Published On: March 5, 2019|5.8 min read|What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when it comes to your pension?
All too often the reality is, and much is the case with many of the individuals I work with, that planning for our financial futures is being put on [...]
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Published On: March 5, 2019|2.7 min read|Retirement nest eggs
One of the wonderful things about living in Dubai is that it’s a cultural melting pot. The UAE provides exposure to new people, traditions and experiences on a daily [...]
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Published On: March 5, 2019|5 min read|Pension Transfers in Dubai
and the UAE– ALL YOU NEED TO KNOWThe FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) requires firms advising on pension transfers to have specific permission for advising on pension transfers and opt-outs.If [...]
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Published On: April 10, 2018|7.3 min read|QROPS for expats. FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is a QROPS? A QROPS is a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme. For an overseas scheme to be deemed as such, it must satisfy criteria stipulated by HMRC. [...]
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Published On: April 10, 2018|8.3 min read|Pension transfers for expats – FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is a pension transfer?A pension transfer is the process of transferring – ie switching or changing the contributons made from one pension scheme to another. Or by exhanging your future [...]
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Published On: April 8, 2018|3.8 min read|Should you consider a spousal bypass trust for your pension?
The death benefits of a pension fund can in most cases be passed to loved ones, via an “expression of wishes” form. Under the flexi access pension rules, funds [...]
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Published On: April 1, 2018|2.1 min read|Would you take a slice of the pie?
A Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) exercise involves offering defined benefit (DB) scheme members the choice of exchanging future annual increases on their pensions in retirement, for a one-off immediate [...]
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Published On: March 10, 2018|2.1 min read|Want to avoid extra taxes on your pension? Read this now!
The UK Lifetime allowance is the total value of pension savings that can be accumulated without a tax charge. We have previously seen the lifetime allowance fall from 1.8 [...]
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Published On: March 9, 2018|11 min read|What is a SIPP? Frequently asked questions
What is a SIPP?A SIPP is an acronym for a Self Invested Personal Pension. It is a UK government approved pension scheme, sometimes referred to as a pension wrapper. A [...]
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Published On: March 9, 2018|5.2 min read|Pensions and divorce
The law surrounding pensions and divorce is extremely complicated and although you and your ex-partner can agree to offset your pension without a court order this may not be [...]
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Published On: March 5, 2018|4.1 min read|Are you a British expat? How to maintain your national insurance contributions.
Did you know that you can top up your state pension whilst living abroad? The State Pension changed on 6 April 2016. If you reach State Pension age on or [...]
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Published On: March 3, 2018|2.7 min read|Thinking of transferring your pension? How will your transfer value be calculated?
Members of final salary pension schemes who have not yet retired can generally give up their pension rights under the scheme in exchange for a lump sum. This lump [...]
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Published On: March 5, 2017|3.4 min read|Enhanced lifetime allowance for individuals residing overseas
The lifetime allowance for most people is £1,073,100 in the tax year 2020-221.It applies to the total of all the pensions you have, including the value of pensions promised [...]
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Published On: March 11, 2015|2.2 min read|The new lifetime allowance and how to protect your pension from additional taxes
The standard pensions lifetime allowance, also known as the LTA, is once again being reduced. The LTA is the total value of pension savings that can be accumulated without [...]
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Published On: March 10, 2015|5.3 min read|A comparison of final salary schemes and QROP’S. What should you consider
Below I look at some of the benefits, whilst comparing QROPS to UK Defined Benefit schemes.A defined benefit scheme, better known as a final salary scheme, is the most generous and secure [...]
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Published On: March 10, 2015|2.1 min read|British expats and maintaining your national insurance contributions
Client’s often ask me what is the process for maintaining National Insurance contributions whilst living abroad. It is important that British expats understand the rules in relation to their [...]
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Published On: March 9, 2015|2.9 min read|Are you heading for a big tax bill on your pension? If so you need to act fast!
Forthcoming changes to the taxation of pension savings could cost you dearly if you are amassing contributions through either a Defined Benefit or a Defined contribution scheme. We all [...]
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Published On: March 3, 2015|2.3 min read|Know your limits. Are you in excess of the lifetime allowance on your pension?
We have seen the cap on pensions savings decrease year after year. The cap in the 2011/12 tax year was £1.8m, falling to £1.5m for the tax year beginning [...]
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People Ask:
Who is Jessica Cook?Jess Cook2025-10-03T09:35:34+00:00
I’m a Chartered Member of the CISI and Partner at AES International, featured in the Times Guide to the UK’s Top-Rated Financial Advisers. I specialise in international financial planning and cross-border wealth management.
What kind of clients do you work with?Jess Cook2025-10-03T09:36:03+00:00
I work with UK residents and internationally mobile professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who need expert guidance on structuring, protecting, and growing wealth across borders.
What services do you provide?Jess Cook2025-10-03T09:36:35+00:00
I advise on investment management, cross-border planning, inheritance and estate structuring, and the use of tax-efficient vehicles.
Why work with Jessica Cook at AES International?Jess Cook2025-10-03T09:37:02+00:00
AES International is a Corporate Chartered firm, recognised for delivering evidence-based, fee-based financial advice. My approach combines integrity, discipline, and global expertise to help clients live well today while securing tomorrow.
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