you save for your retirement in a tax-efficient way
• Tax relief on permitted personal contributions at your highest marginal rate of income tax
• A wide range of assets to invest in
• View SIPP information online through Denton’s adviser and client portal
• Every SIPP client has a dedicated Pension Consultant and Administrator
• Award-winning: Moneyfacts and Financial Advisor 2020
• Helpful online resources and downloadable information

Website: Dentons Pensions
Read the full Dentons Pensions review.

17. DP Pensions

• Located in Kent, David Phillips founded D A Phillips & Co Ltd in 1985 to be an independent pensioneer trustee company
• It administers small, self administered investment schemes
• DP Pension’s SIPP is a registered personal pension scheme which offers various investment opportunities
• Defaqto 5 Star Rating 2020
• Fast turnaround of investment
• Competitive pricing
• Various member benefits
• SIPP illustrations and downloadable resources
• Large library of supporting literature

Website: DP Pensions
Read the full DP Pensions review.

18. Embark Pensions

• Based in Bolton, Embark Pensions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Embark Group
• It has over 40 years of expertise in pensions and over £34bn assets under administration
• Several SIPP products offered including The Option SIPP, The Full SIPP and The Embark Third Party Investment Account (TPIA)
• Paper-free online application process
• Fast, efficient SIPP set up
• A helpful and extensive literature library
• Bespoke products to suit a client’s individual circumstances
• No hidden charges or time costed fees
• Low entry costs to investment
• Regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Website: Embark Pensions
Read the full Embark Pensions review.

19. Fidelity International

• Fidelity International provides world class investment solutions and retirement
• Fidelity’s flexible, award-winning SIPP is a great way to save for retirement with significant tax benefits
• Low cost admin fees
• £25 cashback when you invest
• Flexible retirement options
• Thousands of funds and shares to choose from
• Over 50 years of expert guidance including insights and investment tools
• Helpful downloadable guides and product information
• Award-winning: Best Buy 2020, Moneywise Pension Awards 2019

Website: Fidelity International
Read the full Fidelity International review.

21. Hargreaves Lansdown

• Founded in 1981 and based in Bristol, Hargreaves Lansdown is a FTSE 100 company and one of the UK’s leading savings and investment platforms
• Check your investments 24/7, online or via the company’s award-winning app
• At least 20% tax relief on anything you put in if you’re a UK resident and under 75
• No UK income tax or capital gains tax to pay on investments
• Freedom to invest almost anywhere you like
• Take money out as and when you want to from age 55
• Research, ideas and updates offered to help with investment decisions
• Fast and responsive: 20 seconds average call answer time
• Award-winning: Your Money, Good Money Guide, Feefo Gold Trusted Service
• Positive customer feedback and decent online reviews

Website: Hargreaves Lansdown
Read the full Hargreaves Lansdown review.

22. HSBC

• HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations, serving more than 40 million customers
• HSBC has partnered with Fidelity Funds Network to deliver its SIPP
• This gives customers a large choice of funds and shares to invest in
• Includes seven HSBC world selection multi-asset funds, two HSBC sustainable multi-asset funds and five third-party multi asset funds
• Low cost admin fees
• Flexible retirement options
• A trusted brand with many years of expert guidance including insights and investment tools
• Award-winning: Best Buy 2020, Moneywise Pension Awards 2019

Website: HSBC
Read the full HSBC review.

23. IG

• The IG Smart Portfolio SIPP allows you to invest up to £40,000 in a tax year
• This generates at least 20% tax relief on your contributions with no capital gains or income tax to pay
• Reduce cash drag with fractional-share investments
• See your total cost of ownership (TCO) before you invest
• Get diversified global exposure
• Apply for your SIPP entirely online and use a digital signature to save time on your application
• Receive an expertly managed portfolio that’s right for your risk profile
• Award-winning: Online Personal Wealth Awards, ADVFN International Finance Awards 2020
• Good customer feedback
• Excellent technical support and a user-friendly platform
• A long-established, reputable company since 1974

Website: IG
Read the full IG review.

