The April 2026 IORP II Deadline: Is Your Pension Scheme Exposed?

 

The European IORP II directive is introducing strict new governance and compliance standards for occupational pension schemes in Ireland. 

 

On 22 April 2026, the exemption that previously allowed small, single-member pension schemes to operate without strict oversight will officially end. Attempting to meet these new regulatory requirements—which include appointing independent trustees, implementing risk management frameworks, and producing audited annual reports—will be prohibitively expensive for most single-member schemes. If you fail to act, your provider will likely automatically wind up your scheme and transfer your assets into a default Master Trust, which could result in a significant loss of control over your personal investments. 

 

Partnering with SMP Financial ensures you can proactively navigate these changes before the deadline. Whether you choose to retain full investment flexibility through a highly tax-efficient Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) or leverage the high corporate funding limits of a Master Trust, taking action today is crucial to securing your retirement assets.

​

​