The latest QROPS list from HM Revenue & Customs showed few surprises – with just a change of 10 Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes worldwide.
No new schemes opened in popular destinations like Gibraltar and Malta, according to the QROPS list released on January 15, 2013.
Singapore and Cyprus remain the only two financial jurisdictions to lose their QROPS status since April 2006, when QROPS pensions started, leaving 47 QROPS financial jurisdictions.
The number of schemes worldwide now stands at 2,860 – up just 10 from the previous list released at the beginning of January 2013.
The increases were in Australia (4 new schemes), Canada (4) and Ireland (2).
Some QROPS providers elect to remain anonymous, so these are not included on the QROPS list.
QROPS are an offshore pension option for British expats living permanently overseas and international workers with UK pension rights.
TABLE: QROPS List January 15, 2013
| Country | Scheme Count |
|---|---|
| Australia | 1044 |
| Austria | 9 |
| Bangladesh | 1 |
| Barbados | 4 |
| Belgium | 22 |
| Bulgaria | 3 |
| Canada | 98 |
| Czech Republic | 4 |
| Cyprus | DELISTED |
| Denmark | 8 |
| European Union | 1 |
| Finland | 4 |
| France | 39 |
| Germany | 53 |
| Gibraltar | 13 |
| Greece | 1 |
| Guernsey | 35 |
| Hong Kong | 25 |
| Hungary | 1 |
| Iceland | 3 |
| India | 18 |
| Ireland | 682 |
| Isle of Man | 209 |
| Italy | 42 |
| Jamaica | 2 |
| Jersey | 133 |
| Latvia | 1 |
| Liechtenstein | 2 |
| Luxembourg | 8 |
| Malaysia | 1 |
| Malta | 10 |
| Mauritius | 2 |
| Netherlands | 99 |
| New Zealand | 40 |
| Norway | 5 |
| Portugal | 23 |
| Russian Federation | 1 |
| Singapore | DELISTED |
| Slovakia | 4 |
| South Africa | 30 |
| Spain | 14 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 |
| St Lucia | 3 |
| St Vincent & The Grenadines | 1 |
| Sweden | 7 |
| Switzerland | 133 |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 3 |
| Turkey | 3 |
| USA | 15 |
| TOTAL | 2860 |
