AES International Wealth Management & Employee Benefits Blog

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.

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?

Over the years, many investors have reached out with concern...

Encouraged by certain financial firms or rogue 'advisers' to transfer their pensions.

Understandably, they've been confused and doubtful.

If you've been contacted or have any doubt about whether you should or shouldn't transfer...

I urge you to continue reading.

Understand the implications of transferring before you make any decision.

Remember, your life savings are at risk.

On a recent flight back to Dubai, I got talking to an oil and gas professional named Neil.

After discovering I was in financial services, he was all too eager to share his own experiences with his 'adviser'.

They often met up for a round of golf.

In fact, his 'adviser' became part of his close circle of friends.

During the conversation, I kept biting my tongue.

After years of hearing them...

I knew how stories like these inevitably ended.