At One Quote Financial Brokers, we recognise the growing demand for self-directed pension plans in Ireland, among the:
- long-term self-employed,
- company directors, and small business owners.
But, there are real challenges in terms of securing fair and transparent charges in this space, plus it remains the case that many self-directed options require substantial minimum sums to begin trading.
Then, on top of that, platform fees, transaction charges, and broker costs—even where you choose execution-only (no investment advice)—can quickly eat into returns compared with the more traditional insurance company provider pension plans.
When on the subject of asset selection, its also worth noting, that the even more expensive Self-administered versions (for those wanting direct property holdings – soon max 50%) are proving less popular given their rising regulatory costs and upcoming property holding restrictions.
So, while One Quote Financial Brokers does not currently offer self-directed Pensions, we do seek to cater for this demand through the provision of: Self-selected – low-cost fund based options.
Self-selected Pension Options
When you step back and consider why you were drawn to the self-directed pension route, it usually comes down to a combination of the following factors:
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Access to low-cost investment options, such as ETFs and passive funds.
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The freedom to structure your own pension portfolio.
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A desire to track global indices such as the S&P 500 or MSCI World.
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A belief that most active fund managers rarely outperform index funds.
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24/7 online access to your portfolio and daily NAV.
The good news is that recent offerings from Royal London, Aviva, and New Ireland now provide low-cost execution-only PRSA plans in Ireland, giving you the control you want—without excessive charges. But please bare in mind that selecting your own asset allocation tales significant knowledge and experience and diversification amongst asset types in key to risk management even over longer term pension investment journeys.
Self-Selected PRSA Plans (Execution-Only)
Aimed at those age 45 or under, a newly available option through One Quote Financial Brokers, these plans are set up on an execution-only basis (no ongoing investment advice), but still include full long-term administration support.
Key Benefits of Our PRSA Terms:
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100% allocation
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No set-up fees
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No switching fees
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No exit fees
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Minimum contribution: €1,000 per month (Gross before tax-relief)
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Annual Management Charge (AMC): 0.75% (inclusive of broker administration)
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Total Expense Ratio (TER): nominal, subject to fund choice
Note:
- Does not apply to single premium lump sum only contracts.
- Minimum equivalent contribution if company paid: €480.00 PM
- Minimum equivalent contribution if self-employed: €600.00 PM
Passive Investment Options with Leading Providers
New Ireland – Indexed & Sector Funds
Passive Equity Options:
- World Index Fund (Hedged) – MSCI World ex Select Securities Index (hedged)
- North American Equity Indexed – MSCI USA Screened Choice Index EUR
- Eurozone Equity Indexed Fund – MSCI EMU Screened Choice Index
- State Street Global Emerging Markets – MSCI Emerging Markets Screened Choice Index
- Technology Indexed Fund – Technology Select Sector UCITS ETF
Passive Bond Options:
- BNY Mellon Absolute Return Bond Fund
Royal London – Indexed Funds
Passive Equity Options:
- BlackRock – Developed World Equity Index Fund – MSCI World Index
- BlackRock – US Equity Index Fund – MSCI European Index
- BlackRock – Europe ex UK Equity Index Fund – MSCI Europe ex UK Index
- BlackRock – Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund – JP Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified
Passive Bond Options:
- BlackRock – Euro Government Bond Index Fund – FTSE EMU Government Bond Index
- BlackRock – Euro Government Inflation Linked Bond – BBG Barc Euro Index
- BlackRock – Emerging Markets Local Government Bond Index Fund – JP Morgan Index
Aviva – Passive & ESG Funds
Passive Equity Options
- Global Equity ESG Passive Fund – MSCI World Index
- European Equity ESG Passive Fund – MSCI Europe Index
- Aviva Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund – MSCI Emerging Markets Index
Equity/Bond Funds
- Aviva Fixed ESG 80 – Equity Bond Split 80/20
- Aviva Fixed ESG 60 – Equity Bond Split 60/40
- Aviva Fixed ESG 40 – Equity Bond Split 40/60
MSCI World Index NR EUR & Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index Hedged.
Flexibility and Diversification
With all providers, you can also choose to diversify across a mix of indexed and actively managed funds, including equities, bonds, and multi-asset solutions. Importantly, this can be done without increasing the AMC, although in some cases the TER may be higher.
We highly recommend blending your chosen providers funds to include both active and passive funds, this is particularly important to allow access to both corporate and government bonds along side your equities selections.
Key Notes on Passive Investing
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Passive vs. Active Risk – Passive investment funds typically carry lower charges than actively managed funds, but they may expose you to greater downside risk as they cannot adapt to changing market conditions.
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Concentration & Currency Risk – Any single-asset indexed fund carries both concentration and potential currency risk. Professionally managed multi-asset funds—or blending passive and active solutions—can help reduce volatility.
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Behavioural Risk – Recency Bias – Investors sometimes assume that because a low-cost index (such as the S&P 500) has performed strongly in recent years, this will continue indefinitely. This “recency bias” can lead to overexposure at inflated valuations. Diversification is essential for smart risk management and typically leads to better long average anualised returns and investment outcomes.
Speak to a Pension Specialist
Book your free consultation today:
Ken O’Gorman – Director & Retirement Planning Specialist
One Quote Financial Brokers
Tel: 01 845 0049
✉️ Email: ken@onequote.ie
Or enquire online and tell us how we can help with your self-selected PRSA in Ireland.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute investment advice and does not take account of your personal circumstances, including your knowledge, experience, or attitude to risk. We recommend seeking professional financial advice before entering any pension planning arrangement, which we are qualified to provide.
