Stephen Ward Ba (econ), Acii, Apmi, Apfs, Aifp - Tumbit.com Blog Feed

QROPS – HMRC Introduces changes that create havoc in the market place

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:45:26 GMT

The period from August 2011 to April 2012 has seen a period of significant but controlled change in the QROPS marketplace. AUGUST 2011 In August 2011 the New Zealand Government introduced a draft Bill to Parliament, the Financial Markets Conduct... more

The Economy : What can we look forward to in 2012 ?

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:19:34 GMT

So That’s another year gone? A year ago we were brave enough to make some predictions about what we thought might happen in 2011 with the promise to revisit them to see how right or wrong we were. We said about 2011: • Interest rates will... more

Beyond the tipping point - where next ?

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:05:58 GMT

Over the last few weeks, have we passed the point of no return down a path which may lead to catastrophe? If this assumption is correct and you agree with this what are the consequences for the expat living in Spain ? Perhaps the tipping point can... more

New Zealand QROPS - good news for all concerned

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:28:41 GMT

The power of the internet means that articles about QROPS posted here on Tumbit are picked up all over the world. So this article is not just aimed at those in Spain, but at all (including other practitioners) with an interest in the subject. We... more

Pensions and Politicians

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:38:42 GMT

It's UK party conference time again and so a good opportunity to consider politics and pensions. The problem with politicians is that they cannot resist the temptation to interfere. Back in 2006 the ‘old’ pension tax rules were replaced by new ones... more

Changes re New Zealand QROPS - Things are becoming clearer

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:57:48 GMT

In last week’s article we revealed that the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA), which has taken over the authorisation and supervision of New Zealand pension schemes, has just published a draft bill for consultation. The bill is called... more

QROPS Jurisdictions in Focus : A Round-Up

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:57:56 GMT

Over the last few weeks we have provided quite a detailed summary for expats to consider of how QROPS operate in the key jurisdictions. There are pros and cons of all of these, for example: 1.) New Zealand QROPS are able to offer the most benefit... more

QROPS Jurisdiction in Focus : Isle of Man

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:41:36 GMT

In our previous article, my colleague wrote of the existence of various jurisdictions around the world that are available for UK expats to transfer their UK pension rights to. He specifically looked at Guernsey, considered its advantages and the key... more

QROPS for the UK Expat in Spain

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:21:26 GMT

We thought it would be useful this week to remind you about the attractions and versatility of QROPS for the UK non-resident who has come to live in Spain. In particular, for those who left the UK more than five complete UK tax years ago i.e. before... more

Could this happen to your UK pension fund?

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:10:42 GMT

Over the last few weeks things have happened which should have cause to make you think... THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IS FAR FROM OVER The Greek government has to introduce a further round of cuts to public sector pay and pensions and there is talk of the... more

Maximising the outcome from your UK Pension fund

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:36:56 GMT

One of the strangest things we encounter from clients referred to us is their knowing very little about their pension rights. Often we have to dig quite deep to work out what there is. For most however, the exercise is definitely worthwhile. ... more

UK Moves Towards Pension Flexibility - But QROPS Still The Expat Choice

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:09:00 GMT

The greater flexibility offered to UK expats following a transfer to a QROPS are reasonably well understood. Namely: • Less taxation - as low as 1.5% on income for Spanish resident expats • Higher lump sums - up to 100 % can be possible • More... more

HM Treasury Propose Early Access To UK Pension Savings

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:11:21 GMT

In order to surprise us just before Christmas the Government published a discussion document on December 13th titled “Early Access to Pensions Savings“. One can only imagine that this has at least in part been prompted by the far from level playing... more

A Hidden Gem In The World Of Pensions

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:14:44 GMT

Well, I thought I knew a bit about pensions but recently another IFA I know muttered the irresistible words “have you heard of section 615 pension schemes - you should have a look...” - This one had managed to pass me by - and after all its only... more

QROPS - New Zealand in focus.

info@tumbit.com (Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMI, APFS, AIFP) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:21:41 GMT

Much has been written about Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) in the press and on the web. Some of the articles I have seen are helpful and accurate, others are less so. The purpose of this article is to set out how QROPS in New... more