In the current quarterly update, we delve into the following topics: As the global struggle against inflation intensifies, resulting in elevated interest rates, the economic panorama has grown notably intricate. Many regions are encountering a deceleration in growth,...
As the world moves towards post-Covid recovery, the focus is shifting towards combating inflation and ensuring economic resilience. Central banks are facing a delicate balancing act between addressing inflationary pressures while avoiding pushing their economies into...
On the 15th March 2023 the Chancellor announced that the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) on UK pension funds will be abolished from April 2024. The Lifetime Allowance tax charge has been removed from the 6th April 2023. The Chancellor also announced an increase in the Annual...
Legislation in the UK will be introduced in the Finance Bill 2021-22 to provide a framework of protections and increase the normal minimum pension age (NMPA) from age 55 to 57 from 6 April 2028. This measure would increase the NMPA, which is the minimum age at which...
From 30 November 2021 the UK Pension Regulator is requiring UK pension trustees and scheme managers ensure specific checks are made before complying with a member’s request to transfer their pension. Specifically pension members who wish to transfer their...
The 2021 Retirement Expenditure Guideline study undertaken by Massey University is designed to assist pre-retirement New Zealanders make financial plans for retirement. The report says the average retired household continues to spend in excess of NZ Superannuation,...
Immigrants to New Zealand and returning Kiwis who have spent a large portion of their working lives overseas will have to wait longer to qualify for NZ Superannuation. The New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill 2021 changes...
In 2016 the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) made it compulsory when transferring a Defined Benefit scheme with a transfer value of over £30,000 to obtain advice from a FCA regulated adviser prior to transfer. In order to give this advice the FCA adviser needs to...
It can be argued that ethical investing dates back to at least 1758 when the Quakers ruled out investing in the slave trade. While there have been ethical screening funds around for more than two decades, socially responsible or sustainable funds have only been around...
The fourth Russell Investments ‘Value of an adviser’ report found preventing behavioural mistakes, advising on asset allocation, optimising cash holdings, tax-effective investing and planning, and expert knowledge were the key benefits of using an adviser....
