Self-select funds
Self-select funds allow you to choose where your pension is invested from a range of available funds.
The funds available have different investment objectives, asset types and levels of risk. This gives you flexibility to build an investment approach that reflects your own preferences and circumstances.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Current legislation and your personal circumstances may change.
How do self-select funds work?
When selecting self-select funds, you decide which fund or funds your pension contributions are invested in.
Different funds invest in different types of assets, such as cash, bonds or company shares. Some funds aim to provide greater stability, while others aim for higher long-term growth potential.
Funds with higher risk ratings may experience larger fluctuations in value and carry a greater risk of loss. Funds with lower risk ratings may experience smaller fluctuations in value but may offer lower potential returns over the longer term.
Unlike target dated funds, self-select funds do not automatically change their investment strategy over time. It’s important to review your fund selection regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs and objectives, particularly if your circumstances or retirement goals change.
Self-select funds
Before selecting a fund, you should read the available fund information and any supporting documentation to help you understand the fund's objectives, investment approach, risks, charges and potential returns.
Risk levels
Click on the risk levels below to understand what each risk level means.
SF BlackRock Over 5Yr Index Linked Gilt Fund
This fund is designed to invest in bonds typically due to be repaid in five years or more that are issued by the UK Government and are linked to inflation.
SF BlackRock Over 15Yr UK Gilt Index Fund
This fund is designed to invest in longer term bonds due to be repaid in 15 years or more that are issued by the UK Government.
SF Fidelity Cash Pensions Fund
This short-term investment fund is designed to provide the security of knowing that your investment value should not fall from day to day.
SF BlackRock Corporate Bond Index All Stocks Fund
This fund is designed to invest in bonds issued by companies from around the world and aims to track the performance of the overall Corporate Bond market.
SF Fidelity Sterling Corporate Bond Pension Fund
This fund is designed to invest in bonds issued by established companies.
SF Fidelity Sustainable Climate Bond Fund
This fund is designed to invest in bonds from companies supporting environmental and climate-related projects while providing income and growth potential.
SF Fidelity Sustainable UK Aggregate Bond Pension Fund
This fund is designed to invest mainly in UK bonds contributing to positive environmental or social outcomes.
SF Fidelity Pre-Retirement Bond Pensions Fund
This fund is designed to invest mainly in bonds and provide a more stable investment approach as retirement approaches.
SF BlackRock Aquila Life Market Advantage Fund
This fund is designed to invest across a range of investments with the aim of delivering long-term growth while helping to manage risk.
SF Fidelity Diversified Markets Pension Fund
This fund is designed to invest across a broad range of global investments with the aim of delivering long-term growth while helping to manage risk.
SF L&G 70:30:00 Hybrid Property
This fund is designed to invest in property and real estate companies with the aim of providing long-term growth.
SF Schroder Sustainable Future Multi Asset Fund
This fund is designed to invest across a range of global investments while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future.
SF Baillie Gifford Positive Change Fund
This fund is designed to invest in companies around the world that can deliver long-term growth while helping to address some of the world's most important social and environmental challenges.
SF BlackRock Emerging Markets Fund
This fund is designed to invest in companies across developing economies with the aim of delivering long-term growth.
SF BlackRock MSCI World Global Equity Fund
This fund is designed to invest in shares of companies from around the world which in the eyes of the fund manager are likely to deliver returns in excess of major global market indices.
SF BlackRock UK Equity Index Fund
This fund is designed to closely track the performance of the UK stock market.
SF BlackRock World (ex-UK) Index Fund
This fund is designed to invest in shares of companies from around the world, excluding the UK.
SF BlackRock World ESG Equity Tracker Fund
This fund is designed to invest in global companies while focusing on businesses that meet environmental, social and governance standards.
SF Fidelity Emerging Europe Middle East and Africa Fund
This fund is designed to hold Russian Securities only, with the sole aim to sell these assets when the Asset Manager is able to.
SF Fidelity Emerging Markets Equity Pensions Fund
This fund is designed to invest in companies across developing economies with the aim of delivering long-term growth.
SF Fidelity Sustainable Global Equity Fund
This fund is designed to invest in companies around the world that can deliver long-term growth while contributing to positive environmental or social outcomes.
SF HSBC UCITS Common Contractual Fund Islamic Global Equity Fund
This fund is designed to invest in companies around the world while following Islamic investment principles.
SF Nordea Global Climate and Environment Fund
This fund is designed to invest in companies expected to benefit from environmental and climate-related trends around the world.
Things to consider
Self-select funds are generally intended to be held as medium to long-term investments.
Self-select funds allow you to choose from a range of investment options.
Different funds have different levels of risk and potential return.
Higher risk funds may offer greater potential for long-term growth but are likely to experience greater fluctuations in value.
Lower risk funds may experience smaller fluctuations in value but may offer lower long-term growth potential.
Self-select funds do not automatically adjust their investment approach over time.
The value of investments can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than you’ve paid in.
Important information
Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
Different funds carry different levels of investment risk.
Risk ratings are provided as a guide to help compare funds and are not a guarantee of future performance.
No fund is guaranteed to achieve its investment objective.
Choosing a lower risk fund does not remove investment risk.
Scottish Friendly doesn’t provide advice. The information provided should help you decide if the product is suitable for you and your family. If you’re not sure which product is suitable, you should contact a professional adviser for advice. Advisers may charge for providing such advice and should confirm any cost beforehand.