August-September 2018

LIFE & FAMILY

TAKE NOTE

Whether you’re new to Hong Kong or just getting around to sorting out your paperwork, we have answers to your burning financial issues, courtesy of SIMON PARFITT of Pyrmont Wealth Management.

An exciting new service is available with the arrival of School Notices Asia. This free-to-post online marketplace helps international school parents raise funds for school initiatives. From brilliant bikes and vital vehicles to hideaway holiday homes, incredible internships and used uniforms, the site is the go-to place to buy, sell, find work or advertisewithin a trusted network. Log on, sign up and start to connect with other parents. schoolnoticesasia.com

“I want to buy a home in the UK; should I arrange the mortgage here or there?” There are mortgage brokers in Hong Kong who can help arrange a mortgage on a UK property. I suggest using an FCA-regulated broker; they can deal with as many lenders as possible and find you the best deal. Sometimes for large mortgages (i.e., over £1m), a specialist broker is required to deal with private banks. Specialist advice can save you thousands of pounds of interest costs too. A will ensures your assets are distributed as you wish when you die. The one from your home country may be suitable for assets there, but due to the probate process you should have a “mirror will” written for any other country you have assets in. In Hong Kong, an important consideration is to have a Deed of Temporary Guardianship to ensure that if something happens to both parents the children will not become wards of the state, and will instead be cared for by people you know and trust. It would be sensible to have your current will reviewed to see if it’s still appropriate. “Is a will important, and do I need a different one in Hong Kong?”

Let the Games Begin Zero Latency, a pioneer of out-of-home, free roam, virtual reality entertainment is coming to Macau. Up to eight players at a time will be able to experience zombie attacks, galaxy space missions and fun family adventures in a 200-square-metre space in Broadway Macau. Macau is the 19th location for Zero Latency worldwide. Minimum age to play is 16 years. zerolatencyvrmacau.com

Simon is regulated by both the HK Confederation of Insurance Brokers (011833) and the Securities and Futures Commission (BGY807). Call 6017 4140, email simonparfitt@pyrmontwm.com or visit pyrmontwm.com.

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