Contact

News & Insights

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

No flexible access for Gibraltar QROPS

Gibraltar LighthouseOn April 6, many new regulations for QROPS came into effect. These changes were made to make the taxation of foreign pensions more in line with UK pensions. Any QROPS not registered as being compliant with the new rules by April 5 could be delisted by HMRC.

One significant change means that, as long as they qualify under the other requirements, it’s no longer compulsory for schemes to adhere to the “70 per cent” rule. This is a rule that ensures providers ring fence 70 per cent of the pension contributions transferred into the QROPS in order to provide the saver with income for life.

Read More

The biggest saving regret? Not starting sooner

Hourglass“Non, je ne regrette rien”.

Expats in France may be able to translate this famous song title to “No, I regret nothing,” which is ideally what every saver wants to be able to say as they reach the end of their expat retirement planning period and look forward to moving abroad to their own personal paradise.

But not everyone has the initiative to stay on top of their pension pot, and it might be interesting for the younger generation to hear what older workers and retirees have to say about their pension saving experiences and what they would do differently if they could turn back the clock.

With this in mind, research recently released by Aegon, which asked pension savers about which decisions regarding their pensions they regretted the most, could prove very useful and serve as a firm reminder of why sufficient retirement planning isn’t something to leave until the eleventh hour.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: