Embark Pensions Review

Adam Fayed
6 min readFeb 17, 2025

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A minimalist digital illustration featuring a simple financial graph in the background, symbolizing pension planning.

Embark Pensions offers various self-invested pensions which have been meticulously designed to meet customers’ needs once they reach retirement age.

Clients who are interested in gaining access to conventional and standard investing alternatives may make use of the Option SIPP.

Those who are looking for specific property knowledge, improved diversification in their investments, and extended investment flexibility might benefit from the Full SIPP, which is a customized solution.

Should a customer experience a change in their circumstances, the type of Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) that they have may be modified to fit their changing investment requirements.

The goal of the online application procedure is to speed up the process of creating an SIPP for the customer.

If you have any questions or want to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or use these contact options.

Some of the facts might have changed from the time of writing, and nothing written here is formal advice.

For updated guidance, please contact me.

Who are Embark Pensions?

Embark Pensions is the new name for the firm once dubbed Hornbuckle Mitchell Group.

The purpose of combining the bulk of their Self-Invested Personal Pension products under a uniform brand that would be branded as “Embark Pensions” was the driving factor behind the decision to adopt this change.

This strategic move attempted to simplify operations by bringing together multiple firms within the Embark Group, especially Embark Services Ltd (operating as Hornbuckle) and EBS Pensions Ltd, under a single trade name. More precisely, the move focused on Embark Services Ltd.

Embark Pensions offers customers a range of pension options, such as Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSASs), Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), and Family Pension Trusts.

It conducts its operations under the name EBS Pensions Limited.

Embark Group Limited is the sole owner of EBS Pensions Limited, which is an English business with the Registration Number 998606.

The official headquarters of the corporation can be found on the 5th Floor of 100 Cannon Street in London, United Kingdom, EC4N 6EU.

EBS Pensions Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Embark Pensions Products

Option SIPP

A personal pension that is available to the public, simple, and economical is provided by the Option SIPP. Putting money up for retirement is a personal decision.

When it comes to managing their retirement funds, customers are given freedom thanks to the Option SIPP, which was built just for them.

What are the advantages of Option SIPP?

Cost Effective

There are no additional fees or hidden costs. The initial charges, in addition to the rates that will apply in the subsequent years, will be viewable for the consumer on the calculator.

Digital

When you do it online, setting up an option SIPP will take you no more than around 10 minutes. The partners, who make up GB Group, are the ones who are accountable for carrying out the necessary checks to avoid money laundering.

Flexible

The Alternative SIPP may be personalized to fulfill a customer’s needs, and it also offers the adaptability necessary to satisfy changing objectives and aspirations.

Security

Parent Embark Group was formally integrated into the Lloyds Banking Group as a wholly owned subsidiary in January of 2022.

Full SIPP

Offers its customers a variety of choices for the management of retirement savings and does not place any restrictions on the total amount of assets that may be held at any one time.

In addition to this, it provides access different investment opportunities, such as particular non-standard investments and commercial property.

What are the benefits of Full SIPP?

Team of Property Experts

The property team is made up of experienced individuals who are trained in the administration of property purchases using a pension plan as their primary funding source.

Their first priority is to ensure compliance with the HMRC standards and to reduce any possible risks that are linked with these transactions.

Investment Flexibility

A variety of asset classes may be chosen from, and direct access to the funds that they manage can be made available to investors.

This results in more investing flexibility.

Competent Support Staff

Each and every Self-Invested Personal Pension is provided with a competent administrative staff. In addition to this, they are assisted with a billing system that is automated for advisors.

Safe And Secure

The Embark Group has worked in pensions for more than 40 years, making them an expert in the industry.

They have also been given a B grade by AKG Financial, which indicates that they have a strong financial standing.

The SIPP provides advice on the administrative requirements that must be met and the types of assets that are suitable for investment.

Should a client’s investment needs go through some kind of transition, it is feasible for them to convert to the Option SIPP in order to simplify the procedure and make use of the available resources more effectively.

Individuals will always benefit from their expertise and support, regardless of the kind of investment strategy that they choose to pursue.

Investing In Property Via Pension Scheme

Injecting funds into a company via the use of a pension plan may be a tax-efficient method, as can the purchase of commercial property through such a plan, which can give a consistent revenue stream in the form of rent.

The pension can also borrow up to 50 percent of the scheme’s total net worth in order to help with the acquisition; however, this option is only available if the rent is adequate to support the loan repayments.

Those who are thinking about using their pension funds to buy real estate should take the following into consideration:

Independent Valuation

An independent assessment is necessary before making a purchase of a property that might be considered a suitable investment. This value has to be supplied by a RICS Surveyor and must be directed at the Trustees.

Borrowing

It is possible for people to borrow up to 50 percent of the assets that are already held inside the pension system without incurring any penalties.

They can borrow from the majority of high street lenders. Before they can take out a loan, all of the paperwork associated with borrowing must first be agreed upon.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that they get enough insurance coverage via their Block Policy. This coverage must include owners’ liability insurance with a minimum coverage of 5 million pounds.

Any new property instructions received after the 31st of August 2022 must comply with their Block Policy’s mandated insurance requirements to avoid penalties.

Rental payments

Rent is required to be paid in full when it is due, and the amount of rent is subject to evaluation on a regular basis.

Solicitors

Any new property instructions must first choose a member of their panel of lawyers as the legal representative for the transaction.

Administration of Real Estate and Properties

They are not involved in the administration of properties in any way. It is the obligation of the pension members to put adequate property management arrangements in place. If they fail to do so, the burden for property management will rest on the pension members themselves.

Beginning on the 31st of August 2022, all newly received property instructions will be obliged to have a qualified professional property manager appointed.

How Does Investing in Property Through Pension Work?

Putting money into commercial real estate may be fraught with peril and calls for a big commitment of time, both of which are essential components of the endeavor.

The major goal of each transaction is to maximize efficiency and effectiveness by taking complete control of the whole process and managing all key stakeholders.

The company only enters into partnerships with the panel lawyers who are mentioned on its roster.

These attorneys all have substantial expertise in the nuances of pension transactions and are familiar with the standards that are followed by both the company and HMRC.

The use of pre-established reports and lease contracts, in conjunction with the design of a structured fee schedule that is adapted to different kinds of transactions, has made it possible to streamline the conveyancing process.

This has been made possible by the application of these two factors.

The investigators are going to look at each recommendation in great detail to see whether or not it complies with the rules of pensions.

In addition, they will investigate whether or not it is possible to put these recommendations into effect in order to forestall the incurrence of excessive costs in the event that a transaction is unable to be carried out successfully.

In addition, the company has access to a group of knowledgeable employees who are experts in value-added tax (VAT) and who will manage registrations and reports that may be necessary.

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Adam Fayed
Adam Fayed

Written by Adam Fayed

Owner - adamfayed.com. Content isn't financial, legal, tax or any other kind of individual advice, nor a solicitation to invest. Educational only for HWNIs

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