An overview of International Pension Plans (IPP’s) One of the most important aspects of financial planning is ensuring the passing on of wealth to a spouse, family and future generations on one’s demise. However, this is one area of financial planning that can become very complex when the deceased person’s assets or accounts are in different countries, and this is

A death benefit from a pension – including a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) or a Qualifying Non-UK Pension Scheme (QNUPS) – becomes subject to income tax in the hands of a UK beneficiary if the deceased member was over the age of 75. Moreover, the rate of tax can be as high as

In a globalised world, people are more transient than ever, and the role that international pensions are playing to accumulate and safeguard wealth, whilst providing efficient income and ensuring succession, has risen significantly over the last 15 years. This rise is in part due to the cross-border recognition of foreign pensions from a legislative perspective, the ability to transfer pensions

In today’s volatile financial environment, many individuals are seeking ways to safeguard their savings from political instability whilst wanting access to global financial markets and hard currency. International pension funds are becoming more sought after, particularly for South Africans, as they provide a simple and easy-to-understand, yet powerful option to ensure financial security and peace of mind. “Contributing to an

As global financial markets evolve, South African investors are increasingly drawn to opportunities beyond their borders, seeking diverse portfolios and protection against currency risks. Foreign pensions, in particular, offer a pathway to internationalise future wealth and secure assets across jurisdictions. “For South Africans considering retirement abroad, understanding foreign pensions is key to a successful, compliant financial strategy and future,” explains

In a recent webinar with the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, Rex Cowley, the Director and Co-Founder of Overseas Trust and Pension, shared valuable insights on the transformative impact of behavioural theory on financial planning and considered some emerging trends in South Africa. He highlighted the combined influence of clients’ socioeconomic backgrounds and personal worldviews on their financial decisions,

The trend of South Africans seeking new opportunities abroad has been on the rise, with many relocating to countries like Portugal, New Zealand, the US, the UK and Australia. This growing phenomenon highlights both challenges and opportunities for Financial Planners to adapt their strategies to the evolving landscape of international mobility. Recent statistics reveal the scale of this migration: approximately

South Africans looking to diversify their assets or hedge against currency volatility by investing offshore need to be cognisant of the complexity they may inadvertently be creating for themselves and their families when holding assets cross-border. Whether they are looking to access hard currency in the form of dollars, euros or pounds, buy property or take advantage of investment opportunities

Exploring the socioeconomic dynamics that are changing how South Africans are organising their wealth, employment and families. Research corroborated via multiple domestic and international authoritative sources – including SARS, the SARB, DTIC, IEASA, SAICA, the OECD, World Bank, New World Emigration, Henley & Partners, and HSBC – reveals how wealthier South Africans are globalising their affairs, which far exceeds simply

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, many parents look beyond domestic borders to ensure brighter futures for their children. Several are turning to international education, travel, and second homes to preserve and expand their wealth while enhancing opportunities. To shed light on this evolving trend and offer insights into strategic financial planning, Rex Cowley, Director and Co-founder of Overseas Trust