Purchasing a non-standard investment 

Non-standard investments

SIPPs offer flexible investment options, putting clients in control. We're proud to offer one of the widest choices of investment options within a SIPP, including specialist investments.

We deem Unregulated Collective Investment Schemes (UCIS) and unlisted shares to be specialist investments. You can read our Schedule of Allowable Investments to identify whether we categorise an asset as standard or specialist. 

Specialist investments are only allowable in our SIPPs if they meet our due diligence requirements. The FCA restricts who can receive the promotion of and invest in specialist investments. This includes:  

  • certified high net worth investors 
  • certified sophisticated investors 
  • self-certified sophisticated investors. 

Unlisted shares can be allowable and cover any UK-based company shares, including ordinary and preference shares, that are not listed on a stock exchange. 

Private Equity is an alternative investment class that invests in or acquires private companies on a managed basis. 

How to invest in a non-standard asset

1. Provide investment instruction via secure message, email or post. 

2. We’ll assess the investment and inform you if we’re able to proceed to our due diligence process. This usually takes three working days, however if the asset is more complex, we might need additional time to review. 

3. If we’re able to proceed to due diligence on the asset, we’ll send you any relevant documentation to complete. 

4. Complete and return any relevant documentation, including subscription documents and any other due diligence information we request.

5. Our due diligence assessment begins once we have received all required information. It usually takes around three to four weeks to complete, and we’ll let you know if we need any further information.

6. If the asset is approved, we'll send confirmation to you and arrange for the relevant forms and monies to be provided to the non-standard investment administrator.

We expect this process to take around six weeks in total, however this is dependent on the type, and complexity of the investment.