At One Quote Financial Brokers, we recognise the growing demand for self-directed pension plans in Ireland, especially among owner directors and the self-employed.
However, there are real challenges when it comes to securing fair and transparent charges in this space, whilst it also 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 when you choose execution-only (no investment advice)—can quickly eat into returns when compared with more traditional insurance company provider pension plans.
For high net worth business owners, its also worth noting, that the even more expensive Self-administered pensions (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 expensive Self-directed Pensions, we do seek to cater for this demand through the provision of:
Self-selected – low-cost fund based pension options.
Self-directed Pension Options – For Business Owners
When you step back and consider why you were drawn to the self-directed pension route in building up a strong pension pot, it often 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 investments/assets.
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Often 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 allow for low-cost Execution-only PRSAs, giving you more access and control —without excessive charges.
Note:
Please bear in mind, that selecting your own asset allocation takes significant knowledge and experience and diversification amongst asset types is key to risk management, even over longer term pension investment journeys.
Self-Selected PRSA Plans (Execution-Only) – No Direct Fee
100% Allocation
AMC from 0.70% PA – Minimum Contribution levels apply.
Aimed at those age under 50 or with 10 years plus to retirement, 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:
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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: €850.00 per month (Gross before tax-relief)
- Minimum lump sum: €25,000
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Annual Management Charge (AMC): from 0.70% passive or 0.75% actively managed funds
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
Value share bonus units also apply.
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
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.
Note:
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 equity 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.
Passive and active fund choice, minimum AMC
Self-Selected PRSA Plans (Execution-Only) – Direct Fee
100% Allocation
AMC from 0.50% PA – Once off set up fee: €1,200.00
Non-standard PRSAs with: Aviva & Royal London Only
AMC’s may range between 0.50% passive to 0.55% active, dependent on fund choice.
Key Benefits:
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100% allocation
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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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Minimum lump sum: €50,000
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Annual Management Charge (AMC): from 0.50% passive to 0.55% actively managed funds
Opting for long-term retained advice and risk management
This article is of course aimed that those focused on minimum charges above all else which means execution only. But its worth pointing out, that for those who may consider retained investment advice, the added cost will depend on contribution size, and term to retirement.
€850.00 PM gross, is needed to secure fully retained investment risk management and administration services based on an AMC of 1.00% PA, whereas a €500.00 PM gross, results in an AMC of 1.25% PA.
Key Benefits:
- 100% allocation
- No set-up fee
- No switching fees
- Investment risk assessment
- Presentation of optional providers and portfolios
- Annual performance reviews
- Annual asset rebalancing
Note:
An early broker cancellation fee may apply for plan not maintained for a 5 year minimum.
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.
