Contact

News & Insights

QROPS and Brexit negotiations

“The big difference between Gibraltar and the UK is that Gibraltar has a very clear view of where it needs to be,” said Picardo. “The UK economy is larger and has many more moving pieces, so it’s harder to move from the shock of the morning of the 24th to a clear position which takes into consideration all of those areas.”

Gibraltarians voted by an overwhelming 96 per cent to 4 per cent to stay in the EU – a higher margin than in any other eligible voting district. This has led to speculation that Gibraltar might somehow remain in Europe while maintaining its status as a British Overseas Territory. There is a precedent, of sorts. Greenland, which is, in effect, a Danish overseas territory, voted to leave the EU while still retaining its political links to Denmark.

Picardo has gone so far as to describe a “hard exit” Brexit deal as an “existential threat” to Gibraltar. This is partly because each day thousands of Spanish workers cross into Gibraltar to work; something which may not be tenable if Brexit negotiations bring an end to free movement of labour between the EU and the UK, including any overseas territories.

As it stands it is still possible, and potentially crucial, for British expats to seek financial advice in order to ensure a Gibraltar QROPS, although the continuance of this arrangement is likely to be something that will be up for discussion during Brexit negotiations.

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

To Brexit or not to Brexit, that is the question

400 years of Shakespeare and we are still pondering over the question! 

I recently returned from London – more specifically the City of London – and was rather surprised to find out that the financial ‘experts’ were still in a state of flux, arguing over the theoretical economical fall out, on the day after of the fast approaching in/out referendum. I came to the conclusion, after pouring through reams of editorial columns from “would be” financial gurus, that the prognosis relating to the likely impact on the FTSE100 on the 24th of June – the day after – was that the general consensus converged on a simple equation; if the in campaign wins the day, there would be an immediate 5% appreciation. Conversely, if the out campaign has it, the FTSE100 would suffer a dramatic 10% loss.

Read More

Select your country

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