Group Pension Solution
Master Trust
For many Irish employers, Master Trusts have become the preferred vehicle for Defined Contribution (DC) pension schemes. They offer professional oversight with simplified management and are also a suitable alternative to Auto Enrolment for workplace pensions.
Why plan for your employees’ retirement?
Your employees are important to you. Providing access to a pension is a highly rewarding incentive for employees. A pension plan helps provide employees with an income in retirement and can contribute to a better living standard when retired. Auto-enrolment will bring new responsibilities for employers, but it also offers a chance to design a pension arrangement that meets regulatory requirements, while supporting your employees’ long-term financial wellbeing.
Why a Master Trust?
The Master Trust is a pension scheme structure which allows many employers to effect pensions for their employees
Professional Administration
Day-to-day tasks like member communications, investment processing, and reporting are expertly managed.
Strong Governance & Oversight
Acorn Master Trustee DAC oversee investments and regulatory compliance, helping ensure your employees’ pensions are well managed and secure.
Cost Efficiency
Shared services and scale help keep running costs competitive compared to setting up your own. standalone scheme.
The Acorn Life Master Trust
The Acorn Life Master Trust is governed by Acorn Master Trustee DAC, which was established for the sole purpose of providing a trustee service to the Acorn Life Master Trust.
Acorn Life DAC is a fully Irish-owned life assurance company that’s been supporting people and businesses across Ireland since 1989. Based in Galway, it has been helping customers for over 35 years with pensions, protection, savings, and investment plans – all designed specifically for the Irish market.
Established in June 2023, and available to new participant companies from July 2025, careful consideration has been given to the expected future regulatory environment in developing the when the Acorn Life Master Trust pension solution.
You can view the Acorn Life Master Trust brochure by clicking on the link below.
Master Trust FAQs
Check out our frequently asked questions to learn more about finding the cover that’s right for you and your home:
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Can an employee retire early?
It may be possible with the agreement of the employer and trust ee to access early retirement
benefits after the age of 50, or earlier in circumstances of serious ill-health. -
What if an employee dies before retirement?
If an employee dies before retirement, the value of their pension fund is typically paid as a lump
sum to their estate or nominated beneficiary, subject to Revenue limits. -
What happens if one of my employees leaves?
If an employee leaves your company, their pension savings remain in the Master Trust. They can
choose to leave the fund invested, transfer it to another approved pension scheme, or access it
when eligible, depending on their personal circumstances and service history. -
Can It Be Tailored to My Business?
Yes – we offer flexible contribution options to align with your company’s needs.
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What Are the Charges?
Fees include investment management, governance, and administration – often lower than single
employer schemes. Full fee details are provided upfront. -
What Investment Options Are Offered?
Members can choose from a range of professionally managed funds, including Default Investment
Strategy and self-select options to suit various goals and risk profiles. -
Who Governs the Acorn Life Master Trust?
Acorn Master Trustee DAC oversees governance, compliance, investment, and member protection
ensuring impartiality and oversight. -
What is a Master Trust and how is it different?
The Master Trust is a pension scheme structure which allows many employers to effect pensions
for their employees. Each member within the structure has their own policy number and fund.
It offers:- Independent experts to oversee it
- Compliance with pension rules
- Competitive Costs
- An extensive range of investment options
Find a local financial advisor
Our network of over 120 Ask Acorn financial advisors is located in cities, towns and local communities across Ireland. To take the first step towards creating a more secure future for you and your family, arrange a call with your local advisor today.
What our customers say
Acorn Master Trustee DAC was established as part of the Acorn Life Group for the sole purpose of providing trustee services to the Acorn Life Master Trust.
Acorn Master Trustee DAC is authorised by the Department of Justice to operate as a Trust Service Provider in accordance with the provisions of the
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 as amended.
Acorn Master Trustee DAC, St Augustine Street, Galway, H91 PN80. Registered in Ireland No. 731271.