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SEC Proposes Improved Information for Annuity and Life Insurance Contracts

However, there is still time for the proposals to be altered as the SEC is asking investors for feedback, just as it did prior to 2009 when it moved to give investors in mutual funds more exhaustive prospectuses as well as access to online information regarding contracts. The feedback process will end in February 2019.

“This proposal is another important step in the Commission’s efforts to provide Main Street investors with better information to make informed investment decisions” commented SEC chairman Jay Clayton in a press release.

“I have participated in many roundtables with retail investors over the last several months, and investors have emphasized their preference for clear and concise disclosure.

“Providing key summary information about variable annuities and variable life insurance contracts to investors is particularly important in light of the long-term nature of these contracts and their potential complexity,” Clayton added.

The move towards improved information and transparency in relation to variable annuity and life insurance contracts is undoubtedly good news for retirement savers, as these are popular products that form an essential part of countless retirement investment portfolios.

Making your money work for you, wherever you are

Blacktower is committed to helping its clients reach their retirement goals.

Our US office has particular expertise in planning and managing the wealth of foreign nationals and dual citizens in the US. Our expertise is especially useful in helping devise retirement plans that work towards the best possible tax efficiency for all of the following vehicles:

  • IRAs
  • 401ks
  • 403b
  • Defined benefit plans

Ensuring you have the right retirement plan in place requires the right strategy, patience, time, knowledge and expertise.

Blacktower (US) LLC can help you optimise the efficiency of your retirement and pension plans, while also ensuring compliance with the rules of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Contact us today for more information.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Investment advice and investment advisory services offered and provided through Blacktower Financial Management US, LLC. This communication is for informational purposes only based on our understanding of current legislation and practices which are subject to change and are not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, tax advice, tax recommendations, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Act Fast on FAST Act

Anyone with a financial interest in the United States needs to be sure that they have their wealth management and tax obligations firmly in order following the Internal Revenue Service’s introduction in February of a scheme that prevents Americans from travelling abroad if they have unpaid taxes.

The move brings into operation 2016’s ‘‘Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act” (FAST) which gives the State Department the power to refuse or revoke a passport in the case of individuals who owe more than $50,000 in federal taxes.

There are also concerns that the law has the potential to unfairly impact American expats who live abroad, particularly in cases where the IRS is acting on incorrect or outdated information. For example, an expat may return to the US and have his passport revoked and be unable to return to his family and job abroad unless he can either pay his outstanding liability or prove that the IRS is wrong.

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Health Savings Accounts and Expatriation

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are an attractive and popular complement to the retirement plans of an increasing number of Americans. The Employment Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reports that around 3 in 10 employees in the US are enrolled in HSA-eligible health plans.*

Although an HSA is not a retirement account per se, they are frequently a component of a retirement saving strategy as they can be used to cover qualifying healthcare expenses while also offering tax-friendly advantages, particularly if the account holder is able to compound the account’s balance over years.

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