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Mine was consumed, how about yours?

Do What?

This week it was announced that Barclays Banks across Europe have decided that unless a customer has at least £100,000 in their account they will be asked to close it.  My thoughts are this:

• How disgusting to get you on board initially and then change the criteria so that you must leave. What a cheek and what an inconvenience !

• Who would put such a large amount of cash with one institution with such a patchy reputation, anyway?

BAD

This week I have taken on an 80 year old client who had an investment in a Spanish bank and they were told that they could release their invested funds without a charge. Not only were they investing 50% equities for a very cautious client (this is far too volatile), but that were charging Euro 3K in various forms to release it on just a Sterling 20,000 investment.  To be fair, the name of the bank does have the word “bad” in it.  The Clients are now safely under Blacktower’s wing.

by Dave Diggle, International Financial Adviser Costa Blanca

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

AROUND THE BRANCHES – French Economic Growth Predicted to Slow

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Banque de France has predicted slower than expected growth of the French economy over the next 12 months as the second largest economy in the eurozone negotiates twin obstacles in the form of global uncertainty and simmering trade wars. It also comes on the back of a 5 December nationwide strike and controversy over President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms.

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What happens if my UK pension company can no longer passport into France?

I recently attended the British Embassy Outreach Meeting in Perigueux and as you can imagine there were a lot of disgruntled expats wanting answers that, frankly, aren’t really available right now.  Understandably, for many living through the turmoil and uncertainty of Brexit, there is a lot to take into consideration and some may even be contemplating moving back to the UK. 

One issue in particular piqued my interest as a gentleman had a letter from his UK pension company informing him that, post-Brexit, they may no longer be able to passport into the EU, which means that they may no longer be able to pay his pension payments directly into his French account.

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