Charlie Smith
DESPITE Britain’s imminent departure from the EU, Spain is still an expat destination of choice for many Brits.
The lifestyle, the climate, the culture – they all play a part in making Spain a unique and desirable place that stirs hearts and minds.
Even with the spectre of Brexit looming, the influx of newcomers has anything but dwindled if you go by the recent growth of British expats on the official padron.
However, newcomers, as well as long-established expats, are realising that getting their financial affairs in order is a priority right now.
As one of the leading wealth management companies in Spain, and with offices in Barcelona, the Costa Blanca, the Costa Cálida, and the Costa Del Sol, Blacktower is able to provide expats with the trusted financial solutions they need.
So, with the EU landscape changing around us, we have put the infrastructure in place to ensure we can offer full assistance to our existing clients and the new clients who are continually being referred to us through local communities.
And it’s not just the British we assist. Nationals from around the EU, including France, Holland and Scandinavia, as well as quite a few from South Africa and the USA, are signing up to work with us.
We pride ourselves on having multi-lingual members who, in almost all cases, are expats themselves, so their understanding of expat life has been built through personal knowledge of their region, and they can offer advice and recommendations in a language our clients will understand.
The tax system in Spain can still be favourable for expats, providing professional and accurate advice is given enabling growth potential of capital, assets and investments.
It is our core mission to understand our clients’ financial situations fully, so when you come to Blacktower we provide a full review of your financial circumstances, while also gaining an understanding of your needs and long-term goals.
Clarity, transparency and trust are key
Excellence in communication is at the forefront of our service philosophy – we believe that speaking with clarity and transparency is one of the most important things we can do to help clients make the most of our services and to assist them in the most effective way.
Many people feel the financial services industry is rife with complication, contradiction and mystification – we believe this doesn’t need to be the case, so we base the ethos of our service provision on simplicity, suitability and trust.
“Spain offers much opportunity for investors and retirement planners who are seeking the best for their wealth. Having lived and worked in Spain for over a decade, I have witnessed first hand numerous, dramatic changes and therefore appreciate how it is now more important than ever to be able to offer our clients services they can trust. We pride ourselves on working with our clients, for our clients and in ensuring they are our number one priority.”
Tim Govaerts, Associate Director in Spain
Our expertise and holistic attitude to wealth management means we don’t ever apply a one-size-fits-all approach to our clients’ needs.
We know that listening carefully and developing strong relationships are the best ways to offer the most appropriate advice.
Alongside helping expats to settle in and understand Spain’s legal system in relation to tax and finances, we also look at how residency status can impact upon investments, estate planning and pensions.
Our clients are able to benefit from unique investment opportunities through the Nexus Portfolio Range: three expertly managed portfolios, all carefully designed and fully regulated to provide diversified, highly liquid investment opportunities.
The portfolios make the most of global markets, including rising prospects, and are managed by a British asset management company with more than 200 years of experience to provide robust risk management and active investment management.
Security and regulation
Client protection is another of our key mantras for service provision: Blacktower is highly regulated in all the jurisdictions we work in, we hold relevant licences, and all our advisers are highly qualified and accomplished in their relevant fields.
We hold key skill sets which help our clients achieve their goals, and the more we increase our client base, the more we broaden our expertise. Expansion means we win and our clients win. It’s a very positive situation to be in.
With Brexit looming, we have seen understandable apprehension and anxiety among new and established expats alike.
“It is really rewarding to be able to help clients achieve their goals and, as Blacktower’s experience spans more than 30 years, we have been through good times, bad times and upheavals of all sorts. We understand how volatile the markets can be, but our independent outlook means we can work to smooth out the bumpy times for our clients.”
Christina Brady, Associate Director in Spain
This is natural and we have been spreading the message that – even though no one can possibly identify the final effects of Brexit – putting financial matters in place sooner rather than later will be in your best interests.
It might explain why increasing numbers of expats are coming to us from across Spain to ensure they are as prepared as possible.
It’s obvious however, that there will be challenges ahead, but at Blacktower we have worked hard to ensure we are as Brexit-proof as possible.
Our continued expansion means we can help more clients who need our dedicated services, and we are currently growing our teams around the regions to maintain our levels of service for everyone who wants and needs assistance with their wealth management in Spain.
Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd has been established for over 32 years and has worked with clients through the good and the bad times offering sound, independent financial advice. We will be by your side both now and in the future.
We know you have a choice about who helps you look after your financial security. Blacktower represents a strong, trusted and progressive choice in Spain.
The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain
