What Is a Master Trust? A master trust is a legal entity that holds assets for multiple trusts, pension plans, and other fiduciary investments. It is commonly used in the UK and Ireland as a pooled vehicle for managing investments and consolidating assets in one place to simplify investor’s financial management. Master trusts are easy to set up and relatively low-cost to manage, allowing investors to pool their assets and expense ratios. Advantages of Investing in a Master Trust Master trusts offer a range of advantages compared to traditional investments, particularly for those with relatively small amounts of money to invest. They can be easier to manage than more complex investments, with fewer paperwork and a simplified investment process. Plus, master trusts are often more tax-efficient than other options and offer better diversification compared to individual trusts. Examples of Master Trusts Examples of master trusts in the UK include Legal & General, Standard Life Investment MasterTrust and Royal London, while two of the largest in Ireland are the Irish Life and Zurich Momentum Master Trusts. All of these offer investors a range of investment options and benefits. What You Need to Know About Master Trusts When considering a master trust, investors should be aware of the fees involved and the associated risks. It is also important to carefully review the trust deed and other related documents, as the trustee may have powers to change the terms and structure of the trust during its lifetime. Investors should conduct thorough research into potential master trusts and ensure that any tax or legal advice is up to date.