Following the success of previous topical coverage, Guernsey Finance has announced that
it plans to reexamine Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) at ‘masterclasses’
to be held in Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham, in the United Kingdom, in September
and October.
Peter Niven, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance – the promotional agency
for the island’s finance industry, said: “Our two seminars in London
were extremely well attended and we received very positive feedback from delegates
who showed a real thirst for knowledge on the subject. Now we’re looking
to build on these by rolling out similar seminars across other key financial
centres in the UK where we believe there is latent demand for quality information.”
“We’ll have a panel of experts on hand at each event to take the
audience right through from the foundation stages to the very latest thinking
on QROPS such as recent developments like the introduction of QNUPS. They will
be tackling a wide range of issues, including some of the common myths associated
with these pension schemes and of course there will be a chance for the audience
to have their questions answered by Guernsey and UK practitioners.”
The event will include an update on the work by the Guernsey Association of
Pensions Providers (GAPP) to establish a code of practice for its members. A
working group is in the process of drafting guidelines and it is hoped that
a draft will be issued to GAPP members for consultation around the time of the
autumn seminar series.
Panellists at the events will include Richard Green, the Deputy Director of
Income Tax for the States of Guernsey; Adrian Howe, the Pensions Director at
Marlborough Pension Trustees, and Stuart Place, the Marketing Director of Argyll
Investment Services.
Also joining the sessions will be Richard Garrod, formerly Head of Tax in Manchester
at accountancy firm Mazars and now a Director of financial services firm Confiance
in Guernsey; Jo Summers, Director at the London-based PWT Advice; and Liz Hinchliffe,
Pensions Technical Manager at Pinsent Masons LLP.
Niven added: “Since the introduction of the QROPS regime in 2006 Guernsey
has become the leading jurisdiction providing this product. A key reason is
the security that Guernsey offers – we continue to be proactive in ensuring
that our schemes retain approval by HMRC.”
“This strong relationship with HMRC is backed up by the advantages offered
by Guernsey schemes, such as the flexibility in tax planning, investment choice
and benefit drawdown, as well as the experience and expertise of service providers
and the island’s reputation for legislation and regulation of the highest
standards.”
“Attending this seminar provides a great opportunity to hear from both
Guernsey and UK experts, ask them questions and meet face to face with local
service providers from the island.”
LAWANDTAX-NEWS.COM
