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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

City watchdog to probe pension freedom rip-offs

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.

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Banking as an expat – Can I open a UK bank account while living abroad?

There are many questions potential expats have when they are planning to move abroad or when they first arrive in their new country of residence. At Blacktower, with specialist expat banking financial advisers across Europe, in countries like France and Spain, and in Grand Cayman and USA, we have probably heard them all! In this guide, we’re tackling the question of expat banking.

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