Our favourite holding period is forever. Warren Buffett

The wisdom of this brief observation by the Oracle from Omaha is worth pondering.

Clearly, he was referring to the buying and selling of shares. And, given the recent turmoil on world share markets, this advice is sometimes difficult to follow. But of course, the Oracle’s advice is just as sage when looking at many other forms of investment, such as Pensions and Superannuation funds.

More than most forms of investment, a pension fund is definitively a long term program.

Added to this is the fact that the perils of moving assets can be profound, yet it is not always clear that there is an alternative, especially for business people working abroad.

For professional executives, particularly those working away from their home country, an offshore pension fund in one jurisdiction is the structure that enables assets to stay in one place forever, if need be.

The Global Pensions Group, a bespoke international superannuation and pensions firm, specialises in advising high net worth individuals and corporate groups through excellent solutions.

So how might this work?

A typical example would be a businessperson who is moving from the United Kingdom and so becomes able to restructure his or her employment package to maximise superannuation contributions above what would be allowed in the UK. Employer contributions remain in the fund and are protected against UK inheritance tax.

For instance, James, a senior executive of a British multi-national corporation, is being transferred to Hong Kong. His contract provides for superannuation entitlements by his employer as part of his remuneration package.

For him, a key issue is how to maximise his contribution beyond that allowed in the UK and to protect that asset, including protection from UK inheritance tax.

He has flexibility on both the level of his contribution and how his funds are invested on his behalf.

James knows that Hong Kong will not be his permanent home. What he does need to know is that he can base his superannuation fund in a place such as Singapore or Hong Kong where it is tax-free and, while he moves, his fund stays put.

This gives him flexibility to plan for his retirement, and the ability to draw down on retirement without a tax obligation in most countries.

James is the type of client helped by the Global Pensions Group, which provides clients complete superannuation guidance. Prudent, flexible, tax-efficient and offering peace of mind, it gives tailored, highly credible and calm assistance in these turbulent times.

`Our structure is that we work completely within the retirement policy framework of most OECD countries, tailored to individual needs,’ explains Kelvin Boyd, a director of the Global Pensions Group.

`Moreover, not only do we work within the law, we also act within the intention of the law. No schemes, no loopholes, just sound practical advice.

`We see our work as resembling one side of the coin. On the other side is the establishment and management of the structure for the client, and on the other side is wealth management advice that is chosen by the client. `

Kelvin continues: `By offering asset protection, we reduce vulnerability to a minimum; in other words, protection from risk. We manage the structure and the wealth manager manages the assets within the structure.`

For Australians, ownership of offshore assets consists of Australian superannuation funds, Australian trusts and companies or offshore employer-sponsored superannuation funds.

Those working abroad in regions such as Asia can join the appropriate fund in that jurisdiction and keep their assets there. Depending on need and advantage, they may opt to have their fund in places such as the Hong Kong, Singapore or New Zealand.

Throughout this process, the credibility of the Global Pensions Group is paramount. Reporting all operations to the fund member is an integral part of this credibility.

`The credibility of our structure is reflected in the substance of the trustee and the transparency and personal service available to our clients,’ says Kelvin.

More reasons than ever to remember the Oracle’s advice.