At 9...
Public transport
I can summarise this easily - SMRT are currently running an advertising campaign to allieviate frustrations surrounding the replacement of railway sleepers on the MRT (Underground). The rationale, according to the advertising campaign, is that broken sleeps equate to a bumpy ride. A bumpy ride will ruin your hair-do! How thoughtful is that?
I've lived in some cities with great public transport - notably Madrid and Prague, but Singapore wins hands down, in my opinion for the best run public transport city.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Top 10 Best things about living in Singapore
At 10.....
Chicken Rice.
Not to be confused with fried chicken rice, Singapore's local dish of chicken rice consists of, well, chicken and rice. The chicken comes in a choice of roast or boiled, and breast or leg meat. The rice is cooked in a flavoured broth and takes on a unique flavour.
The best place to buy your chicken rice is on River Valley Road at either the infamous Boon Ton Key or my favorite, Five Star.
At about $4 a plate it's a bargain and very tasty - I doubt very much that it's the healthiest meal you can eat but it sure is nice.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
Chicken Rice.
Not to be confused with fried chicken rice, Singapore's local dish of chicken rice consists of, well, chicken and rice. The chicken comes in a choice of roast or boiled, and breast or leg meat. The rice is cooked in a flavoured broth and takes on a unique flavour.
The best place to buy your chicken rice is on River Valley Road at either the infamous Boon Ton Key or my favorite, Five Star.
At about $4 a plate it's a bargain and very tasty - I doubt very much that it's the healthiest meal you can eat but it sure is nice.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
Monday, November 12, 2012
Run for Hope 2012 Singapore
This Sunday is the annual Run for Hope, a charity run raising funds and awareness for Cancer.
http://runforhopesingapore.org/news/run-for-hope-2012-is-back-with-a-difference/
http://runforhopesingapore.org/news/run-for-hope-2012-is-back-with-a-difference/
I will be participating in the 10k run along with some colleagues from work. I don't hold out great expectations for a good time, but I'm looking forward to having some fun and contributing to a good cause.
Mark Paine
Singapore
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
How I made 47% on the FTSE
As a financial planner I rarely advocate trading for my clients, however this strategy has worked well for me over the past 24 months.
In a non directional market such as this, the only way to make money is to trade the volatility. That entails setting buy and sell limits.
Although I spend my day looking after other peoples money I rarely have time,or inclination to look at my own (it's like the builder who never finishes his own house) - so my strategy needs to be simple and easy to manage.
Some years ago I started buying the FTSE when it fell to 5300. It quickly recovered to 5600, so I sold. Not long after it fell below 5300 and I bought again with the entire proceeds of the first sale. When it went up I did the same again.
I had to use all the money a couple of years ago when we bought a house, but I started the strategy again with a smaller amount. In the past 24 months I have made over 47% in a market that has only moved sideways.
I'm not writing this to advise people to trade, but just to pass on something that worked for me.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
Www.meyado.com
In a non directional market such as this, the only way to make money is to trade the volatility. That entails setting buy and sell limits.
Although I spend my day looking after other peoples money I rarely have time,or inclination to look at my own (it's like the builder who never finishes his own house) - so my strategy needs to be simple and easy to manage.
Some years ago I started buying the FTSE when it fell to 5300. It quickly recovered to 5600, so I sold. Not long after it fell below 5300 and I bought again with the entire proceeds of the first sale. When it went up I did the same again.
I had to use all the money a couple of years ago when we bought a house, but I started the strategy again with a smaller amount. In the past 24 months I have made over 47% in a market that has only moved sideways.
I'm not writing this to advise people to trade, but just to pass on something that worked for me.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
Www.meyado.com
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Mark Paine Meyado, 19 years and counting
It's 19 years today since I passed my initial training course and signed my contract with Meyado.
On September 7th 1993 I left the UK in my old VW and headed toward Germany. The car broke down on the slip road to the ferry at Dover, but undeterred I picked up my suitcase and boarded the ferry.
I arrived in Frankfurt in a hire car, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Of course there have been ups and downs but I still love working for the company, working with fantastic colleagues and helping many clients manage their finances. I lived in 4 wonderful locations in Germany, Czech Republic, United Arab Emirates and now in Singapore.
I plan to stay with the company and most likely end my career here, hopefully in many years to come. I love what I do and don't intend to retire any time soon!
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg
On September 7th 1993 I left the UK in my old VW and headed toward Germany. The car broke down on the slip road to the ferry at Dover, but undeterred I picked up my suitcase and boarded the ferry.
I arrived in Frankfurt in a hire car, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Of course there have been ups and downs but I still love working for the company, working with fantastic colleagues and helping many clients manage their finances. I lived in 4 wonderful locations in Germany, Czech Republic, United Arab Emirates and now in Singapore.
I plan to stay with the company and most likely end my career here, hopefully in many years to come. I love what I do and don't intend to retire any time soon!
