A determination notice published today shows how TPR’s investigators uncovered serious governance failings at Audax. These included: failure to resolve issues with the scheme’s HMRC registration, failure to comply with requirements to take professional advice, carry out transfer requests, make lump sum payments or ensure effective oversight of scheme investments.
The panel heard Audax described as a defined contribution occupational scheme which had 38 deferred members, as of its last known membership, and assets valued at almost £1.2 million. Following its establishment and savers having transferred into Audax, HMRC contacted the trustee saying they did not regard its administrator, Masons Pensions Administrator (Masons), as ‘fit and proper’ and would deregister Audax if the trustee did not resolve the matter.
TPR investigated whether the trustee was addressing the risk of deregistration by either appointing a new administrator or transferring members and assets to another registered scheme. Despite being given time to address the problem, the trustee failed to carry out either option. Eight Audax members also complained to TPR about the trustee. Complaints included that the trustee had declined transfer requests with inaccurate and inadequate explanations.
A warning notice issued by TPR also set out other serious problems with Audax’s structure and governance, particularly that Audax no longer had an employer, administrator or investment advisor and no scheme bank accounts. No responsibility was taken by the trustee to resolve these issues to the benefit of the scheme’s members.
In separate, but related, hearings, the panel also appointed Dalriada as independent trustee of two other schemes, the Ploutos Pension Trust (Ploutos) and Ganita Wealth Pension Scheme (Ganita).
Erica Carroll, Director of Enforcement at TPR, said: “In this case, the corporate trustee and director showed a severe lack of knowledge and understanding.
“This case shows we will ensure those trustees that fail to meet the statutory requirements and the high standards we expect in respect of scheme governance are stopped from failing other savers by continuing to be able to act as pension trustees.”
Anyone with significant concerns about how their workplace pension is being run can find out what TPR investigates and how to make a report.
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