Latest Novia Global SIPP Review 2026
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This is an updated review of the Novia Global SIPP, reflecting small but important changes to the product and how it currently stands within the international pension market.
In This Article, You Will Learn the Following
Who is Novia Global
What is their International SIPP
The merits and drawbacks of the Novia Global SIPP
Who can benefit from the product
Our updated verdict
This article is intended for British expats with UK pension accounts.
Below is a practical and unbiased review of the Novia Global SIPP. For a more concise overview of International SIPPs, please see our dedicated SIPP page.
What’s Changed Since Our Last Review?
There have been no fundamental changes to the structure of the Novia Global SIPP. However, there are a few updates worth noting:
SIPP administration fees have increased slightly
Platform fees are tiered and reduce at higher pension values
Automated regular (monthly) drawdown is now available
These changes improve clarity and flexibility rather than altering the core proposition.
Novia Global SIPP Review 2026
The Novia Global UK SIPP was introduced in June 2020. It is a UK Self-Invested Personal Pension administered by Novia Global and accessed through itsinvestment platform.
A SIPP is a type of pension product that allows a wide range of investment options, including funds and ETFs.
The Novia Global International SIPP is specifically targeted at UK expats worldwide. It allows expats to consolidate and manage their UK pensions while living abroad, something many traditional UK pension providers no longer support.
Extensive Fund Range
Within the Novia Global UK SIPP, you gain access to an extensive range of over 7,000 funds and investments via the platform.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs, including index funds from providers such as Vanguard and iShares, are available and can be used to build diversified portfolios efficiently.
Mutual Funds
The platform provides access to a wide range of mutual funds from established fund managers, covering both single-strategy and diversified approaches.
Discretionary Fund Managers
For clients who prefer professional portfolio management, the SIPP provides access to discretionary fund managers operating within an agreed risk mandate.
Multi-Currency
The Novia Global UK SIPP allows investments to be held in multiple major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CHF, AUD and HKD. The widest investment ranges are typically available in USD, GBP and EUR, which suits most expats.
Full Flexible Access for Expats
The Novia Global UK SIPP is a UK pension that allows flexible access to retirement benefits.
Following Brexit, many traditional UK pension providers no longer permit non-UK residents to use flexible drawdown. This is one of the main reasons an International SIPP is often used by expats.
Novia Global now supports automated regular drawdown. Clients can take income monthly, as well as quarterly, bi-annual or ad-hoc withdrawals, depending on their needs.
Tax Benefits and Treatment
The Novia Global UK SIPP follows standard UK pension tax rules.
Investments within the SIPP grow free of UK income and capital gains tax.
Up to 25% of pension benefits can be taken as a tax-free (UK) lump sum, subject to prevailing legislation.
For non-UK residents, after taking the 'tax-free' element, pension income is initially taxed under PAYE. Where a double taxation agreement applies, it may be possible to receive pension income with no UK tax deducted once the correct HMRC process has been completed. This can be achieved via an NT code.
If you return to the UK, pension income is paid under PAYE in the same way as other UK pensions.
Professional Management
The Novia Global UK SIPP is designed to be used with a financial adviser.
Risk Level
Together with your adviser, you determine the level of risk within your pension portfolio, ensuring alignment with your objectives and tolerance for volatility.
Fund Selection
Your adviser selects and manages the investments held within the SIPP, adjusting the portfolio as circumstances change.
Low and Transparent Fees
The Novia Global UK SIPP continues to offer a competitive and transparent fee structure.
SIPP Costs
The SIPP administration fee is £260 per year.
Novia Global Investment Platform
Platform fees are tiered and calculated on assets held:
0.30% on balances up to $1 million
0.25% on balances over a $1 million
A custody fee of 0.04% applies on top.
This tiered structure means overall platform costs reduce proportionally for larger pension values. Adviser fees are agreed separately.
Security
Assets Held in Trust
As with all UK pension schemes, assets within the Novia Global UK SIPP are held in trust and segregated from the provider’s own assets. An independent trustee acts as a fiduciary to safeguard pension assets.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
The SIPP sits within the UK regulatory framework, including potential FSCS protection, subject to the applicable rules and limits.
FCA Regulation
The SIPP operates under UK pension and FCA regulatory standards, including strict requirements around custody, reporting, and permitted investments.
Our Verdict
The Novia Global UK SIPP remains one of the strongest International SIPP options for most expats.
It combines competitive costs, strong regulation, wide investment choice and good servicing, alongside the flexibility many expats can no longer access through traditional UK pension providers.
That said, depending on a client’s country of residence, tax position and objectives, other pension providers or structures may be more suitable.
Score: 9/10
“Excellent, and still among the strongest options for most expats.”
Pros
Low cost
Fully regulated
Wide investment choice
Strong servicing
Regular income capability
Slick online interface
Cons
More expensive than UK-only pensions
Cannot hold individual shares
Other pension providers can offer greater investment choice and currency options, albeit for a higher fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Novia Global International SIPP?
A UK-registered Self-Invested Personal Pension designed for non-UK residents, allowing expats to consolidate and manage UK pensions with professional oversight.
Who is the Novia Global SIPP suitable for?
British expats with UK pension assets who want flexibility, multi-currency investing and access to draw-down while living abroad.
Can I take regular income from a Novia Global SIPP?
Yes. Automated regular draw-down is now available, including monthly income payments.
Do I need a financial adviser?
Yes. Novia Global is an adviser-led platform and cannot be accessed on a DIY basis.
How is tax handled for expats?
Pension income is taxed under UK PAYE by default, though double taxation agreements may allow income to be paid without UK tax once the correct HMRC process is completed.
Is Novia Global the best option for all expats?
No. While it suits many expats, suitability depends on country of residence, tax position and long-term objectives.
