The number of British people moving abroad is rising, with about one in 10 British people now living overseas.
Despite its obvious economic difficulties, Spain continues to be one of the most popular destinations for British expatriates, as the laid-back lifestyle and improved transport links with the UK gives it an allure that is hard to resist.
However, setting up residence in a Spanish city, such as Barcelona, involves a great deal of upheaval, both on a personal and practical level, and it’s a sad reality that expats can be particularly vulnerable to poor financial advice.
How to Choose a Financial Adviser
In practical terms, one of the most important things to get right as an expat is your finances, and having the right banking arrangements is a fundamental part of life overseas. Banking services should ideally meet at least two main criteria: flexibility (money should be easy to access and transfer between countries); and financial security (in a reputable bank that complies with international financial regulations and has a solid capital base).
But what other factors should you take into consideration when searching for a Financial Adviser in Barcelona?
- Are they regulated? Do your research, visit websites, and confirm registration with the IFA before choosing an adviser.
- Qualifications: Every nation has different rules relating to how qualified a financial adviser needs to be to gain authorisation, but the UK is a world leader in terms of required qualifications. So if you’re speaking to a British adviser abroad, you can gauge their industry education based on the British qualifications they have.
- Experience: You can ask your adviser how long they’ve been qualified and giving advice, and you can research the brokerage to see how long they’ve been in business.
- Are they independent? Ensure that your adviser is independent rather than tied to one financial institution, so that they are able to advise you on suitable products from the entire financial market place.
- Testimonials: If your IFA is good at their job, they are highly likely to have a list of satisfied clients, from whom you can request a testimonial.
The Spectrum IFA Group
At The Spectrum IFA Group, we provide financial advice to expats on all aspects of living, moving and working in Spain. From calculating the cost of living to choosing a good school for your children, our guides to money management and family finances will help you prepare for the challenges of living and working abroad – so you can make the most of your expat experience.
We provide Insurance Intermediation advice and assist clients in their choice of Investment Management Institution. Mutual respect is earned by working together, looking after your best interests and by adding value to your financial planning through qualifications, experience and enthusiasm.