SIPPs are designed for people who want to manage their own fund by dealing with, and switching, their investments when they choose. They may have higher charges than other personal pensions or stakeholder pensions. For these reasons, they are more suitable for large funds and for people who are experienced with investing.

With standard personal pension schemes, your investments are managed for you within the pooled fund you have chosen. SIPPs are a form of personal pension scheme that give you the freedom to choose and manage your own investments. Or you can employ and pay for an authorised investment manager to make the decisions for you.