SIPP Investments 1. What is a SIPP 2. Investing SIPPs 3. Genuinely Diversified Vehicles 4. Who can manage SIPP Investments 5. Typical investment arrangements 6. Investment Account Scope 7. Other direct investments 8. SIPP Investment Abuse 9. Corporate wraps 10. FSA Retail Distribution Review 11. Summary and questions
What is a SIPP? A personal pension with attitude Genuine SIPPs are the cradle to grave personal pension solution. Age range from birth to death Funded by Contributions Transfer values Share Schemes Investment scope Restricted by Taxable Property Flexible Retirement Options from age 55 Charges Fixed but many options in the market. Be aware of how trading volumes might affect charges. Look for SIPP Operators with electronic feeds to trading platforms as these will either be low or nil compared to manual data capture charges.
Investing SIPPs? Since 2006 there has been no concept of HMRC approved investments. Any investment may be purchased into a SIPP but there may be Tax consequences. As such SIPP Operators may restrict some assets such as those directly listed as Taxable Property including:- Art Vintage Cars Racehorses Wine Yachts Residential Property
Genuinely Diversified Vehicles? Misconception that Residential Property is banned (Gordon Brown U Turn in PBR 2005). Residential funds and other Taxable Property are permitted provided they meet the GDV criteria. For Residential property these are:- Minimum 1 million value No more that 40% invested in one property Minimum of three properties (though properties must be distinct so issues for apartments and developments).
Who can manage SIPP investments? The member on an execution only basis An advisor subject to permissions who may give either Advisory or Discretionary investment (subject to permissions) A Discretionary Investment Manager (DFM)
Typical investment arrangements? Member IFA DFM via execution only stockbroker platform Via a stockbroker or platform Via the SIPP Operator Via own permissions and facilities Delegated to trade on stockbroker or platform account by the SIPP operator.
Investment Account Scope? Most execution stockbrokers and platforms offer restricted investment scope:- Listed Shares Bonds, PIBs, and Treasury stocks Investment Trusts Unit Trusts REITs ETF s and ETC s (depending upon charging / commission) IFA s and Members can obtain wider scope in conjunction with the SIPP Operator to include:- Hedge funds Private Equity Unauthorised Collective Investment Schemes (subject to member meeting eligible sophisticated investor criteria) Insurance Company TIPs and Bonds Call and Term Deposit Bank accounts. Directly invested Commercial Property with up to 50% gearing permitted.
Other direct investments? Gold Bullion (investment grade)...but not Silver and other commodities directly (maybe through funds or ETF s). Contracts for Difference...SIPPs have finite resources. CFD contracts for SIPPs must have limited liability. Also issues with CFD operators taking on trades as the firm which loses customers FSCS and other protections. FX
SIPP Investment Abuse? Boiler Room Scams Issues with Plus Markets Aim Overseas markets including Frankfurt Bourse Loans to members Residential / Commercial Property Overseas Property (definition of hotel ) Private Shares Unauthorised Collective Investment Schemes.
Corporate Wraps? Identity crisis Corporate Wraps are emerging from a variety of backgrounds Wealth Wraps Employee Flex Benefits Education and Advice for Employees Employee Benefits Portals Drivers Nest Auto-Enrolment Employers are seeing Auto-Enrolment as an opportunity to revisit employee benefits provided by the Employer. Technology will assist Employers in complying
FSA Retail Distribution Review Commission to be banned from 1 st January 2013 Will affect fund classes and costs where advice is given XO platforms will not immediately be affected but the FSA (FCA) have signalled intent that trail commissions will be banned in the future which will affect some businesses that rely on trail and other fund commissions to reduce headline costs. May lead to wider availability of funds as passive funds are currently not included in all platforms as they do not provide commissions to platforms. Some platforms have reformed their charging structures so as to accommodate passive funds and ETF s by charging explicitly.
Summary and questions Francis Moore Managing Director European Pensions Management
Disclaimer European Pensions Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (Firm Reference 461099). SIPPs may not be suitable pensions schemes for everyone. If you are in any doubt you should seek independent financial advice. You should consider carefully your attitude to risk before constructing a portfolio and making individual investments bearing in mind that the capital value of investments and the income from them may go down. As an independent trustee and administrator we provide a range of pensions and ISAs that vary in price according to the level of sophistication of investments held in them. We do not advise on or promote any investments.