Capitalise on your wealth
If you're going to take full advantage of your expat status, you should be investing offshore as soon as the opportunity arises.
We offer an extensive range of investment opportunities, bonds and funds, all of which give you offshore exposure in economies around the world.
Are you interested in investing your money but don’t know where to start? I-AMG can point expats in the right direction to help you get the most from your hard-earned cash.
Investments have historically offered a better return on your money than saving with a bank – and the modern market is no exception.
The low interest rates and increasing levels of inflation of recent years have only served to cement this, meaning you’re losing out on valuable cash which could be invested offshore every year you keep your money in a bank.
Investing capital also gives you much better access to your money than saving it, while there’s the added bonus of having the flexibility to shop around for the best deals for you on a regular basis.
Some see investing as a risky game, but there’s actually a really high level of safety and security when you get the right advice. And, of course, there’s the potential for massive growth which any investor is looking for, both in the short and long term.
To find out more about the investments that might be right for you and how I-AMG can provide financial advice for expats around the globe, contact us today for a friendly chat.
Lump sum collective investments
A ‘collective’ investment is a medium to long-term investment which gives you access to a range of funds from many different areas such as shares, property, equities and government/corporate bonds.
It works by pooling your money with the cash of other investors, so that a fund is created. The fund can be designed for income, capital growth or a mix of both and is usually regulated by independent auditors.
We’re connected with specialist teams that manage these types of fund. They buy and sell individual proponents of the fund on an almost daily basis and use their expertise to aim for specific targets.
Regular Savings
Probably the most effective way of building up capital is by saving money on a regular basis.
Saving for the future is essential for everybody and whether it is saving for a deposit on a house or investing in your children’s future, there are plans bespoke to each individual.
There are many key factors when creating a Regular Savings Plan that are specific to the individual’s requirements.
We look towards products that offer flexibility in a world where we never know what tomorrow may bring.
There are many schemes available, administered from recognized offshore financial centres with a well-developed regulatory system and favorable tax environment. Our consultants will advise on the design and structure of these schemes and will illustrate those that are most suitable for each client’s personal financial requirement.
One advantage of using a Regular Savings vehicle is that investors are not reliant upon market timing, but what is referred to as of “Dollar-Cost-Averaging”.
“Dollar-Cost-Averaging” does not involve trying to time the market but you invest a set amount on a regular basis over time and in various market conditions.
Another factor of Regular Savings vehicles is the ability to compound interest and when you take into account monthly compounded interest, this is an excellent add-on to the overall interest and growth potential.
Offshore bonds
Investing in bonds that are provided by life insurance companies comes with a number of benefits.
With this type of bond, all administration of the funds is collated in one place. Life companies are able to purchase funds at a greatly reduced cost.
They also have more capability to mitigate some taxes, for example Capital Gains Tax when you transfer between collectives, or Inheritance Tax.
Offshore Pensions
When you become an expat, you can potentially use your offshore status to capitalise on your pension fund and any other benefits you may be entitled to.
If you already have a pension and you’re not planning to go home before you become eligible to draw your pension, your expat status grants you eligibility for some unique opportunities, such as nil tax on your assets and a tax-free lump sum of up to 30%.
Find out more about offshore pensions or speak to one of our advisors to find out about pension transfer.
Offshore bank account
When you become an expat, you need to be able to manage your finances at home and abroad.
As well as keeping your bank account open in your home country, it is a good idea to open an offshore bank account to ensure you have a safe place to deposit your funds, giving you easy access to your currency, at home and overseas.
Rather than trawling the internet with searches of offshore banking Switzerland, we can take care of it for you.
We have links to three main offshore jurisdictions, including the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, all of which are fully regulated with global access, inheritance free and government protected.
We offer you all the support you need to help you manage your finances and understand tax regulations.
Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
As a British expat, you can transfer your pension pot to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme, tax-free up to £1 million.
For British expats residing abroad, UK pension pot transfers to QROPS are a viable option because they are protected with a ‘double taxation treaty’, meaning transfers won’t be hit with a 25% tax charge.
How it works:
Who qualifies?
Which pensions can be transferred to QROPS?
Providing you fit the QROPS criteria, you can transfer any of the following recognised pensions:
DIY Pensions with SIPPs
If you prefer a ‘do it yourself’ approach to your pension pot, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs).
Unlike traditional personal pensions which limit your investment choice and capability, a SIPP is ideal for investors who wish to diversify their options for greater returns. They are flexible and tax efficient way to save for retirement.
What is a SIPP?
Hw does it work?
Who qualifies?
What can I invest in?
What are the costs?
Qualifying Non-UK Pension Schemes
QNUPS don't have to be registered with HMRC, unlike QROPS and SIPPs.
QNUPS are generally used by non-UK residents, however they are also used by UK residents who wish to hold more esoteric assets in their pension fund or those who have reached their lifetime allowance limit.
Depending on the pension legislation where the scheme is administered, benefits could be taken from as early as age 50. However, 55 is the earliest age if you are UK resident.
In some jurisdictions, a lump sum of up to 30% can be taken. However, in most jurisdictions the maximum amount is 25%.
UK Pension Transfer : Protect your pension pot
Many expats have pensions scattered around the world. As you approach retirement, it’s a good idea to consolidate these pensions, so that you know exactly what you have.
A detailed review of your pension will help you to identify any tax issues and legislation changes that may affect your over-all retirement fund.
By having a greater understanding of your pension options, you’ll also be able to make adjustments such as; avoiding various taxes, choosing to pass it onto beneficiaries tax-free; or getting earlier access to your pension pot. To find out how to transfer your UK pension, speak to one of our advisers.
Helping your money to work harder
It’s important to make the most of your hard earned money, whatever your current financial situation.
By speaking to one of our professional advisers, we can help you to understand your options, and map out a suitable investment plan, regardless of your earning power, age or bank balance.
Our team of professionals operates from a worldwide investment platform which is supported by strong intelligence, in-the-moment market and performance analysis, and has links with eminent partnerships in strong geographic locations around the globe.
We operate on a ‘discretionary management’ basis, whereby you delegate the management of your investments to one of our experts. Based on your risk profile, they will then take one of the following approaches:
I-AMG Portfolio: A pre-approved generic portfolio will be constructed and monitored on a passive basis, with three types to fit the investment style of our clients, Courteous, Balanced and Aggressive.
An assessment with one of our professionals will help us to establish your risk appetite and objectives.
Note: Investments and their income can fall and you may get back less than your original investment. Past performance is NEVER a guarantee for future returns.
Lumpsum Investments
Regular Premium Investments
