Guide

Your guide to SASS planning

26_07_Digital_Artwork_SASSGuide_Hero

Self-Invested Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSASs) have long been valued by business owners and families for their flexibility, allowing members to invest in commercial property, support succession planning and build wealth across generations.

Our latest guide, “SSAS Planning in a Changing IHT Environment”, explores some of the key considerations, including:

  • The practical impact of member death on SSAS arrangements
  • Managing liquidity where schemes hold illiquid assets such as commercial property or private company investments
  • Reviewing trustee governance and decision-making processes
  • The role of letters of wishes and death benefit nominations
  • Opportunities for intergenerational wealth and succession planning
  • Why regular strategic reviews are becoming increasingly important

For many families and business owners, a SSAS remains a powerful planning tool. But changing legislation and evolving estate planning needs mean that now is the ideal time to review whether existing arrangements remain fit for purpose.

The guide provides valuable insights for solicitors, trustees, accountants and business owners looking to help clients navigate these challenges with confidence.

Important Note

The information contained within this document is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.

This article is distributed for educational purposes only. This communication does not constitute financial advice. Individuals must not rely on this information to make a financial or investment decision. Before making any decision, we recommend you consult your financial planner to take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs.

The opinions stated in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of Progeny and should not be relied upon to make a financial decision.

Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.

Any links to third party websites provided are for convenience only. We do not control, endorse, or guarantee the content, accuracy, or availability of these external sites. Users access these links at their own risk.

FAQs

A Self-Invested Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is an occupational pension scheme typically used by business owners, directors and family members. It offers significant flexibility over investment decisions, including commercial property and certain business-related investments.

 

Changes to the Inheritance Tax landscape are prompting many business owners and families to review their pension arrangements. While tax implications are important, trustees should also consider liquidity, death benefit planning and how beneficiaries may access funds following a member’s death.

A SSAS should be reviewed regularly, particularly following major life events, changes in business ownership, retirement planning decisions or developments in pension and tax legislation.

Your guide to SASS Planning

Meet the expert
Nick Parkes
Nick Parkes
Chartered Financial Planner

As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Nick is deeply committed to providing personalised, client-focused financial solutions. Understanding that every financial journey is unique, which is why he crafts bespoke strategies that empower clients to achieve their individual goals, no matter how complex or ambitious.

His expertise spans a wide range of financial services, with specialisms in, Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP & SSAS), Pensions on Divorce, and holistic financial planning for business owners and high-net-worth individuals.

Recognized as one of The Times Top Rated Financial Advisers, Nick also holds the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager designations, is a Chartered Fellow with the CISI, and also a Pension Transfer Specialist. His broad areas of advice include pension planning, inter-generational wealth management, pension transfers, investment management, financial protection, estate planning, income planning, tax-efficient investment strategies, and cash-flow modelling.

26_05_Digital_Article_LongTermCarePlanningExplained_BlogGraphics_1
Financial planning
Long-term care planning explained: managing uncertainty, costs and care decisions
Pick up where you left off You've read this article
Nick Parkes
By Nick Parkes
27th May 2026
26_04_Digital_Article_PensionsAndDivorce_BlogGraphic_V1
Financial planning
Pensions and divorce – how retirement savings are affected
Pick up where you left off You've read this article
Nick Parkes
By Nick Parkes
15th April 2026

Speak to the team

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

YOU ARE LEAVING THE UK VERSION OF OUR WEBSITE.

Please be aware that services and pages will differ from region to region. Your chosen regional site will open in a new browser window or tab. Please press ‘Proceed’ to continue or if you would like to stay on the UK site, please press ‘Return’.

Proceed

Search

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 4

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tell us about yourself

Are you retired?
Are you a business owner?