INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE

The Spectrum IFA Group was founded in 2003 by the three current directors, all of whom have extensive experience in their fields. The group specialises in providing financial planning advice to English speaking expatriates in Europe.

With 43 advisers operating from 11 offices in 6 European Countries, Spectrum is one of the largest advisory firms of its type in Western Europe.

In France, Spectrum has two offices, one in rue Tronchet in Paris and the other in Valbonne in the South of France. Spectrum's 17 French based advisers cover virtually all of France from Normandy; Brittany; Bordeaux; the Dordogne; Languedoc Roussillon; Provence; the Cote d'Azur; the Alps, and Burgundy to Alsace / Lorraine. All the advisers based in France are French resident, as most of their clients are or intend to become.

Spectrum's French company is licensed by the two French Regulatory bodies, ORIAS and the AMF.

Spectrum's financial planning service starts with a "no obligation" consultation followed by a full financial planning report. There is NO CHARGE for either the consultation or the report. In the event a client transacts business via Spectrum a commission is generated and that in turn is how the adviser is rewarded. Spectrum do not charge fees.

Succession (Inheritance) Tax Planning

Most of us want to pass on our wealth to our families with the minimum amount of hassle and perhaps most importantly the minimum in terms of deductions. Succession or Inheritance Tax planning is the most common reason a client wants to talk to a Spectrum IFA Group adviser. In the UK one can give money away to reduce taxes or one can set up a trust to reduce UK IHT. Things become slightly more complicated when one moves abroad. For example, Trusts are not recognised in France and whilst they might provide a solution in the UK there are a number of simple and more cost effective options available for the French or potentially French resident.

Two common solutions:

Assurance Vie - This is an investment, insurance policy that is highly tax efficient in France in respect of tax deferment, income tax and succession tax. In essence this is an investment portfolio "wrapped" in an insurance policy. Those used by the Spectrum IFA Group, whilst fully complying with French rules, are produced in the English language. The role of the Spectrum adviser is to make sure clients understand all the terms and conditions, the tax advantages and to assist with portfolio construction. One of the most important factors is that it is the client who retains control of the assets they have invested.

QROPS - Qualifying, Recognised, Overseas Pensions Schemes. This is the facility that allows someone to make a transfer from a UK pension fund to a recognised foreign equivalent. The main reason people seek to transfer their pension away from the UK is to move the fund into a different inheritance tax environment. QROPS needs very careful consideration and is not suitable for all clients. Spectrum are able to carry out a full pension transfer analysis, advise on all the "pros and cons" and if need be can consult with a pensions actuary to make sure our client fully understand all the implications before proceeding with a transfer.

For more information:

The Spectrum IFA Group (TSG Insurance Services Sarl)
Tel: 0493 000 113
E-mail: info@spectrum-ifa.com
Website: www.spectrum-ifa.com
TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris, France.

« Société de Courtage d'assurances » R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr
« Conseiller en investissements financiers, référencé sous le numéro F000184 par CIF-CGPC, association agréée par l'Autorité des Marchés Financiers