24. Interactive Investor

• Interactive Investor is the UK’s number one flat-fee investment platform
• With over £30 billion of assets under administration and over 350,000 customers
• Interactive Investor’s SIPP lets you choose how and where your pension is invested
• £60 discount on new SIPP accounts
• Special offer: £100 of free trade credits
• Flat rate fees which covers you for multiple accounts
• 1 free trade per month: get back £7.99 credit every month to buy or sell any investment
• Award-winning: Trust Pilot ‘Excellent’ Review
• Positive customer feedback and user experiences

Website: Interactive Investor
Read the full Interactive Investor review.

25. Investec

• Established in 1827 and based in London but with offices all over the UK
• Investec offers international financial solutions to private, institutional and corporate clients
• Free initial consultation with Investec’s Financial Planners
• A trusted brand with a long history of financial planning
• Expert recommendations to ensure you’re tax efficient
• Positive feedback on the iOS app, which works fast and has many useful functions
• Useful insights, guides and downloadable web content
• Competitive interest rates
• Offices nationwide

Website: Investec
Read the full Investec review.

26. IPM

 

• Founded in 1995 and based in Hertfordshire, IPM is a privately-owned, bespoke SIPP operator
• The IPM SIPP is a bespoke SIPP offering, tailored to a client’s individual requirements
• Moneyfacts 5 Star Rating
• Simple and transparent fees
• Investment flexibility with advice from an experienced team
• A large list of standard and non-standard investments
• A useful library of downloadable help guides and supporting literature
• Helpful case studies to compare investment stories

Website: IPM
Read the full IPM review.

27. IWeb

• Dedicated administration team and access to AJ Bell consultants
• SIPP Illustration Tool produces illustrations to show your projected pension commencement lump sum and maximum income drawdown pension
• Award-winning: Sunday Times 100 Best Companies, Money Marketing Awards and Moneyfacts Annual Star Ratings 2020
• Flexi-access drawdown available
• Payment of death benefits
• Authorised and regulated by the FCA
• Low cost, no frills

Website: IWeb
Read the full IWeb review.

28. James Hay

• James Hay has over 40 years’ experience in pension and investment savings
• The company is one of the first SIPP providers in the UK
• The Modular iSIPP can evolve with you, allowing you to adapt your plan to any changes in your circumstances
• Manage your plan online 24/7
• Online tools to help manage and monitor your investments all in one place
• A wide choice of investment funds
• Online Investment Centre gives access to funds, offering discounted fund charges and lower minimum investment entry levels
• Useful downloadable guides
• A clear, well laid-out website
• A range of tax advantages
• ISO27001 certification
• Award-winning: AKG Actuaries & Consultants and FinalytiQ awards

Website: James Hay
Read the full James Hay review.

29. London & Colonial

• Based in Milton Keynes, London & Colonial has been providing innovative pension products for more than 20 years and was one of the earliest companies to provide a pure SIPP in 1995
• A large choice of both Standard and Non-Standard financial investment opportunities
• Access to London & Colonial’s panel of Investment Managers, Execution Only Stockbrokers
• Offshore Bonds and Investment Platforms
• Quick and easy online dealing portal
• Flexible SIPPs to meet bespoke needs
• One of the earliest and most experienced companies to provide a pure SIPP
• A large library of downloadable help guides and supporting literature
• Dedicated Customer Relationship Managers

Website: London & Colonial
Read the full London & Colonial review.

30. LV=

• A company with longevity and a rich 175 year history
• Access to a selected range of leading investment managers
• A large range of blended investment solutions to choose from
• A simple wrapper charging structure with the flexibility to move between investments
• Moneyfacts 5 Star Rating and Defaqto Gold Certification
• A clear, well laid-out website
• ‘Heart of Retirement’ adviser hub and online resources
• Free access to the LV Retirement Pathfinder; an impartial retirement modelling tool
• A wealth of downloadable supporting literature
• Excellent online customer reviews

Website: LV=
Read the full LV= review.

