Finances designed for people living and working abroad

Some of the questions you may be asking are:


• How easy is it to open a bank account that is tailored for my situation?


• How can I get immediate access to my cash across the world?


• Does my local bank understand the issues that face me now? For example, how to move money across the world?


• Is my money secure? Is it safe from political or economic problems that could decrease the value of currency?


• Where do I get reliable independent advice on how to maximise returns on my money?


• Am I minimising the amount of tax I pay on savings and investments?


• How do I find out about the tax system in a new country?


• What financial advantages can I benefit from now that I'm living or working abroad?


• Does my bank have language or cultural problems in helping me?


• Do I have round the clock access in the currency of my choice?


• Do I have to open a new bank account with all the subsequent admin problems every time I move?

These could be some of the issues you're facing. So much so, in fact, that there are specialist financial services for people living and working abroad.

You'll find all the answers to all the above questions, and more, in the offshore advantages section below.

What are the advantages of Banking Offshore?
Offshore banking can present solutions to many of the issues facing people living and working abroad, providing a range of 'hassle-free' products and services designed specially for them.

With expats often needing to move their lives and their finances around the world, offshore banking can help to ease the transition to a new country, company, culture and financial system.

No matter where in the world customers are located, offshore banking can offer a global service that is always close at hand.

Instant access and availability are important to people living and working abroad, as you are constantly 'on the move'. Account information needs to be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Automated telephone and internet banking services are pre-requisites together with a website offering a comprehensive range of product and service information plus financial and lifestyle tools.

Current Accounts
Interest bearing current accounts, which provide a flexible and secure foundation for offshore finances are available in a variety of currencies e.g. Sterling, US dollars and Euro. These are a basic necessity for day to day banking.

Debit Cards
Internationally accepted debit cards, available in sterling and US dollars and with global payment and cash withdrawal facilities, provide easy access to cash, wherever in the world you might be.

Savings Accounts
Offshore banking offers an extensive range of savings accounts in a variety of major currencies. Instant access, notice and fixed term deposit accounts pay attractive interest rates which increase with the size of the deposit so that you're able to enjoy the highest qualifying rate on the whole balance.

Investment Advice
Specialist teams of financial advisers can offer a wide range of investment, property, and retirement planning solutions. Qualified professionals give genuinely independent and impartial financial guidance, selecting all products on strict performance criteria.

Mortgages in Sterling and Foreign Currency
You don't have to live in the UK, to buy in the UK. For those who are house hunting and require a mortgage facility, a range of schemes is available for property purchases in the UK, either as a primary home, second home or to rent out or live in.

Property purchases in France can also be arranged. Foreign currency mortgages are also available, allowing you to make repayments in a range of currencies.

Insurance
A variety of schemes are available, which can be tailored to meet the needs of you and your family.

Credit Cards
A choice of sterling credit cards are available, all offering convenience and financial flexibility. With interest free periods available, these cards can help you make the most of your money.

Internet and Telephone Banking
Internet and Telephone banking enables you to take control of your finances from the comfort of your own home or your workplace. Ability to check account balances, send payments worldwide, transfer money between accounts, check credit card transactions and set up regular payments are a must, together with the support of a professional and experienced team of staff round the clock, on hand to offer assistance if required.

Tax advice
Regular financial reviews plus suggestions on how to exploit the possible tax benefits not only whilst abroad, but also prior to moving away and upon returning home. A tax advisory service, brochures, tax planning tools and country guides all help to take the mystery out of tax matters.

Offshore Investing - What's in it for your money?

• The possibility of significant tax savings

• Competitive returns

• Diverse range of investments

• Access to the world's major markets

• Security and confidentiality

Investment choices
Capital protected income generating capital growth. The offshore market can offer whatever your money needs.

There is a huge selection of investment products available in the offshore market place. When making a decision about where to invest and how, it is often useful to first establish how risk averse you are - and then select an appropriate investment portfolio.

So, for a life less ordinary and a world of possibilities, we're with you all the way.