What is an Approved Retirement Fund?

An Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) is a flexible way to take an income in retirement to help you live your best second life. An ARF is a retirement income product that could help your pension savings continue to grow. After taking your cash lump sum (some or all of which may be tax-free), you can invest some or all of your remaining savings in an ARF.  With a Synergy ARF from Standard Life you can harmonise your spending to suit your lifestyle and subject to some rules you can make withdrawals as needed. The balance of your money stays in the fund, giving it a chance to grow.   

We’ll help you to find the right balance, creating a truly personalised spending pot. A customised solution that can change with you. Giving you the confidence and freedom you want as you move through different stages of retirement.  

 


 

Who can invest in an ARF?

The Standard Life Synergy ARF could be an option for you if you have:

  • A personal pension policy
  • A personal retirement savings account (PRSA)
  • Additional voluntary contributions
  • Another ARF
  • A defined contribution occupational pension scheme
  • A buy out bond

 

Is a Synergy ARF right for me?

It’s important to choose the right product for you. Speak to a financial adviser before you make a decision – they'll help you understand all the pros and cons. 

If you decide an ARF is the way you want to go, you'll need to review it regularly to make sure it continues to give you the income you need throughout your retirement. 

Once established, a Standard Life Synergy ARF gives you the flexibility to withdraw your money as you need to, and the ability to make your own investment decisions. Any money left in the fund after you die will be added to your estate.

 

Synergy ARF investment options

You have a range of retirement income options to choose from with Standard Life, so you can be adventurous or cautious or anything in between. You'll find more information about those choices on our investment options page. 

Each option carries a different level of risk, so it's important that you understand how they could impact your financial goals by speaking to a financial adviser. 

If you're not sure how you feel about risk, our Risk Profiler will give you a starting point – but we always recommend speaking with a financial adviser too.

 

Finding out more

We always recommend speaking to a financial adviser before you make any financial decisions. They will be able to help you understand all the pros and cons of the products you're considering, so a consultation is one of the best investments you can make. If you don't already have an adviser, you can find one through Brokers Ireland. 

You'll also need to read through the key features document and the Investment Options Guide for more information before applying for a Synergy ARF.

Warning: The value of your investment may go down as well as up

Warning: If you invest in this product, you may lose some, or all, of the money you invest.

Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates

Warning: The income you earn from this investment may go down as well as up

Looking for more information?

  • What are my retirement income options?

    Understanding the ways you can take your retirement income. which is right for you?

  • Your income in retirement

    Understanding your income options and how you might be taxed