The Spectrum IFA Group & Tour de Finance Seminar Costa del Sol – October 18th 2013
By Charles Hutchinson
This article is published on: 18th October 2013
The Spectrum IFA Group & Currencies Direct held the final Tour de Finance seminar of the season on Friday the 18th October 2013 at the H10 Estepona Palace Hotel on the Costa del Sol, Spain.
The morning comprised various presentations by industry experts and professionals followed by finger food lunch and wines and soft drinks where guests mingled with the presenters and Spectrum staff to discuss questions and personal needs
The following gave presentations:
Jonathan Goodman introduced the seminar with a presentation of the company, who we are, how we do business and where and how we are regulated. Particular emphasis on client concerns and worries and how our top priority is to build a long term relationship with our clients.
Alan Lawrence of Blackrock stressed what worries and concerns investors, how asset returns have altered in both scale and type. Declining bond yields and income equities have shifted the risk profile of both Fixed Interest and Equity assets. The need now to rethink what is low risk and what is high. Where to obtain a reasonable income yield with lowest risk. The dangers of holding cash and how Emerging Markets are an essential part of a portfolio into the future. He ran through various currently recommended BR funds and special emphasis was also made on Gold and its outlook.
Alex Barratt of Currencies Direct showed the guests how using a specialist foreign exchange partner can save you money, both in the exchange rate margins and also in the charges free transfer service they provide, not only in Spain and Europe but all over the world. Of particular interest is that they have made an agreement with a major Spanish bank to provide charges free transfers to and from a client’s account which CD will set up on their behalf.
Andrew Wallace of Prudential International emphasised the strength and history of the company globally, their credit ratings, assets under management and number of clients worldwide. It was unique presentation in the session in that he majored on International Investment Bonds, their value to an investor and the various tax advantages of wrapping one’s investments within them. He then went on to explain the Spanish Compliant Bond and its value to the Spanish resident.
Michael Lodhi, our venerable leader and spiritual guide, repeated what he said at earlier seminars around Europe, viz: Spectrum addresses client concerns for tax efficiency, investment returns, pensions and inheritance tax planning. He highlighted the effects of inflation on essential expenditure and how important it is to regularly review your investments to ensure their constant effectiveness. He went on to explain QROPS (transferring your UK based pension abroad) and the importance of taking unbiased advice to see whether it is suitable for all.
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