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.

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

Much has happened since I last put pen to paper in the immediate aftermath of the referendum result and I thought it sensible to comment on some of the issues which are emerging from the ‘swirling fog’ that we experiencing. July 24th 2016, reminded me of September 12th 2001 in New York, with people walking around in shock, confused at the attack on the political and economic system. To be angry at the shock of the unexpected result and how that might affect everyone’s life is a natural and rational response, however much it might seem otherwise. Last week I wrote that the result was not a disaster and the financial system was capable of absorbing this shock, in short, my view has not changed.

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 .

FRIDAY 24 JUNE 2016: The British electorate has given its verdict on the UK’s membership of the European Union in no uncertain terms. In spite of the more emotional appeals to the contrary, this is not a disaster. On this extraordinary day, it is worth remembering that on the 20 February 2016, when David Cameron announced that the EU referendum would take place, the FTSE 100 index was at 5950, the 10 year Gilt yield stood at 1.41% and the sterling/dollar exchange rate was 1.44. At lunchtime on Friday June 24 the FTSE 100 is trading at 6060, the 10 year gilt yield is 1.07% and the dollar exchange rate is 1.37. On the face of these numbers you could be forgiven for not knowing what has taken place in the past 24 hours.