Managing UK Pensions from the US – Why An Advisor Makes A Difference

As an investment advisor at Blacktower Financial Management, my primary focus is helping U.S. residents who’ve accrued pensions in the UK. Over the years, I’ve worked with numerous clients to locate lost pension pots, integrate multiple pension schemes into a more efficient structure, and provide them with peace of mind about their retirement future. 

Many of my clients ask me the same question: “What can you do for me that I can’t do myself?” 

At Blacktower, our approach is grounded in ZAC – Zero Assumption Culture. This means we never assume anything about your situation—we take the time to listen, ask the right questions, and fully understand your goals before offering tailored advice. No two clients are alike, and your retirement strategy shouldn’t be either.

In this post, we’ll highlight some key benefits of working with a professional advisor, especially when it comes to managing your UK pensions while living in the U.S.

1. Locating Pensions You Didn’t Know You Had

One of the most common challenges I encounter with clients is the discovery of lost pensions. Many individuals who have worked in the UK and then moved to the U.S. forget about their pensions, or simply lose track of them over time. These pensions often remain dormant, sometimes for years, and as a result, people miss out on opportunities to utilize those funds for retirement.

At Blacktower Financial Management, we’ve helped numerous clients locate pensions they didn’t even know they had. This has proved invaluable when it comes to planning for retirement, as those pensions can significantly contribute to the overall retirement savings. By working with an advisor who has experience navigating international pension systems, you gain access to resources and strategies that can uncover hidden assets and make the most of them.

2. Simplifying Your Pension Portfolio with an International SIPP

Another major benefit of working with an advisor is the ability to streamline and consolidate your pension assets into a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). This is particularly valuable if you have multiple pension pots from different providers or pension schemes, each with its own investment strategy.

You may have pensions that are risk-averse, others that are more growth-oriented, and still others that may have inconsistent performance. By consolidating them into an international SIPP, we can bring all those assets under one umbrella. This makes administration much easier and allows us to design a tailored investment strategy that aligns with your risk profile and retirement goals.

An international SIPP also offers you greater flexibility, including a broader range of investment options and tax efficiency. This can make a significant difference in growing your retirement savings, especially if you’re not based in the UK.

3. Regulated Advisors Bring Confidence and Security

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to work with a qualified advisor is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your advisor is properly regulated in the country where you reside. Over the years, I’ve come across several clients who received financial advice from unregulated sources. In many cases, these advisors were not registered in the U.S. and failed to act in the best interests of the client. Unfortunately, this has led to poor investment performance, excessive fees, and commissions that clients weren’t aware of.

When you work with someone like me—regulated both in the U.S. and the UK—you have a level of confidence that the advisor has passed the necessary exams, understands the intricacies of both systems, and adheres to the highest ethical standards. In the event of any problems or disputes later on, being regulated also means you have avenues for redress that simply aren’t available if you’re working with a non-regulated advisor.

4. Avoiding Mistakes and Hidden Costs

Without proper guidance, managing UK pensions from the U.S. can lead to significant mistakes that might not be evident immediately. Whether it’s missing tax advantages, mismanaging pension transfers, or selecting the wrong investment options, these errors can cost you in the long run.

With a regulated advisor by your side, you get the benefit of professional knowledge and experience. By understanding the unique tax implications, transfer options, and investment strategies for UK pensions in the U.S., we can help you avoid costly mistakes. Our goal is to make sure that your pension assets are working hard for you, whether through more efficient growth or ensuring you have access to the best tax-advantage strategies available.

This attention to detail is at the heart of our Zero Assumption Culture. Every recommendation we make is rooted in a deep understanding of your situation. We take nothing for granted—and that makes all the difference when it comes to financial clarity and confidence.

5. Ongoing Support and Long-Term Planning

The benefit of working with an advisor isn’t just about getting help with your pensions today. Financial planning, particularly for retirement, is an ongoing process. Working with someone who understands your financial goals—and who stays current with regulatory changes, investment opportunities, and tax laws—means you’ll have long-term support to make the best decisions for your future.

Retirement planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Life changes, and so do your financial goals. Having a trusted advisor helps you consistently stay on track to meet your objectives, even as those objectives evolve over time.

The Value of Professional Financial Guidance

When it comes to managing UK pensions while living in the U.S., the benefits of working with a regulated and experienced advisor are clear. From locating lost pensions to consolidating them into an international SIPP, to ensuring you don’t make costly mistakes, an advisor provides the knowledge, security, and ongoing support that can make all the difference in your financial future.

At Blacktower Financial Management, we are committed to helping you take control of your retirement savings, reduce complexity, and achieve your long-term financial goals. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you with your UK pensions, let’s get in touch today!