31. Mattioli Woods

• Established in 1991 Mattioli Woods is a leading UK provider of wealth management and employee benefits
• Transparent charging structure
• Receive tax relief on contributions uplifting the amount you save
• Flexible drawdowns
• Multi-member scheme
• Multi award-winning: Money Marketing, 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain, Retail Investment Product of the Year
• A profitable and highly regarded financial Group
• Useful downloadable content, help guides and video tutorials and webinars
• Detailed performance updates
• Offices nationwide offering local support

Website: Mattioli Woods
Read the full Mattioli Woods review.

32. Momentum Pensions

• Established in 1998, Momentum Pensions is one of the world’s leading pension providers
• Specialist pension solutions for British expatriates
• Regulated and approved to provide pensions solutions in Malta, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man
• Transparent fee structures
• A range of pension products offering a wide choice of attractive investment options
• A non-advisory investment service to clients

Website: Momentum Pensions
Read the full Momentum Pensions review.

33. Morgan Lloyd

• Based in Bristol, Morgan Lloyd has been providing pension services since 2003
• Award-winning: Gold Standard for Investor in Customers
• A wide range of allowable SSAS and SIPP investment opportunities
• Several bespoke SIPP products to choose from
• MyViewpoint app provides a daily reconciled valuation of your SSAS or SIPP
• A team of highly experienced technical staff and pensions administrators
• Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• A company ethos of achieving Total Customer Satisfaction
• An easy-to-use, clear website

Website: Morgan Lloyd 
Read the full Morgan Lloyd  review.

34. Novia Financial

• Based in Bath, Novia Financial provides a wealth management service for investment advisers and their clients
• Access to a very broad range of investments and product wrappers
• Transfers from existing pension arrangements elsewhere
• Income drawdown payments available both before and after age 75
• Use different investment strategies for different elements of the SIPP
• A full suite of portfolio management tools
• Market leading technology, purpose built by GBST
• Independence from any product provider
• An extensive online library of supporting information and downloadable content

Website: Novia Financial
Read the full Novia Financial review.

35. Nucleus Financial

• Based in Edinburgh, Nucleus was formed in 2006 to manage clients’ investment portfolios and help them meet their personal objectives
• The Nucleus Pension account is a SIPP that offers tax-efficient, low cost investment solutions
• No charges for any types of drawdown
• You can take income monthly, quarterly, six-monthly, annually, or as a one-off lump sum
• Regional sales and account support
• ‘Illuminate’ online hub designed to help you build and share knowledge
• Excellent online support and helpful content
• Sophisticated technology platforms
• Award-winning: Scaleup of the Year, Best Employer of the Year, Platform of the Year

Website: Nucleus Financial
Read the full Novia Financial review.

36. Nutmeg

• Based in London, Nutmeg was the first, and now the largest, digital wealth manager in the UK with over 75,000 customers
• Simple, jargon-free services and advice
• Transparent 24/7 access to your account
• A wide range of risk levels and investment opportunities
• Social responsibility focus
• 25% government top-up on personal net contributions
• Accounts are proactively managed by an experienced investment team
• Easy to transfer or consolidate old pension pots
• Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
• A clear, simple, well-explained website
• Award-winning: Best Stocks & Shares ISA Provider 2019
• Excellent customer reviews

Website: Nutmeg
Read the full Nutmeg review.

37. Organon Trustees

• Founded in 2007 and located in Stockport, Organon Trustees is now a well-established player in the self-invested pensions sector
• The company specialises in SIPPs, SSASs and Commercial Property investment opportunities
• No transaction charges on sale and purchases of standard investments
• No annual property management charges
• No requirement to use linked service providers such as solicitors, surveyors, property insurers etc.
• Independence – Organon does not provide financial advice to individuals
• Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Website: Organon Trustees
Read the full Organon Trustees review.

38. Parmenion

• Launched in 2007 and located in Bristol, Parmenion is an award-winning technology and investment solutions business
• Part of the Standard Life Aberdeen plc group with investment assets of over £6.5bn
• The Parmenion SIPP is a pension plan that lets you choose how your savings are invested, offering flexible access to capital with exemption from Inheritance Tax
• Cutting edge portfolio-building technology
• Intuitive technology encompasses drawdown flexibility
• Quick and easy online application process
• No additional charges, even within drawdown
• Defaqto 5 Star investment services
• UK Platform of the Year 2019

Website: Parmenion
Read the full Parmenion review.

