Auto-Enrolment: Should You Set Up a Company Pension Scheme or Rely on the State’s ‘My Future Fund’? #3

If you’ve been thinking about setting up your own company pension scheme instead of defaulting to the State-run Auto-Enrolment system, you’re not alone.

More and more employers are choosing to take control by launching their own schemes, on their own terms, before the 2026 deadline.

Why? Because a well-designed company scheme can offer better outcomes for both the business and its employees compared to the State’s ‘My Future Fund’.

By setting up a new scheme (or adapting an existing one), employers can opt out of the State system entirely – avoiding the extra admin, compliance headaches, and lack of flexibility that comes with Auto-Enrolment.

But the clock is ticking.

If you do nothing, your staff will automatically be enrolled in the State’s ‘My Future Fund’ on January 1st, 2026.

Pension providers are already seeing a surge in demand as the deadline draws closer – so don’t wait. Now is the time to take action.

How Sure Financial Can Help:

Our expert pension team is already working with employers to navigate the introduction of the new State-run Auto-Enrolment scheme, helping them understand the impact, make informed decisions, and put the right plans in place before the deadline.

We can support your business with:

✔ Strategy & Planning
We’ll help you build a clear strategy to meet your Auto-Enrolment obligations and assess the short and long-term cost implications.

✔ Pension Scheme Design & Advice
Whether it’s setting up a new Master Trust or Group PRSA, or reviewing your existing scheme, we’ll recommend the best structure for your business and your team.

✔ Employee Communication & Engagement
We’ll develop simple, effective messaging to help your employees understand their options and make confident choices.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Consultation

Schedule a quick Zoom or Teams call with one of our award-winning pension advisors.

We’ll answer your questions and show you how to get your business Auto-Enrolment ready – on your terms. Click here to book a 15 minute introductory call.

Why employers are choosing a Company Pension Scheme instead:

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features, and why a well-structured pension scheme typically delivers better outcomes for both employers and employees:

Feature	Auto Enrolment	Pension Scheme
Contributions	Rigid & fixed by legislation. No option for employer or employee to make additional contributions. Lump sum contributions not allowed.	Complete flexibility. Employees allowed to Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs). Option for employers and employees to make lump sum contributions.
Tax Benefits	No tax relief on employee contributions. State top up contributions of €1 for every €3 the employee contributes.	Marginal tax relief for employees through net pay (20% standard rate and 40% higher rate). Tax relief limits increase as employee gets older on both regular and lump sum contributions.
Retirement Age	In line with the State Pension age of 66. No voluntary early access allowed.	Employer can choose the Normal Retirement Age (NRA) which must be between 60 and 70. Employees who leave employment can take benefits from age 50.
Death in Service	No risk benefits.	Death in service can be included.
Fund Choice	3 investment choices – low risk, medium risk and high risk.	Wide choice of providers and funds.
Advice	None	Professional and qualified advice available throughout the life of the plan. On boarding provided.
Pension Vesting	Immediate.	Up to 24 months from start of employment.

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