Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Bringing your UK pension to sunnier climes
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/02/2015
» In our last article on UK private pension liberalisation, we looked at schemes in the UK and how they are affected by the latest government regulations. From April 6, 2015, any private pension scheme held in the UK may be liquidated and the entire pot withdrawn. While this is a very attractive option for many, the reality is that income tax will be levied on these proceeds at the individual’s marginal tax rate for that year. As a consequence, taking the pot in one go will not be as tax-efficient as taking staged drawdowns each year, or as required.
US citizens take note: Fatca has landed
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 13/07/2014
» After years of talk, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) is finally in effect. How will it affect you if you are a US citizen?
Year the snake bit, but not fatally
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 29/12/2013
» The Year of the Snake, 2013, has been mixed in many ways. We have witnessed some unexpected surprises while certain expectations have not come to fruition. Will this uneven trend continue into next year and beyond? Here is a recap of current trends and a look ahead.
Good reasons to transfer your UK pension to QROPS
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 09/06/2013
» Despite the dull name, Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) are a hot topic. For any expat who once worked in the UK and has a frozen or deferred pension, there are persuasive reasons to export it, especially if it is a defined-contribution scheme in which an investment pot belongs to you. Defined-benefit schemes, where a calculated pension will be paid, are often difficult to evaluate and many expats make the mistake of not scrutinising them properly.
You can love it or loathe it, but financial regulation is here to stay
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 12/05/2013
» Is the expat investor really better off today when it comes to protection than in the "good old days", when markets seemingly were simpler to understand and regulate? Is an all-encompassing regulatory framework for the financial markets even feasible? Where is the sensible middle ground between intrusive rules and the uncontrolled elements of financial services "cowboys" and consumer internet "experts"?
More insights on property options
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 23/12/2012
» My previous two articles on property ownership generated some good responses, with readers continuing to show interest in a better understanding of this important asset class. So let's take a look at a few more aspects of property investment in Asia, where the diverse options on offer may be different from what expats are used to back home.
Expats beware: Your taxman never sleeps
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 03/02/2013
» Taxation rules for expats are becoming more complicated as their home governments make increased efforts to raise revenue and improve tax compliance. If governments had acted in the same manner as financially prudent individuals, we might not have landed in the mess we have been facing for the past few years.
Double tax agreements: Look before you leap
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 10/02/2013
» Relying on double tax agreements (DTA) as the basis for dealing with your tax problems is a tricky business. Although they have a place as one of a few effective tax management tools, they need to be used carefully, and as usual, the devil is in the details.
Should you buy or rent your home in Asia?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 18/11/2012
» The question of whether it is right for you to own or rent your home in Asia is not always easy to answer. The final decision often depends on both commercial and emotional thinking. I was recently involved in helping a client make such a choice.
Ground rent-an attractive alternative investment
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 25/11/2012
» The feedback from my two articles on alternative investments was surprisingly enthusiastic. This tells me that investors are actively looking for higher-yielding investment options during the current low fixed-income environment.