Managing pensions across borders: Why expat retirement savings are at risk

In today's globalized economy, expatriates – many of whom are South African – face a daunting challenge in managing their pensions across borders. Many are lured by promises of simplified transfers and tax benefits, only to find themselves entangled in a web of opaque fees and legal pitfalls. Recent regulatory actions against firms like Brite Advisors underscore the risks, leaving retirees like Mike Rose stranded without access to their savings. As the expat population grows, so does the urgency for clearer protections and guidelines in navigating this complex financial landscape.

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By Amy Bainbridge and Ainsley Thomson

For the millions of expats who leave pension pots behind as they job-hop through the world's financial hubs, retrieving that money has become a costly experience fraught with peril. 

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