The Association of Member-Directed Pension Schemes (AMPS), the industry body representing SIPP and SSAS providers, has announced Debbie Seaton of Seabridge SSAS Ltd as its new chair.
Jon Cuin of Barnett Waddingham LLP will take on the role of honorary secretary, whilst Tasneem Ul-Haq, of Aviva will continue in the role of Treasurer and Joy West of Hartsfield Trustee Services Ltd will remain as membership secretary.
Seaton (pictured) said: “I am pleased to be taking over from Andrew Phipps as Chair of AMPS. I am looking forward to engaging with our members to continue the excellent work that Andrew and the committee have been doing.
“With regulatory change, a government willing to amend pensions legislation and continued consolidation in the sector, there are many challenges being faced by our members, but we are willing to provide a strong voice and stand up for the sector, promoting its benefits and the high quality of those firms we represent.
“Having been part of the committee for a number of years, I am looking forward to working with the new and existing committee members, who will bring with them both new thoughts and ideas. There are plans to reinvigorate the sub committees and develop a new administration subcommittee.”
Following the AGM held at IET London on 5 November 2024, the membership confirmed that the committee will now comprise of 10 representatives from across the industry:
1. Roger Howman of SSAS Reviews Ltd (new full member of the committee)
2. Tasneem Ul Haq of Aviva
3. Debbie Seaton of Seabridge SSAS Ltd
4. Joy West of Hartsfield Trustee Services Ltd
5. Sarah Hawkins of Punter Southall SIPP Limited
6. Samina Kausar of SECCL Technology Limited
7. Jade Murray of Addleshaw Goddard LLP
8. Andrew Phipps of Embark Group
9. Kevin Whitmore of WBR Group Limited
10. Jon Cuin of Barnett Waddingham LLP
The AMPS Committee is drawn from all walks of the self administered industry and includes pensions consultants and lawyers.
The aim of the association is to be the principal body and voice for changes to be discussed with all government departments who are involved in this very important area of pension planning. The committee has been involved in the discussions and consultative paper talks for some years and have always had a good working relationship with HMRC and the FCA in trying to find workable but practical solutions.
In 2024 AMPS campaigned successfully against the General Levy and were pleased with their engagement with the FCA on the SIPP Data Request. There is a continuing relationship with HMRC to provide feedback on the Pension Scheme Return and the updating of the Managing Pensions Scheme Service.
AMPS is the main trade body that looks solely after self-invested pensions, or member-directed pension schemes to give them their proper title, such as Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) and Small Self Administered Schemes (SSASs).
AMPS has in excess of 120 member firms representing all parts of the industry: SIPP providers, SSAS practitioners, pension lawyers, software developers, banks and investment houses. Amongst are our members are some of the largest pension providers but also some boutique firms.
