This is the first in a series of articles that are not intended to be a definitive technical reference manual. The aim is to convey the essence of each subject summarised, highlighting the majority of advantages and disadvantages attributable to each type of investment. In this way Private Investors can assess the various plus and minus points of the many investment options available to them. This can be achieved at a leisurely pace without any pressure.

When you have read the information related to your own circumstances, you will be able to easily and quickly structure your own profile in line with your individual investment philosophy. Reading these articles will help you learn more about 'Offshore Investing'.

About UK Regulated Financial Advice

The UK Financial Services Act 1986 laid the foundations for what is arguably the most stringent and robustly regulated financial legislation in the world today.

All UK financial advisers and investment institutions must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Persons that provide financial advice, including homeowner mortgages, must demonstrate their competence by passing the requisite examinations related to the type of financial advice given. Further more, advisers are required to keep up to date with knowledge to demonstrate their 'continuous professional development.

UK financial advisers fall into three main categories:

"Single Tied Agents that represent one investment company

"Multi Tied Agents of a limited number of investment providers

"Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) that have access to the whole market

Advisers are required to provide their full terms of business together with a copy client agreement that must be signed by the client.

Advisers are required to 'know their clients' by obtaining a thorough fact find about the client's circumstances and financial objectives.

Private Investor Protection

There are a number of rigorously enforced complaints procedures that apply to both UK regulated financial advisers and investment/insurance product providers.

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)

The UK FOS deals with all complaints against authorised persons in connection with regulated investment activities. The FOS can award compensation for any loss and/or enforce the respondent to remedy any loss. The maximum compensation is £100,000 plus costs.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

The FSCS is empowered to award compensation in relation to:

Protected deposits- Maximum £ 31,700

Protected investments - Maximum £ 48,000

Long term insurance - Minimum 90 (No Maximum)

Non UK Regulated Investment Institutions

Ask your adviser about the Regulatory procedures and Compensation schemes related to the offshore jurisdictions where non UK based investment companies are located. The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have regulatory and financial protection measures similar to the UK. Other locations in Europe such as Switzerland and Lichtenstein have stringent controls to protect client invested assets. Further a field, the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore to name but a few also have robust investor protection regimes.