FURBS (Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefit Schemes)

What is a FURBS?

A FURBS is a trust-based arrangement designed for retirement saving and/or succession planning. They offer greater investment flexibility compared to registered pension schemes but fewer tax advantages.

While new FURBS can no longer be established tax efficiently, many existing schemes remain in place and require careful ongoing management.
 

Experience you can trust

Our experts have been administering FURBS since 1989, supporting hundreds of trustees over that time. This breadth of experience means we're well placed to help trustees navigate both routine administration and more complex challenges. 

• Over 120 FURBS currently under management (as at 1 June 2026)
• Extensive experience across a wide range of asset types, including: 
• Commercial and residential property
• Unquoted shares
• Loan arrangements

This depth of knowledge allows us to provide informed, practical guidance tailored to each scheme.

Our services

We offer a comprehensive range of services to support trustees of existing FURBS, including professional trusteeship where required. 

Core support

• Scheme reviews to assess compliance against legislation and the governing deed, and identify any required remedial action
• Appointment as professional trustee, sharing responsibility and strengthening governance
• Support with member or death benefit payments
• Assistance with the orderly wind-up and closure of schemes

Ongoing administration

As part of our ongoing support, we can provide: 

•  Preparation of financial statements
• Management of the Trust Register
• Day-to-day administration, including support with investment transactions
• Monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments affecting FURBS
• Continuity of knowledge, ensuring we understand both the scheme and its members, enabling us to guide trustees sensitively and effectively, particularly in the event of a member’s death