Offshore investment vehicles include unit trusts, mutual funds or investment companies, and may be open or closed. The offshore company normally pays no tax on its income or gains. However, the income it receives may be subject to withholding tax, which the company will not be able to reclaim. For the policyholder, all gains are fully taxable at the time of encashment.
Offshore funds offer greater returns and often greater risks than onshore funds, however many countries restrict investment in such funds by their citizens, and also restrictions are placed on the marketing of offshore funds to their citizens. The UK's regime, whilst permissive, is still not very flexible. The laws and regulations of high-tax countries in respect of offshore funds are directed not just to limiting the behaviour of their citizens but also to preventing 'money-laundering' and other illicit uses of International Offshore Financial Centres (IOFCs).
These are funds which, although managed overseas, are permitted to market themselves directly to UK private investors. Having the 'Financial Conduct Authority Recognised' tag simply means that the UK authorities acknowledge the regulatory regime in the overseas territory is of a standard at least as 'good' as in the UK.
There may however still be higher risk funds which the Financial Conduct Authority doesn't recognise even though they are based in territories with 'good' regulatory regimes.
OFFSHORE COLLECTIVES ARE COMPLEX INVESTMENTS AND ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE, YOU SHOULD SEEK FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE ENTERING INTO THIS TYPE OF INVESTMENT.
INFORMATION IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF TAXATION LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS. ANY LEVELS AND BASES OF, AND RELIEFS FROM TAXATION, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS AND THE INCOME FROM THEM MAY GO DOWN. YOU MAY NOT GET BACK THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
Trafalgar International fully advised on, and managed the transfer of my UK held private pensions into QROPS.
Over a number of one to one personal meetings I received advice outlining the process and advantages of QROPS for someone living outside of the UK.
All my questions were answered and clarification provided when requested.
I have been very pleased with the service provided by Trafalgar International.
My husband and I have become fond of our adviser at Trafalgar International thanks to his untiring efforts with our financial.
They are trustworthy and honest and always gives us a thorough and professional service.
I would happily recommend Trafalgar International to anyone seeking financial advice.
Trafalgar International have been our Financial planners for some time and has always given a good service.
They always seems to have time for us and are both good at their job and a pleasure to deal with.
As professional financial advisers we can help you make informed decisions about your financial future, short, medium and long term.
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Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme
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