News & Insights

London – July 2019: Leading wealth management provider, Blacktower Financial Management Group has announced value of £100m under its Nexus Global Solutions Portfolio. 

Launched in 2013 and managed by industry heavyweight, Quilter Cheviot, the funds, Nexus Global Dynamic Portfolio and Nexus Global Solutions Portfolio, were originally conceived by Blacktower Group as means to provide its clients with access to award-winning investment DFM solutions.

The Nexus Solutions Portfolio is managed by David Miller, Investment Director of Quilter Cheviot.

HMRC proposals to dispense with private residence relief (PRR) could be a stumbling block for expat’s wealth management plans as significant amounts of capital gains tax relief could be lost if the proposals become law. But what is PRR, and what does PRR mean for new expats?

Receiving independent, regulated financial advice on an expat retirement transfer is essential for any person who is considering the possibility of converting their existing pension scheme into a QROPS or SIPPS.

However, analysis by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reveal worrying trends.

In 2018, the FCA published research findings showing that during the 12-month survey period 91% of UK adults did not obtain regulated financial advice.*

An investigation by The Pensions Regulator has for the first time resulted in an immediate custodial sentence for the perpetrator of professional pensions fraud, after William Bessent, an accountant who used his position as the trustee and administrator of a pension scheme to steal his clients’ savings, was sentenced to 40 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges, making prohibited employer-related investments, and separate charges of acting as a director while disqualified.

The landmark case, being heard at Preston Crown Court* will also hopefully result in the return of stolen funds. On July 5 the courts will seek to obtain a confiscation order in order to make Bessent repay the remainder of the money he owes; he has so far repaid £80,000 but owes a further £200,000.

What are your options as an expat in Europe with a UK pension? Do you leave it in place and hope for the best or do you investigate your options and see if there is a product that is perhaps a better fit for your goals and circumstances?

Before you make any decision you need to consider that your pension is likely to be the key to your long-term financial security and only by taking considered action informed by advice from an experienced wealth manager are you going to give yourself the opportunity to make a confident decision.