Articles

Expat financial advice from the experts

Benefits of an International SIPP

Benefits of an International SIPP

Benefits of an International SIPP

Within this article, we will focus on just the benefits and any disadvantages of an International SIPP. You can find information on a number of related International SIPP articles below.

International SIPP Comparison – How do they differ?

Novia Global International SIPP

Harbour International SIPP

What is an International SIPP – 7 Key questions on the International SIPP 

What does a pension transfer cost?

Want to find out more?

Key Benefits of an International SIPP

Flexible Access – Access your pension pot from age 55. This can be a regular income or on an ad hoc basis.

Management – Allow an ongoing strategy to be implemented via a regulated independent financial adviser in your jurisdiction

Tax Relief – As the SIPP is based in the UK it stills qualifies for tax relief should you return

Extensive Investment Options – Invest in a huge array of assets from direct FTSE 100 company shares to commercial property, government securities, mutual funds and ETF’s

Multi-Currency – Mitigate currency risk by investing and withdrawing in all major currencies. Furthermore, currency conversion can take place all within the SIPP.

Low Cost –  Starting from £0 setup and as low as £180 per annum. Up to 7 times cheaper than a QROPS

Safety & Protection Retains the robust regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority and Financial Services Compensation Scheme

UK Compliant – As held in the UK and regulated by the FCA the SIPP is fully UK complaint. As such, no need to alter anything if returning to the UK

Portability – you can transfer out of the SIPP should your position change and a different product become more suitable

Consolidation – Consolidate 2 or more pension pots allowing one single strategy to be implemented and reducing the overall cost

Receive payments gross of UK Tax – via an NT code and dependant on dual tax treaties in place you can receive your pension payments gross of UK tax

Disadvantages of an International SIPP

Loss of Investment –  If self investing there is always the risk of substantial losses. Utilising an adviser to assist with portfolio allocation if recommended

Lifetime Allowance Limit (LTA)– Additional taxes will be levied over the current LTA of £1.073m of up to 55%.

Hidden Costs – Is your adviser fee-based or commission-based? A full breakdown of the difference including case studies can be found here.

Unnecessary Costs – If you are only living outside of the UK for a short period of time and a return is imminent (i.e 1 – 2 years). It makes no sense to incur the cost of transferring existing pensions and you are better off dealing with it upon your return.

Want to find out more?

See how Harrison Brook's Financial Advisers can help

Get Started