100% withdrawals from NZ QROPS from age 55. Confirmation of the UK rule changes.
An update about potentially good news for members of NZ QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes): greater access to funds leading to the possibility of more flexible investment options. Back in December 2016, we reported on the UK [...]
UK and NZ Pensions News Summary, June-July 2017
The results of the UK general election in early June were a shock to many – not least Prime Minister Theresa May! The various political reasons which led to the delayed opening of Parliament may also have been [...]
Considering a UK pension transfer? 8 questions to ask your financial adviser
The Financial Times reports that UK pension scam losses hit a record high in March. This is based on figures released by City of London police which show that 24 victims lost £8.6 million. The FT goes on [...]
How could the UK snap election affect my pension transfer?
Theresa May's sudden call for a general election on 8th June threw more confusion into an already uncertain political climate. The Chancellor of the Exchequer had made a number of important financial announcements in his Spring Budget only [...]
HMRC introduces 25% tax charge on QROPS transfers
The Chancellor of the Exchequer used his Spring Budget to announce that, with effect from 9th March 2017, pension transfers by UK residents to QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) not in the European Economic Area will be [...]
Beware the scammers! UK government announces ban on pensions cold calling.
As the British government prepares to ban pensions cold calling, GBPensions takes a look at the grievous problem of financial scams, and how members of the public can protect themselves against the investment fraudsters. The team at GBPensions [...]
UK Finance Bill, December 2016. Major changes for overseas pension transfers might be around the corner – and it could be good news!
2016 has been something of a rollercoaster ride in the world of pension transfers, with changes proposed and imposed by the authorities in both Britain and New Zealand. Most recently, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, used his [...]
Journey to NZ Citizenship. Part 3 – So stoked that we did it!
In the third of three blogs, British expat Lizzie Brandon talks about her joy at being accepted as an official New Zealander. On 15th August this year, my husband Sean and I took the final steps on our [...]
Thinking of transferring your British pension to NZ? An important update on those moving goalposts.
In April 2016, GBPensions reported on upcoming changes to New Zealand pension legislation, restricting withdrawal benefits of any UK pension funds that might be transferred under the QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) regime. These proposals would have drastically affected [...]
Journey to NZ Citizenship. Part 2 – Blending in with the locals
In the second of three blogs, British expat Lizzie Brandon considers a few of the quirks of settling in to a new Kiwi life. If you've just made the move from the UK to NZ, I hope you're [...]
Journey to NZ Citizenship. Part 1 – from Bedfordshire to Auckland
Sean and I married in October 2001, and if someone had said to me then that we'd be living anywhere but Bedford, I would've laughed out loud. But life can take strange and unexpected turns… I arrived to [...]
Leave it where it is, move to a SIPP or transfer to a NZ QROPS? Which will you choose for your British pension?
Since HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs) introduced Pensions "A" Day (6th April 2006), NZ residents have had two main options when it comes to transferring their UK pension. Having weighed up the pros & cons, they can [...]