How suitable are cryptocurrencies for pension plans you may ask? There are literally thousands of cryptocurrencies available globally, but would you invest part of your SIPP or QROPS in one? Most of us have heard of the first entrants to the market and some might even have either dabbled in them or used them to […]
The collapse of Carillion and its defined benefit pension scheme
The collapse of Carillion has led to significant problems with the defined benefit pension scheme. Once again the politics of private enterprise providing public services has dominated the news. As it seems with everything politics-related, more heat than light has been produced with both main UK parties putting forward their points of view. The collapse […]
Spanish inheritance tax
Spanish inheritance tax along with general tax legislation falls under the banner of Napoleonic law. Succession and gift tax, Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones (ISD), apply to beneficiaries of gifts and inheritances for Spanish tax residents. ‘Forced heirship’ rules determine how you can divide an estate and what rate of tax applies to recipients. There […]
The end of cold calling for pensions
Could this be the end of cold calling for pensions? Way back in the early 1980s we saw the emergence of a new breed of financial adviser; the cold calling direct salesman. Eager new recruits were handed a telephone directory and told to call as many unsuspecting victims they could in order to secure appointments […]
Double Taxation Treaties and Overseas Pension Transfers
Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs) are legal mechanisms between countries which ensure individuals and companies do not pay tax twice on the same trade, asset or income in both the country of source and that of residence. As such, if a British person who is tax resident in Spain holds assets in the UK, the DTT […]
Brexit impact on the city of London
Ever since the UK voted to leave the EU, there has been speculation about the Brexit impact on the city of London. Latest research from Reuters suggests that up to 9,000 jobs may be relocated. Dublin, Frankfurt and Paris are considered to be the most likely destinations. Relocating abroad Moving to a new house and/or […]
Election 2017: What’s in store for pension legislation?
Just when we thought that electioneering was the favourite pastime of politicians on mainland Europe, up pops Theresa May with her shock announcement of a UK general election to be held in June. Should we be concerned about changes to pension legislation? The answer is probably yes. If the Tories win as predicted, I expect them […]
Investigation into investment funds
It seems that every time we open the financial press, there’s a new story about failed funds. My recent investigation into unsuccessful investment funds suggests that failure is often caused by managers rolling the dice once too often. Some are just bad ideas where the fund manager was trying to make a ‘silk purse from […]
Pension fraud and how to protect yourself
Ever since the UK government introduced The Pensions Act 2014, incidents of pension fraud have been on the increase. The reasons behind the introduction of ‘pensions freedoms’ are both worthy and necessary. However, this has not detracted fraudsters from exploiting the legislation. Almost 2 1/2 years after the event, the government and regulator are still […]
Common Reporting Standards – threat or opportunity?
Common Reporting Standards are coming to a place near you. It is not just the wealthy that need to worry……! The International Consortium of Journalists (ICJ) unearthed a global can of worms with allegations of large-scale tax evasion following their investigation into what are now known as The Panama Papers. Slowly, governments around the world […]
Brexit means Brexit means……..?
The meaning of Brexit may escape us all Following the UK’s momentous decision to leave the EU, pundits and commentators enjoy a feeding frenzy in the media, hanging on every word uttered by the main players. The Prime Minister’s “Brexit means Brexit” statement was supposed to clear the air and unify the government position on […]
Minimising retirement income tax in Spain
Retirement income tax in Spain One of the most important decisions expats need to make when retiring to Spain is how to take pension benefits from their retirement plans. Pension legislation seems to be in a state of constant flux these days. Only by keeping on top of changes in tax and pensions regulations can […]
Pensions and interest rates
Pensions and interest rates: the good, the bad and the ugly news! The old saying goes, ‘I have good news and bad news, which would you like to hear first?’. Given this choice, a majority prefer to hear the bad news first. The recent reduction in UK interest rates to 0.25% in response to pressures […]
Retiring to the Algarve
Retiring to the Algarve in Portugal can be an attractive proposition for many expats. Along with the obvious lure of the ‘sun and sea’, there is also the added benefit of low taxation for retirees. Tax competitiveness is a well-established way of attracting the people you want to work or live in your country. The […]
Sink or swim: Brexit and expat pensions
Wouldn’t it be great if, amongst all the excitement and hype, British expats had some information that could actually be of use to them regarding the pending EU referendum? There are many retired British expats in Europe; there are also many Brits currently working in the EU. Unfortunately, there is a distinct lack of clarity […]