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Spotlight On … Karen Ogilvie – Head of Compliance

What is your special interest or particular field of expertise in the financial services sector right now?

Compliance and Risk is my main focus, keeping at the forefront of industry developments and legislation.

What is the most important aspect of your work, in relation to clients, or the part of your day-to-day role which gives you the most satisfaction?

Maintaining high professional standards and best practices, ensuring we keep the best interests of the client at the heart of what we do.

What’s special about working at Blacktower?

The amazing team and what the Blacktower brand represents.   There is a shared ethos of integrity, professionalism and passion for what we do.

Right now, what is your one piece of invaluable information for expats or anyone seeking retirement planning and wealth management advice?

It’s never too early or too late to seek advice.  Research any firms prior to dealing with them to look at their regulatory status and reputation.

Blacktower already has a long and successful history in the sector, how will you and your colleagues continue to offer value to clients in the next 20 years and beyond?

Keeping our finger on the pulse and being at the forefront of industry development, best practices and innovative solutions.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I love rock n roll.  I was a drummer in a heavy metal band and hosted the late night rock show for a local radio station.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Assurance Vie and Fonds En Euro/Sterling

Simon VerityMany clients have sensibly opted to invest in Assurance Vie (Investment Bonds) type arrangements in France for the huge income tax and inheritance advantages offered though these products for French residents. A large selection of clients have also taken the option of using the Fond en Euros or Sterling funds preferring the guaranteed rates of return offered and the invested capital’s security.

Indeed so used are the Fond en Euros funds within Assurance vie “wrappers” that often clients believe that they are one and the same. The Fond en Euros main principles are that your capital’s value is guaranteed and you are given an annual rate of interest. The assurance vie ensures your funds grow free of French taxation due to the code of law relating to Life Insurance products. This combination has been so used in France and so much money tied up in these arrangements that the Government want to bring in a statute to limit the percentage invested into Fond en Euros per investor portfolio as they see this type of fund as stagnating the French economy and restricting investment into industry via the purchase of “actions” or shares. 

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Tops Tips to Avoid Pension Transfer Scamming

Stop message painted on roadThe Pensions Regulator (TPR) has recently acknowledged that pension scammers are being caught out and hindered by action from the government, regulators, the Work and Pensions Committee, and the wider industry, but added that vigilance is still needed.

On 22 May, speaking at the Association of Member-Directed Pension Schemes’ conference, TPR’s Anthony Raymond said that the plan to ban cold-calling is a welcome step-forward in protecting consumers, and that a recent High Court ruling, which saw four scammers ordered to repay £13.7million they had swindled from 245 victims, sent a clear message to fraudsters.

However, while this court action to regain funds for scam victims is brilliant news, the recommendations for pension savers are clear: stay aware of fraudulent activity and seek independent, regulated pensions advice before signing anything.

Blacktower’s top tips for scuppering the scammers

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