The holding of currency on deposit is not a new investment choice. Of course every SSAS will have a Scheme Bank account, denominated in “£’s” sterling. However, in recent year there has been considerable interest in foreign currencies such as USD (“$”), Euros, Swiss Franks and even the recently invented Bitcoin.

Foreign exchange accounts can be established with depoasit takes for a “Buy and hold” strategy and as the target currenct appreciates (Hopefully) the investment rises in Sterling terms.

To add to this and the subject above of Derivatives certain financial instruments (“Derivatives”) give the opportunity the trade the currencies or more accurately the differences between them and on a high frequency trading basis to speculate on the difference multiplied by the power of derivatives.


Again whilst this investment class is acceptable from HMRC’s perspective it does not make it universally correct to invest in these assets and significant care should be taken before investing.
“Derivatives, are financial weapons of mass destruction, carrying dangers that, while now latent, are potentially lethal.” Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway 2002

As a Trustee you are required to act with Prudence, Security and a Commercial mind. It would be difficult to argue to Members and HMRC that you have fulfilled your obligations as a Trustee if you did not understand the investment choices, albeit often with expert advice