AllTrust Pension Reviews, Transfers, Drawdown and More

Alltrust is a specialist provider in the UK pension market, known for its high level of technical expertise and bespoke service. Unlike larger "mass-market" providers, Alltrust focuses on Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP) and Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS), often catering to business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and those with complex investment needs - particularly in commercial property.

As we move through 2026, Alltrust continues to distinguish itself by offering a "boutique" alternative to the major platforms, emphasising personal relationships and flexible solutions that can be tailored to very specific financial goals.

If you’re looking for an independent review of whether Alltrust is the right pension provider for you, get in touch below to speak to one of our expert financial advisers.

Alltrust Pension Products

Alltrust provides a range of specialised structures designed for maximum control:

1. The Alltrust SIPP

An individual SIPP that offers one of the widest investment ranges in the market. It is designed for members who want to hold more than just standard funds - such as commercial land, property, or unlisted shares - alongside traditional portfolios.

2. The Alltrust Group SIPP

This is a standalone SIPP designed for small groups, typically family members or business partners. It allows participants to pool their pension resources for larger investments (like buying a business premises) while maintaining separate individual accounts.

3. Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS)

Primarily for company directors, a SSAS offers even greater flexibility, including the ability for the pension scheme to lend money back to the sponsoring company (subject to strict HMRC rules).

4. Family Pension Trust (FPT)

A specialised vehicle that allows families to manage their retirement wealth collectively, often used as a sophisticated tool for intergenerational wealth transfer and inheritance tax planning.

Putting an Alltrust Pension into Drawdown

Alltrust offers a full suite of retirement income options, providing the flexibility to adjust your strategy as your needs change.

• Flexi-Access Drawdown: This is the most common choice. You can typically take 25% of your pot as a tax-free lump sum and leave the remainder invested to provide a flexible, taxable income.

• Property-Linked Drawdown: Unique to specialist providers like Alltrust, you can often stay in drawdown while your pension continues to hold illiquid assets like commercial property, using the rental income to fund your retirement payments.

• Capped Drawdown: For those who entered drawdown before 2015, Alltrust continues to support and administer these legacy arrangements.

Alternatives to Drawdown

• Annuities: You can use your Alltrust fund to purchase a guaranteed income from an insurance company.

• Uncrystallised Funds Pension Lump Sum (UFPLS): This allows you to take cash directly from your pension without setting up a formal drawdown account. Each payment is 25% tax-free.

• Partial Encashment: Taking smaller amounts over time to stay within certain tax brackets.

Reviewing an Existing Alltrust Pension

If you have an Alltrust pension, or if your pension was recently moved to Alltrust through their acquisition of other providers (such as Rowanmoor or PSG SIPP), a professional review is essential.

• Acquisition Health Check: Alltrust has grown significantly by taking over "books" of business from other providers. If your pension was transferred to them automatically, you should review the new fee structure and ensure your original investment strategy still holds.

• Illiquid Asset Valuation: For those holding commercial property or land, regular reviews are required to ensure valuations are up to date for HMRC purposes and that the asset is still performing as expected.

• Fee Transparency: Alltrust uses a fixed-fee model rather than a percentage. A review will help you understand if this remains cost-effective for your current pot size.

Transferring To and From Alltrust

Transferring INTO Alltrust

Alltrust is a popular destination for those looking to consolidate multiple pensions into a high-control environment.

• In-Specie Transfers: Unlike many platforms that require you to sell your investments to cash before moving, Alltrust specialises in "in-specie" transfers. This means you can often move the actual assets (like property or specific shares) into the Alltrust SIPP without selling them.

• Defined Benefit (Final Salary) Transfers: Alltrust accepts transfers from DB schemes, but they strictly require evidence of a positive recommendation from a qualified financial adviser due to the high risks involved.

Transferring OUT of Alltrust

If your investment needs simplify or you prefer a lower-cost "digital-only" platform, you can transfer out at any time.

• The Process: Alltrust uses the Origo electronic system for cash transfers, which typically takes 2–4 weeks.

• Complex Asset Exit: If you hold property or unlisted shares, transferring out is a more manual process that involves re-registering titles or selling the assets, which can take several months.

Pros, Cons, and Customer Reviews

The Pros

• Expertise in Property: One of the best providers in the UK for purchasing commercial premises through a pension.

• Fixed Fee Structure: Often much cheaper than percentage-based providers for very large pension pots (e.g., £500k+).

• Human-Centric Service: Known for providing a named administrator and a more personal touch than the "big-box" platforms.

The Cons

• Higher Entry Costs: Due to the complexity of the assets they handle, the initial setup fees can be higher than a standard SIPP.

• Not DIY-Friendly: Alltrust generally only accepts business through a Professional Financial Adviser.

• Manual Processes: Because they deal with complex assets, their systems can feel "old-fashioned" compared to modern apps.

What Customers are Saying (2025-2026)

"Their technical team is second to none when it came to a complex commercial property purchase. It wasn't the fastest process, but their knowledge saved us from several tax pitfalls." — Professional Adviser Review, 2025

"After my pension was moved from PSG to Alltrust, I was worried about fees. While the transition took some time, the communication has been much clearer than under the previous management." — Member Review, Jan 2026

How Our IFA Service Can Help

At Money Helpdesk, we specialise in connecting you with Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) who understand the technical complexities of Alltrust’s products. Alltrust is a "technical" provider; they do not give advice, which makes having your own IFA crucial.

Our IFA service provides:

1. Suitability Assessment: Determining if the higher complexity (and fixed fees) of Alltrust is truly necessary for your goals.

2. Property Purchase Support: Guiding you through the legal and tax requirements of buying property via your SIPP or SSAS.

3. Legacy Consolidation: Helping members who have been moved to Alltrust via acquisitions to stabilise their accounts and review their investment options.

4. Tax Planning: Structuring your drawdown to minimize your tax liability, particularly for high earners.

If you’re wondering whether Alltrust is the right pension provider for you, get in touch here and one of our independent financial Advisers will review this for you.