In Focus News & Insights

It appears there is good news on the horizon for up to 2 million pension savers.  The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is looking at evidence that some major providers applied exit charges to people's pensions without informing them.  In some cases, this amounted to nearly 40% of the value of the fund.

They are looking to see if they followed the rules which say they have to inform customers of any exit fees being applied.  This is good news for anyone who, in the last few years, has suffered from being in this position as they could be due compensation.

Finally, some good news for British expats in France who are clients of expat financial services providers; the French government has said that it will look to make its expat tax regime Europe's most favourable – a move that is clearly designed to take advantage of uncertainty in London created by Britain's decision to exit the EU.

The French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said that the favourable tax regime for expats in France would be extended from the first five to the first eight years of residence; the move goes some way to redress perceptions of an overly regulated and unfairly taxed financial sector in France.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched the investigation amid concerns that savers are in danger of being ripped off when they cash in their pensions. Insurers are to be probed by the City regulator over fears they are offering poor deals to savers who take advantage of new pension freedoms to dip into their nest eggs.

As you are probably aware from previous articles, new rules were introduced last year to allow savers to cash in their pension pots to spend as they like, rather than turning them into an annuity to pay for an income for life.  Reportedly, fears are growing that many customers are choosing the first pension their insurer offers them and risk missing out on the best deals. Findings suggest that in the final quarter of last year, 53 per cent of savers who chose to dip into their pensions stuck with the same insurer, while 57 per cent of those who signed up for an annuity didn’t move elsewhere.

There is a feeling among some financial advisors that expats should be rushing to ensure their pensions are switched to a recognised HMRC QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) before Britain begins to formalise its exit from the EU.

Of course, it is natural that expats should look to make their wealth management decisions, including the possibility of a valid HMRC QROPS, at a relatively early stage so that they can have confidence and clarity regarding their financial arrangements; however, it is also worth remembering that the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has said that she does not intend to invoke Article 50 this year, meaning that there is still plenty of time to receive the right financial advice and to make a prudent decision

Given the financial and political situation in Britain and Europe right now it is likely that more and more British people will look to move their pensions out of Britain, with a QROPS in France possibly the most popular potential option.

Over recent weeks the value of Sterling has taken a significant plunge resulting in significant rises in living costs for those reliant on the currency for most or all of their spending needs.

Inevitably, this means that many have had to reconsider their wealth management and financial planning strategies. Against this backdrop it is easy to see why experts are predicting a spike in the numbers of people taking advantage of a .

It may have been close run thing but the UK has voted to end its membership of the European Union and now is an appropriate time for all concerned to consider the implications.

Fortunately, and despite the atmosphere of doom and gloom that has seemingly engulfed the country since the result, there is no need for any particular panic or even urgency. The exit process is expected to be long and drawn out, and although most experts predict it as inevitable there is still some realistic prospect of a renegotiation, particularly in light of David Cameron's resignation.