Section 3 — Prohibition on operating a scheme unless authorised
This version in force from 2018-10-01
Snapshot: 2026-08-24
Reproduced from legislation.gov.uk (Crown Copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0). Amendments made after 2026-08-24 may not be reflected — always check the official text .
(1) A person may not operate a Master Trust scheme unless the scheme is authorised.
(2) Section 10 of the Pensions Act 1995 (civil penalties) applies to a person who breaches subsection (1).
(3) If the Pensions Regulator becomes aware that a Master Trust scheme is operating without authorisation, it must notify the trustees of the scheme that the scheme is not authorised.
(4) The notification must include an explanation that it is a triggering event for the purposes of sections 20 to 33 and of the trustees' duties under those sections.
(5) For the purposes of this Part, a person “operates” a Master Trust scheme if the person—
(a) accepts money from members or employers (or prospective members or employers), in respect of fees, charges, contributions or otherwise, in relation to the scheme, or
(b) enters into an agreement with an employer that relates to the provision of pension savings for employees or other workers,
and references to a scheme that is “operating” or “in operation” are to be construed accordingly.