Help centre
Everything you need to know about the introduction process, eligibility, and our specialist network.
Process
How does the introduction process work?
We gather information about your situation and financial goals, then match you with a specialist from our network who has direct experience with expats in your jurisdiction. The introduction is personal - we don't send your details to multiple advisers at once.
How long does it take to receive an introduction?
Typically 2–5 working days from submitting your enquiry. Complex situations (multiple jurisdictions, business ownership) may take a little longer as we identify the right specialist.
Is there any cost to request an introduction?
There is no fee to use our introduction service. Our specialists pay a referral fee if an engagement proceeds - you pay nothing to receive the introduction.
What happens after the introduction?
You take the conversation directly with the specialist. We step back once the introduction is made. Any ongoing engagement is between you and the adviser - we are not a party to any advice relationship.
Can I request more than one introduction?
Yes. If the initial match is not the right fit, let us know and we will find an alternative specialist from our network.
Compliance
Who is eligible to use the service?
We work with internationally mobile individuals - expats, overseas professionals, and cross-border families who need financial guidance connected to their specific jurisdiction. We do not provide introductions to UK residents.
Why are UK residents not eligible?
Our specialist network focuses on cross-border and expatriate financial situations. UK residents have access to a well-regulated domestic financial advice market and are outside our service scope.
Do you provide financial advice?
No. We are an introduction service - we connect you with regulated financial specialists. Any advice you receive comes from the specialist, not from us, and is subject to their regulatory obligations.
Are the specialists in your network regulated?
Yes. We only work with specialists who hold appropriate regulatory authorisation in their jurisdiction. We verify regulatory status as part of our vetting process.
What countries do you not serve?
We do not accept enquiries from UK residents or from individuals based in countries subject to international sanctions or financial restrictions. These restrictions are applied at submission.
Specialists
What types of financial planning do your specialists cover?
Our network covers pensions and retirement planning (including QROPS and international pension transfers), investment portfolio management, tax residency planning, currency and FX strategy, protection and life cover, and estate and inheritance planning across jurisdictions.
Can I request a specialist in a specific country?
Yes. When you submit your enquiry, you can specify your current country of residence and any other relevant jurisdictions. We match accordingly.
Do your specialists work with specific expat communities?
Many of our specialists focus on specific communities or corridors - for example, British expats in the UAE, or South Africans in the UK. Tell us your background in the enquiry form and we will find the closest match.
What is QROPS and should I consider it?
QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) allows UK pension holders to transfer their pension to an approved overseas scheme. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances - this is exactly the kind of question a specialist can help you answer.
How do I know the specialist is right for my situation?
We describe the specialist's background, jurisdiction expertise, and typical client profile when we make the introduction. You are under no obligation to proceed after the initial meeting.
Pensions
What is a SIPP and why does it matter for expats?
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a UK pension wrapper that gives you control over where your retirement savings are invested. For expats, a SIPP can be particularly useful because it can hold a wide range of assets, can consolidate multiple old UK workplace pensions, and - unlike a workplace scheme - it stays yours regardless of where in the world you live. Whether a SIPP is appropriate for your situation depends on factors including your tax residency, your existing pension arrangements, and your long-term plans - a specialist can help you assess this.
Can I transfer my UK workplace pension to a SIPP while living abroad?
In many cases, yes. Most defined contribution UK workplace pensions can be transferred to a SIPP, whether you are living in Singapore, Dubai, the US, or elsewhere. The key considerations are: whether your current scheme allows transfers, any protected benefits (such as guaranteed annuity rates) you would be giving up, and the tax implications in both the UK and your country of residence. Defined benefit (final salary) scheme transfers require a specialist assessment - and are subject to FCA-regulated advice requirements above £30,000.
What is the difference between a SIPP and QROPS for an expat?
A SIPP remains a UK-registered pension scheme and is subject to UK pension rules, including the Lifetime Allowance and lump sum rules. A QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) is based outside the UK and may allow your pension to be managed under a different jurisdiction's rules - which can be advantageous for some expats in terms of flexibility, currency, and inheritance. The right choice depends on your country of residence, how long you intend to stay there, and your overall financial plan. An Overseas Transfer Charge (25%) may apply to QROPS transfers in certain circumstances. A specialist adviser can model both options for your specific situation.
How do I find my old UK pensions as an expat?
Many expats have lost track of workplace pensions from previous UK employment. You can use the UK government's free Pension Tracing Service (gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details) to locate scheme contact details using your former employer's name. Pharos Introductions can also connect you with a specialist who provides a UK Pension Tracing Service - helping you identify, consolidate, and review old pensions from anywhere in the world.
Are there tax implications when drawing from a SIPP abroad?
Yes - and they vary considerably depending on your country of tax residency. In some jurisdictions, SIPP drawdowns are taxed only in the UK; in others, a double tax treaty may mean they are taxed locally or in both countries. The 25% tax-free lump sum (Pension Commencement Lump Sum) may not be recognised as tax-free in all jurisdictions. Currency risk on sterling-denominated pensions is also a factor for those living outside the UK. This is a complex area where getting specialist advice specific to your jurisdiction is essential.
Definitions
What is a QROPS?
A QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) is an overseas pension scheme that has met HMRC requirements, allowing UK pension holders permanently resident abroad to transfer their UK pension assets overseas. Once transferred, the pension is administered under the host country's rules. HMRC imposes a 25% Overseas Transfer Charge (OTC) on transfers that do not meet the relevant conditions — for example, where the QROPS is not in the same country as the member. Regulated advice is required for any defined benefit pension transfer above £30,000.
What is FBAR and who needs to file it?
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114 — Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) is a US Treasury filing requirement for US citizens, green card holders, and certain US residents who have a financial interest in, or signature authority over, foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. This applies to US persons living abroad and those living in the US with overseas accounts. Failure to file can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. FBAR is separate from, but often overlaps with, FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) reporting obligations.
What is the difference between a financial adviser and an introducer?
A financial adviser is a regulated professional who assesses your situation, recommends specific products or strategies, and is accountable to a regulator (such as the FCA in the UK). An introducer — like Pharos Introductions — connects you with an adviser but does not give advice, make product recommendations, or hold regulatory status that permits it to do so. The regulated advice relationship is solely between you and the specialist. Pharos takes no part in the advice, earns nothing from any advice engagement, and has no ongoing role once the introduction is made.
Can I keep my UK pension if I move abroad permanently?
Yes. You do not have to do anything with your UK pension when you move abroad — it remains in the UK scheme, continues to be subject to UK rules, and will be payable from your scheme's normal pension age regardless of where you live. The key questions are: how will drawdown income be taxed in your country of residence (depending on any double taxation treaty); whether you should transfer to a SIPP for more flexible management; and whether, for long-term non-UK residents, a QROPS transfer might be more appropriate. These are decisions that benefit from regulated specialist advice.