British Expatriates
Maintaining Control of your UK pension from abroad
Residency can have a significant impact on UK-held assets, what is available to you as an expatriate — and what's potentially at risk if nothing is done.
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Many expatriates are unaware of just how restrictive UK pension providers can become upon discovering a client’s non-resident status and what challenges it can present:
72% of SIPP providers don't accept non-UK residents
43% immediately freeze accounts and cease advisory support upon discovering non-residency—potentially forcing unauthorized withdrawals that can trigger penalties of up to 55%.
Most UK pension trustees lack the expertise to handle cross-border complexities and aren't legally licensed to offer advice to non-residents
Defined benefit plans pose their own set of risks. Over 1,400 UK schemes are currently underfunded, with a combined deficit of £25.6 billion. Even if no changes are planned, requesting your free annual transfer valuation—which schemes are required to provide—is a sensible step toward staying informed.
Solutions Based on Where You Live
Loadstone are able to offer solutions tailored to your specific country of residence. In countries where HMRC permits, pensions can be transferred into a QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme). Where QROPS transfers aren’t allowed, we use International SIPPs—HMRC-registered structures specifically designed to meet cross-border requirements.
For US residents, however, the challenge is a little more complex. Few providers offer SIPPs that align with both US and UK tax requirements—and fewer still combine SEC-licensed advice with
HMRC-registered pension structures. Choosing the right firm and structure is crucial, as effective management depends on understanding how the two systems interact and keeping your pension compliant in both.
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Loadstone is one of the few firms that meet these requirements. We assist with restructuring your assets, provide ongoing management aligned with your global financial goals, and handle the necessary reporting—such as FATCA or 1099 filings—where applicable.
Beyond pensions, we also offer solutions to receive and manage other UK-based assets, including ISAs and other UK-based savings and investment plans. These are structured to align with your new tax residency and access needs, helping bring everything together under one roof.
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To discuss your UK pension or other UK based assets with an advisor, please get in touch. Alternatively, to learn more, feel free to download one of our guides below.
