24 March 2026
Quilter Cheviot Europe (QCE) has today announced its appointment by Newcourt Pension Trust Services DAC as the exclusive investment provider for the Executive Retirement Master Trust, a new Retail Master Trust launching this month.
The master trust is aimed at business owners, directors and senior executives. With this appointment, QCE becomes one of the few discretionary fund managers in Ireland to manage the investments of a Master Trust, giving scheme members access to the tailored investment service and expertise for which QCE is known.
The Executive Retirement Master Trust will offer members a choice of four Quilter Cheviot Europe portfolios, providing diversified investment solutions across a range of risk profiles:
- QCE Liquidity Fund
- QCE Income Strategy
- QCE Balanced Strategy
- QCE Growth Strategy
A master trust is a workplace pension arrangement operated under a single trust structure and used by multiple, unconnected employers. In the Irish pension market, master trusts have traditionally been operated by life assurance companies; this structure therefore offers members greater access to a more personalised investment approach.
In addition, changes introduced under EU legislation (IORP II) require many existing pension arrangements, including Executive Pension Plans and Small Self‑Administered Pension Plans, to transition to alternative structures by the end of April this year. As a result, the Executive Retirement Master Trust represents a timely and attractive solution for executives seeking a compliant and flexible retirement planning option.
Tom O’Dea, Head of Retirement Planning at Quilter Cheviot Europe, said: “The Irish pension market is experiencing significant disruption, presenting business owners and directors with important decisions. Master trusts offer a compelling cost-effective solution, providing flexible funding rules that enable individuals to build their pension pots more quickly. They are also an attractive option for those seeking to delegate the increased governance and risk management obligations introduced under IORP II.”
“We are delighted to partner with Newcourt Pension Trust Services on the launch of this Master Trust. As one of the few discretionary fund managers with this capability, we are excited to give scheme members access to our investment expertise and scale, while also highlighting the value of comprehensive financial planning and investment management services.”
“After dedicating significant time and effort to building their businesses, many executives have not prioritised funding their pension pots. With PRSA funding rules now less flexible, the Master Trust offers a powerful alternative, enabling people to build their retirement savings more efficiently. Everyone deserves the confidence that comes with being well prepared for retirement, and that is exactly what we aim to provide. Quilter Cheviot has a long-standing history of supporting clients at every stage of life, and we look forward to helping people plan the retirement they want to enjoy.”
Gerard Keane, Director of Newcourt Pension Trust Services DAC, added: “With the continuing impact of EU Pension legislation (in particular the IORP II Directive), on the Irish pensions landscape, we recognised the need for the Executive Retirement Master Trust, for financial advisors and their clients.
“We set out to launch a cost‑effective pension solution for high‑net‑worth company directors and senior executives, giving them the opportunity to invest their pension assets with one of Europe’s leading investment managers, Quilter Cheviot Europe. The Master Trust is administered by Newcourt Pensioneer Trustees Limited, which has been providing pension scheme administration services to advisors and their clients since its establishment in 1989.
“The Executive Retirement Master Trust is, in our opinion, an excellent pension offering for those individuals who wish to invest in their retirement and financial independence.”