40. Pilling & Co

• Founded in 1893, Pilling & Co specialise in Investment Management and Discretionary Management services
• A long-established, trusted name
• Pilling & Co’s SIPP allows independent investors to choose and control their own investments in a form which is tax efficient
• Low cost, tax efficient products
• You do not have to actually retire from work to take your benefits
• Receive tax relief at your marginal rate on personal contributions
• Freedom to change your investments as often as you want
• Good customer reviews

Website: Pilling & Co
Read the full Pilling & Co review.

41. Redswan Pensions

• Based in Manchester, Redswan Pensions are a highly specialised firm of pension consultants
• Offering SIPP and SSAS products
• A large range of investment opportunities
• Specialised Pension Consultants available
• Large library of downloadable content, news and information
• SIPP tax advantages on income and capital gains
• Regulated by the then Financial Services Authority

Website: Redswan Pensions 
Read the full Redswan Pensions review.

42. Royal London

• Established in 1861, Royal London is the UK’s largest mutual life and pensions company
• A long-established, popular brand
• Royal London’s SIPP is a personal pension plan offering access to a large range of investment opportunities
• Tax relief efficiencies
• Employers can contribute to the pension plan
• Invest in both non-insured assets as well as insured assets
• Fast, direct access to a team of experts
• Award-winning: Money Marketing Awards, Financial Adviser Service Awards and Company of the Year

Website: Royal London
Read the full Royal London review.

43. Sanlam Wealthsmiths

• Established in 1918 as a life insurance company, Sanlam is a South African financial services group headquartered in Bellville, Western Cape
• It provides modern financial products and services to individuals, businesses and charities
• Sanlam’s OneSIPP product is a self-invested personal pension that can be used on either a trust or insured basis offering clients additional protection, tax efficiencies and flexibility
• Access to a wide range investment products and services
• Discretionary managers available to offer help and investment advice
• Commercial property and multi-member options
• Defaqto 5 Star Rating
• Multiple award winner including Private Asset Manager Awards 2019, Wealthnet and Investors Choice

Website: Sanlam Wealthsmiths
Read the full Sanlam Wealthsmiths review.

45. Standard Life

• A well-known, trusted brand for the past 200 years
• Europe’s biggest mutual company
• The Standard Life SIPP is designed for customers who are more comfortable with investment risk and wish to enjoy tax relief benefits
• Access to hundreds of pension funds from leading fund managers as well as thousands of mutual funds, and stocks and shares
• Pension payments will be topped up with tax relief
• Leading fund managers to negotiate better deals on investments
• Online mobile-optimised dashboard
• Handy online pension calculator and support tools
• Award-winning products and services

Website: Standard Life
Read the full Standard Life review.

46. Stocktrade

• Since 1993 Stocktrade has been providing trading services to large companies, investment platforms, pension providers and building societies
• Access to more than 4,000 different investments
• Access to the ‘Research Centre’ via an online platform
• Ability to deal online or by telephone
• All administration is handled on your behalf including collection of dividends
• Established relationships with many large and small pension providers
• A large library of downloadable supporting literature

Website: Stocktrade
Read the full Stocktrade review.

47. Talbot and Muir

• Formed in 1993 and based in Nottingham, Talbot and Muir Ltd provide administration to Small Self Administered Pension Schemes
• The company offers SIPP and SSAS products
• Menu-based tier pricing
• Zero set-up fees
• A personalised approach from an experienced team, including commercial property specialists
• Full retirement options available
• No investment panel so you are free to work with any investment partner
• A ‘cradle to grave’ administration system
• Downloadable product literature and quick links
• Defaqto 5 Star Rating
• Award-winning: Money Marketing
• Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Website: Talbot and Muir 
Read the full Talbot and Muir review.

