If you’ve moved abroad or are planning to, chances are someone has offered you “offshore financial advice.”

Sometimes it’s a friendly introduction from another expat. Sometimes it’s a slick sales pitch over LinkedIn. And sometimes it’s a professional, regulated adviser genuinely offering sound cross-border financial planning.

The challenge? Knowing which is which.

At Arthur Browns Wealth Management, we often meet clients who have been given offshore advice — but don’t know whether it’s legitimate or not. This guide explains what properly regulated offshore advice looks like, the red flags to avoid, and how to protect your money when living abroad.

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What Does “Offshore” Financial Advice Actually Mean?

“Offshore” simply refers to advice provided or structured outside your home country — typically when you live abroad or hold assets in multiple jurisdictions.

Offshore advice isn’t automatically bad. In fact, for many UK expats, it’s essential. It allows you to:

• Keep or transfer UK pensions while living overseas

• Invest in multiple currencies

• Manage tax efficiently under both UK and local rules

Where things go wrong is when unregulated or commission-driven advisers use the word “offshore” to hide high costs and poor transparency.

So, how can you tell if the adviser you’re dealing with is the real thing?

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Signs of Legitimate Offshore Financial Advice

A trustworthy offshore adviser will always be:

• Regulated in both the UK and the country where you live

• Transparent about fees, charges, and any commissions

• Insured through professional indemnity (so you’re protected if something goes wrong)

• Client-focused, with written suitability reports and risk assessments

For example, firms like ours are authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and hold additional permissions in Europe (under MiFID II) to advise clients abroad.

Legitimate offshore structures may include:

• International SIPPs, such as Novia Global or Utmost Wealth

• Multi-currency portfolios through regulated investment platforms

• Tax-compliant pension transfers, reviewed under UK FCA and local rules

You can learn more about these options on our page about cross-border pension advice.

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The Red Flags of Bad Offshore Advice

Sadly, not everyone operating offshore follows the rules.

If you come across any of the following, take it as a warning sign:

1. No clear regulatory disclosure — Their website doesn’t list who regulates them or provide a licence number.

2. Unusually high returns promised — “Guaranteed 10% annual growth” doesn’t exist.

3. Complex structures — Offshore bonds or pension wrappers you don’t understand.

4. Commission-driven products — You’re told there are “no fees,” but the adviser is being paid a hidden commission.

5. Aggressive sales tactics — “This offer closes this week” or “you’ll lose tax benefits if you don’t act now.”

6. Unclear custody or jurisdiction — You’re not sure where your money actually is, or who legally holds it.

7. Unregulated introducers — Someone “introduces” you to an adviser offshore but won’t tell you who they are or what qualifications they hold.

The FCA’s ScamSmart site is a good place to check warning signs before you engage anyone.

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Real-World Examples

Recent investigations and regulator warnings show how costly unregulated offshore advice can be:

• BBC Panorama has featured several cases of UK expats losing life savings in “offshore pension transfer” schemes promoted by unlicensed advisers. (BBC News – Pension Scams)

• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has repeatedly warned about unregulated introducers targeting expats in Europe. (FCA – Unauthorised firms warning list)

• MoneyHelper, a government-backed site, advises expats to “always check an adviser’s authorisation” before transferring or consolidating pensions. (MoneyHelper Pension Transfers Guide)

These stories highlight one truth: when advice isn’t regulated, you’re on your own if something goes wrong.

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What Does Good Offshore Advice Look Like?

Good offshore advice should feel boring in the best possible way. It’s structured, documented, and focused on your outcomes — not on selling you a product.

Expect:

• A fact-find and risk questionnaire before any recommendations

• A clear explanation of costs and commissions

• An investment proposal backed by regulated providers

• Ongoing reviews, not one-off transactions

Typical costs for good offshore advice:

• Initial advice fees: 1–2% (depending on complexity)

• Ongoing advice fees: 0.5–1% per year

• Platform and fund costs: transparent and disclosed in writing

If your adviser avoids discussing fees, or says “we get paid by the provider,” it’s time to walk away.

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How to Check If an Offshore Adviser Is Regulated

1. Search the FCA Register: https://register.fca.org.uk – for UK-authorised firms.

2. Check local regulators:

   • Portugal – CMVM

   • Spain – CNMV

   • France – ORIAS

3. Confirm cross-border permissions – legitimate firms will hold MiFID passports or local licensing for EU clients.

4. Ask for documentation – regulated firms must provide you with a “regulatory disclosure” or “client agreement.”

You can also review your options for secure, compliant solutions such as an International SIPP.

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The Bottom Line

Not all offshore advisers are the same. Some are highly qualified professionals operating within clear regulations — others are smooth talkers hiding high commissions.

If your adviser can’t tell you who regulates them, or avoids disclosing how they’re paid, stop the conversation there.

At Arthur Browns Wealth Management, we’re regulated in the UK and experienced in advising expats across Europe. We help clients understand their pensions, investments, and tax exposure — clearly and compliantly.

If you’d like a review of your current offshore arrangements or need guidance before making changes, you can speak to an adviser here.

Contact us