Focus: Sipps

As Mr Mattison points out, these asset classes are not new but the more widespread access to them is. European Pension Management Limited (EPML) offers a range of 11 Sipps, including execution-only facilities, offering access to gold bullion accounts and via its bespoke Sipp, CFDs trading is available via a number of investment counter-parties.

Its bespoke Sipp, which charges £150 set-up and £350 AMC plus VAT, has the widest investment options available through EPML, including Traded Endowments and Insurance Company Trustee Investment Plans, listed and unlisted hedge funds, foreign currency accounts, gold and offshore funds. The co-branded Sipp with MoneyCorp Markets is based on the bespoke Sipp but with MoneyCorp Markets paying the set-up costs.

Francis Moore, managing director of EPML says: “MoneyCorp Markets offers training enabling people with less experience in CFD's to learn about the risks and rewards of CFD's under a mentoring scheme. MoneyCorp have also launched a managed FX facility.”

She adds: “We have seen increases across all asset classes including gold bullion, CFD's and FX but we have also seen significant sums going into equity investment accounts as well. So, the increase is part of a general trend for a proportion of our members to invest in more esoteric areas as well as in part as a hedge against traditional investments.”