This month saw Le Tour de Finance visit Chateau Val Joanis near Aix-en-Provence and Domaine Gayda near Limoux. As always, the events were well attended, the audiences comprising both familiar faces and first time guests, all gathered to hear invited experts from the world of finance speak about topical issues of relevance to expatriates living in France.
Hosted by The Spectrum IFA Group’s Chris Tagg, the events included presentations and discussion on a wide range of subjects, with extensive interaction between guests and speakers, particularly in relation to Brexit and associated risks and planning opportunities for expats.
Spectrum’s locally based advisers – Victoria Lewis in Aix and Daphne Foulkes in Limoux – spoke about the importance of independent advice, even for the financially aware, and how Spectrum takes an holistic approach to financial planning, identifying for example the most reliable and valuable opportunities for tax efficient savings and inheritance planning in France.
George Forsyth of Prudential International presented on the topic of Assurance Vie, explaining the wide-ranging tax-efficiency of this type of investment and that some international products are fully portable for expats returning to the UK.
Guillaume Tardivat of Currencies Direct outlined how currency specialists offer favourable exchange rates, personalised service and superior on-line account management compared to banks both sides of the Channel.
Robert Walker of Rathbone Investment Management presented Rathbone’s in-house research focussing on a number of potential Brexit outcomes with insight and forecasts for European and UK financial markets. Interesting times ahead.
Jeremy Ferguson offered an update on pension planning opportunities for expatriates in France – mentioning that Brexit and ongoing UK pension reform may reduce scope for transfers from the UK beyond the short term – and emphasised the importance of seeking specialist advice in this technically complex area.
As always, feedback was positive, with much enthusiasm for the revised Question and Answer format and many guests appreciative of the chance to engage directly with the panel of speakers, both during the presentations and more informally afterwards over lunch.
If you weren’t able to join us this time but are interested in any of the subjects mentioned and would welcome a confidential discussion about your financial situation, please contact us through the Spectrum website and one of our advisers, local to you, will be in touch.
