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Pension freedoms are being compromised

Now there is possible relief in sight. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is poised to clamp down on greedy managers by insisting they cannot charge more than one per cent of the value of the pot, but the change will not come into force until next March at the earliest.

So, anyone cashing in or transferring out of their pension today could still have their pocket picked. The move will make it easier for people to drop their pension if they are getting a poor deal or make full use of their new pension freedoms to cash in their pot without penalty.

Before you take any action on your pension you should seek advice from a financial adviser to see how you may be affected.  This could help you avoid the pitfalls of being overcharged for moving your money to a better position.  You will also receive advice on the most tax-efficient position you can achieve.  A simple review will also allow you to compare the benefits you are likely to receive from your current plan and the other options that are available to you.  

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

HMRC report details French QROPS

According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) there has been little change in the market for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)s in the two weeks ending August 2016.

The continued uptake of QROPS in France is likely to be a factor behind this, with the number of offshore pensions available in the world rising by four to pass the 1,250 mark for the first time – the fact that nine schemes were delisted was more than offset by the opening of 13 new schemes.

French QROPS remain one of the most popular. However, QROPS are available across 42 different jurisdictions, with Australia still the foremost QROPS centre; its 302 available schemes account for around one-quarter of the those available across the world.

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Expats Can Take Advantage of Tax Changes in Murcia and Andalucía

Goals for 20182018 has brought good news for many expats tackling the idiosyncrasies of finance in Spain and, especially for those who want to manage their legacy planning successfully.

This is because British and other EU citizen expatriates in Spain have received a boost in relation to succession tax laws.

Under the Spanish regional system, expats in Spain (but not those from outside the EU or EEA) can avoid costly Spanish state succession rules on passing; instead they are able to take advantage of kinder regional laws, such as those just implemented by Murcia and Andalucía.

In these areas, if you have Spanish assets but have not quite yet become a fully-fledged expat or indeed if you have Spanish property but still reside full-time in the UK; your heirs, wherever they may live, are entitled to the full range of succession tax reliefs offered by the region in which your assets are invested. Sometimes this may be as much as 99% succession tax relief or, in some cases, total exemption.

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