The 2013 Finance Act reduced the Standard Pension Fund Threshold for individuals to €2 million, effective from 1st January 2014. While the majority of people will not be effected by this limit, those with a fund in excess of this amount at 1st January 2014 have just a few weeks left to apply for a Personal Fund Threshold (PFT). The …
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Following a regular review of our compliance procedures, we are updating our terms of business document to reflect the following changes: A revised description of our regulatory status as per the Central Banks Handbook of Prudential Requirements for Investment Intermediaries (effective 1 October 2014). A more detailed description of our research methodology & the basis on which we provide advice. …
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Our updated schedule of fees is now available by clicking here.
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The Finance Bill was published on 23rd October 2014, and included a number of proposed changes to the treatment of Approved Minimum Retirement Funds (AMRF’s) and Approved Retirement Funds (ARF’s). Approved Minimum Retirement Funds (AMRF’s) Currently any growth in the value of an AMRF over the initial investment amount can be withdrawn by the client as a taxable distribution. This …
Read MoreAs the 2015 budget proceeds through the Dail this evening, the main points are outlined below. From a pensions perspective, the Minister has confirmed that the pension levy falls to 0.15% next year, and ceases in 2015. Thankfully, tax relief on pension contributions remains at the marginal rate, giving up to 40% relief in 2015. Total expenditure is projected at …
Read MoreJune continued the positive momentum with equities and bonds once again making gains. In June, the MSCI World Equity Index increased by 1.5% while bonds also generated positive returns with the ML over 5 year EMU Govt. Bond Index up 1.6%. From a regional perspective, Japanese equities led the way generating a return of 4.9%, continuing the positive sentiment in …
Read MoreFollowing a recent review of our compliance procedures, we are updating our terms of business document to include the following changes: A more detailed description of our regulatory status as an Independent Broker and Authorised Advisor. Guidance notes on the importance of reviewing your circumstances regularly. An explicit option for our client’s to pay in full for our services by …
Read MoreDecember saw markets finish the year on a positive note with equities increasing further to record another stellar year. Markets had taken a step back up to mid month when finally the Federal Reserve announced the beginning of much anticipated tapering. Markets took comfort from this announcement and rallied to the year end. The MSCI World Equity Index increased by …
Read MoreGlobal equities fell for the first month in eight after the Federal Reserve reiterated it was mulling tighter monetary policy. Chairman Ben Bernanke said the US central bank was poised to cut bond purchases. Laying out a path for reining in policy, the central bank chief said ‘Quantitative Easing’ could end by the middle of 2014 when unemployment is around …
Read MoreTwo important changes to pensions were passed into law in the Finance Act last week. Each are covered below. 1. Access to AVC’s Members of occupational pension schemes can now access up to 30% of their Additional Voluntary Contributions pre-retirement. Tax at 41% will be deducted from such withdrawals. This is a welcome route for members to access some cash …
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