48. The Share Centre

• Founded in 1990, The Share Centre has grown into one of the UK’s leading stockbrokers
• In July 2020 it became part of the Interactive Investor Group
• Excellent customer service levels
• Cheaper fees than most
• A wide range of investment opportunities
• Share Centre platform accessible via website or mobile app
• A simple share-dealing protocol with easy access to knowledge, insights, market analysis, tips and expertise
• A helpful website with useful online tools, resources and FTSE updates
• Helpful dealing app that is easy to use
• Positive customer reviews
• Award-winning: Best Online Stockbroker 2020

Website: The Share Centre
Read the full The Share Centre review.

49. Vanguard

• The Vanguard Personal Pension is a SIPP that allows you to make your own investment decisions within a range of Vanguard funds
• 40 years experience with 30 million investors worldwide
• Many positive customer reviews, excellent customer service
• Commitment to keeping costs low
• Over 75 funds to invest in
• Helpful website with useful downloadable content and clear information

Website: Vanguard
Read the full Vanguard review.

50. Xafinity

• Part of the XPS Pensions Group, which provides services to over 800,000 pension scheme members
• Several SIPP products at various levels to choose from
• A large choice of investment opportunities available
• Online SIPP Centre tool to manage investments effectively
• No minimum fund value
• Low costs
• Comprehensive retirement options including flexi-access drawdown
• Products and product support designed to last a lifetime
• A handy SIPP vs SSAS comparison guide
• Free SIPP review offered to new customers
• Defaqto and Moneywise 4 Star ratings

Website: Xafinity
Read the full Xafinity review.

What is a SIPP?

A self-invested personal pension (SIPP) is a pension ‘wrapper’ and is the name given to the type of UK government-approved personal pension scheme which allows individuals to make their own investment decisions from the full range of investments approved by HM Revenue and Customs. Often referred to as a ‘DIY’ pension, it is great for people who are happy to make their own investment decisions and manage the associated risk. Investments go down in value as well as up so it is possible that you could earn back less than what you actually invest.

SIPPs offer much wider investment powers than are generally available for personal pensions and group personal pensions. You can invest in a wide range of assets, such as quoted UK and overseas stocks and shares, unlisted shares, collective investments, investment trusts, property and land insurance bonds, commercial property and much more.

SIPPs work much the same way as other personal pensions. You can add money to your pension as and when you like. They are flexible and portable. If you change jobs, or stop working, you can continue contributing to the scheme, and, if you join a new employer, they may also decide to contribute to it. SIPPs make it very easy for you to manage your pension as you can see how well it is performing online at any time, and you can make any changes whenever you like.

Once of the main benefits of taking out a SIPP is the tax efficiencies that you will get. For every £80 you put into your SIPP, the Government add £20, and you can claim an extra £20 if you’re a higher earner. You can usually take out up to 25% of the pot tax free and the rest is treated as taxable income. If you pay a higher rate of tax you’ll usually be able to claim back even more with your tax return. Once it’s in your SIPP, your money can grow free from UK capital gains and UK income tax. The tax benefits will depend on your individual circumstances and tax rules are subject to change.

Under current legislation, you can start drawing retirement benefits from your SIPP from the age of 55 and you don’t have to stop work to draw benefits.

How do SIPPs work?

A SIPP is a form of pension wrapper which allows investments in the SIPP to benefit from income tax -relief. These investments and funds are held in Trust and the SIPP provider acts as the Trustee for the holder of the SIPP. In the main there are two types of SIPPs, full SIPPs and low-cost SIPPs:

Full SIPPs offer a wider choice of investments and are usually available through a specialist SIPP firm, who will provide you with information and help you to administrate your investments. Such firms may charge higher fees than compared to low-cost SIPPs and they will not offer you advice so you will remain responsible for your own investment decisions.

Low-cost SIPPs, on the other hand, can be accessed through an online investment platform and they usually come with lower fees than a full SIPP but are more expensive than a standard personal pension. The choice of investments available are smaller than a full SIPP. Usually your SIPP provider or platform will not give you investment advice, however you can choose to have a financial adviser to manage the SIPP and make the investment decisions for you, in line with your risk appetite and aims of the SIPP. You will need to pay your financial adviser for this advice and service. Investing in a SIPP is generally more suitable for experienced investors with larger pension pots.

FAQs

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