AES International Wealth Management & Employee Benefits Blog

One afternoon, I received a message from an investor on LinkedIn.

He was concerned that his portfolio wasn't performing.

He didn't understand why, considering his investments were "capital guaranteed" and "inflation beating".

Could he have been sold a typically risky investment?

One that you, as an expat investor, might have been sold too?

I deal with a lot of investors who not only want help to grow and preserve their wealth...

But distribute it to their families too.

The latter part of financial planning is particularly important as family wealth can drastically decline across generations.

In fact, many family fortunes rarely make it to the third generation.

Which means your wealth most likely won't reach your grandchildren.

But that's only if you don't plan properly.

Science has changed every aspect of our lives...

Including how we communicate, travel, shop and even invest.

And the technology keeps improving.

In the financial world, those who don't keep up, often fall behind.

And sell their clients short.

Here's why.

If you follow me on social media or keep up with my blogs...

You'll know I often talk about the dangers of structured products.

My stance frequently riles up investors and financial advisers who "firmly believe" in their benefits.

But these people are wrong.

The risks that come with structured products far outweigh their benefits.

Let me explain...

We all know there's a lot of uncertainty in the world.

Events like Brexit and the US-China trade war have affected economies and markets which, in turn, have created panicked investors.

Almost daily, we're asked the same questions.

In case, you have similar concerns of your own...

Here are the answers to help put your mind at ease.

Expats are saving less this year.

According to a recent survey...

49% of expats in the UAE save 5% or less of their salaries.

Only 16% have set retirement planning as a financial priority.

This is not unique to the UAE only.

Expats around the world are finding that despite higher salaries...

It's becoming harder to put their hard-earned money away.

Here's why...

That’s it.

The end of one of the UK's most well-known ‘star manager’ funds is nigh.

Back in June, Woodford’s Equity Income fund was closed to withdrawals.

The goal was to sell off the least liquid parts, and re-open at a later date.

But yesterday, the decision was made.

The fund will shut down, permanently.

The vast number of retail investors will not get any money back until mid-January.

(At the earliest.)

So, what happens now?

Brexit has everyone in a tailspin.

UK nationals living in other countries feel especially vulnerable. 

The uncertainty regarding their futures…

Not to mention UK pensions and investments…

Hangs heavy over them.

Sound familiar?