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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.

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UK Pensions – Act Now!

CoinsHSBC and The Local Government Pension Scheme are the latest Defined Benefit Pension Schemes to cause upset and worry to thousands of soon-to-be retirees.

Firstly, HSBC has come under fire for cutting the pension payouts of its former staff by up to £2,500 a year, affecting 50,000 members who joined the company between 1975 and 1996. This group had opted to pay less national insurance (NI) contributions whilst working by “contracting out” of the former state pension scheme. This meant that HSBC also paid less NI contributions. In exchange for paying a lower rate, the bank agreed to pay staff a guaranteed minimum pension when they came to retire. Payment records were however not properly maintained leading pensioners to be either overpaid or underpaid. Numerous firms, including HSBC, had used this arrangement and when the errors were discovered, some began to cut pension payouts to compensate for the overpayment.  

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Annuity freedom – CANCELLED!

The Government has revealed that the proposed annuity flexibility plan which was announced in April 2015 – along with all the new pension flexibility changes that are now in force – is not going to go ahead.

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