Offshore bonds market surges

Defaqto says the offshore bond market grew by almost 50% to £7.4bn in 2006, after a 60% rise in 2005, despite uncertainty over estate planning and trust legislation. The research highlights continued outward migration, international portability and tax advantages are contributing to sales growth. Fraser Donaldson, principal consultant at Defaqto, says: “It’s a function of education and knowledge. "The word’s got out as it were, when you’re thinking about investment bonds, the advice was to stick with the UK variety. Offshore bonds have become cheaper, more accessible, the minimums are g...