What is your special interest or particular field of expertise in the financial services sector right now?
Compliance and Risk is my main focus, keeping at the forefront of industry developments and legislation.
What is the most important aspect of your work, in relation to clients, or the part of your day-to-day role which gives you the most satisfaction?
Maintaining high professional standards and best practices, ensuring we keep the best interests of the client at the heart of what we do.
What’s special about working at Blacktower?
The amazing team and what the Blacktower brand represents. There is a shared ethos of integrity, professionalism and passion for what we do.
Right now, what is your one piece of invaluable information for expats or anyone seeking retirement planning and wealth management advice?
It’s never too early or too late to seek advice. Research any firms prior to dealing with them to look at their regulatory status and reputation.
Blacktower already has a long and successful history in the sector, how will you and your colleagues continue to offer value to clients in the next 20 years and beyond?
Keeping our finger on the pulse and being at the forefront of industry development, best practices and innovative solutions.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I love rock n roll. I was a drummer in a heavy metal band and hosted the late night rock show for a local radio station.
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.
The UK has had an unprecedented period of low interest rates; 2009 saw the base rate drop to 0.5 and then last August down to 0.25. That’s eight years of extremely low interest rates. Whilst this has been great for borrowers and helps to keep the business economy afloat, it has been disastrous for those people in or approaching retirement. Annuity rates have been terrible for pension income returns and the bank rates for the people who have savings have been providing very poor returns.
Expat retirement transfers have the potential to play a critical, and beneficial, part of an expat’s financial planning. However, this is only if the process is undertaken in a considered fashion with reliable, regulated and trustworthy advice that investigates all of the options, including the possibility of a QROPS or SIPPs transfer.