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Meyado Qualifications in Singapore
As the MAS strive to improve the quality of financial advice provided in Singapore they have imposed new examinations and basic qualification levels for any person providing advice.
Meyado has a policy in Singapore to only hire advisers who are qualified to degree level, many of our advisers have MBA's.
As Meyado holds a full Financial Advisers license in Singapore our advisers are required to hold qualifications not just in insurance, but also collective investments and securities. This means any Meyado senior adviser will be qualified with M5, M8, M8a, M9, M9a, M6, M6a and HI from the SCI.
This means a Singapore Meyado adviser is amongst the highest qualified advisers in the international market place.
Mark Paine, the Managing Director, has a degree in Business Operations and Law, all relevant MAS exams, as well as the UK Financial Planning Certificate and is currently studying for the UK Diploma in accordance with RDR in the UK.
Mark Paine 20th July 2012
Meyado
Singapore
Meyado has a policy in Singapore to only hire advisers who are qualified to degree level, many of our advisers have MBA's.
As Meyado holds a full Financial Advisers license in Singapore our advisers are required to hold qualifications not just in insurance, but also collective investments and securities. This means any Meyado senior adviser will be qualified with M5, M8, M8a, M9, M9a, M6, M6a and HI from the SCI.
This means a Singapore Meyado adviser is amongst the highest qualified advisers in the international market place.
Mark Paine, the Managing Director, has a degree in Business Operations and Law, all relevant MAS exams, as well as the UK Financial Planning Certificate and is currently studying for the UK Diploma in accordance with RDR in the UK.
Mark Paine 20th July 2012
Meyado
Singapore
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Meyado Seminar July 25
Join us at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore for an investment seminar hosted by Collins Stewart. Our guest speaker Andrew Finch will be sharing their market view for the remainder of 2012.
RSVP
Details are on our website www.meyado.com.sg
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
RSVP
Details are on our website www.meyado.com.sg
Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Diamond Jubilee Weekend
The UK will celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign this coming weekend.
Parties will take place not only across the UK, but the entire commonwealth and anywhere that British subjects abide.
In Singapore there are numerous parties at homes planned, as well as at the British Club.
It should be great fun!
Mark Paine
Meyado
Www.meyado.com.sg
Parties will take place not only across the UK, but the entire commonwealth and anywhere that British subjects abide.
In Singapore there are numerous parties at homes planned, as well as at the British Club.
It should be great fun!
Mark Paine
Meyado
Www.meyado.com.sg
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sundowner Half Marathon in Singapore
Only 18 days to go and my training has taken a big setback with blisters getting worse.
The heat and humidity in Singapore drastically reduces the lifespan of a pair of trainers, so I'm forced to get a new pair broken in ready for the 20th. I won't be able to run again until the weekend from the looks of my feet (not pretty).
Running has been a great distraction as work has been pretty much life encompassing as we take on more people and develop the back office services for our clients. Visit the Meyado blog to keep up to date with what is going on.
Anyone else who's training, good luck and keep at it!
Mark Paine
Meyado Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg
The heat and humidity in Singapore drastically reduces the lifespan of a pair of trainers, so I'm forced to get a new pair broken in ready for the 20th. I won't be able to run again until the weekend from the looks of my feet (not pretty).
Running has been a great distraction as work has been pretty much life encompassing as we take on more people and develop the back office services for our clients. Visit the Meyado blog to keep up to date with what is going on.
Anyone else who's training, good luck and keep at it!
Mark Paine
Meyado Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Singapore needs population growth
The average Singaporean family produces 1.2 offspring, or in other words is not replacing itself according to a report in today's Straits Times.
Amid high inflation, low interest rates and a booming economy, Singapore has been getting tough on immigration. The ministry of manpower has been encouraging the hiring of Singaporeans and making it tough to hire expatriates, especially those who are not qualified to degree level.
The report indicates between 20 and 25,000 foreign employees need to be attracted to the country each year.
With its low taxation and high living standard Singapore is an attractive workplace for many.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Amid high inflation, low interest rates and a booming economy, Singapore has been getting tough on immigration. The ministry of manpower has been encouraging the hiring of Singaporeans and making it tough to hire expatriates, especially those who are not qualified to degree level.
The report indicates between 20 and 25,000 foreign employees need to be attracted to the country each year.
With its low taxation and high living standard Singapore is an attractive workplace for many.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Friday, April 6, 2012
Fee based advice in Singapore
Is this truly going to be helpful to the consumer?
For our target client, the answer is yes. There is a 'but', inevitably. This is the requirement for a fundamental change in the shopping habits of investors.
In the past clients have been able to obtain recommendations from any number of advisers, completely free of charge. They can then, on balance, make a decision to go with the recommendation they like best, or the adviser they feel most comfortable with.
With a fee based approach most firms will offer a free initial consultation, usually lasting 30 minutes or so. After this, time will be billed. This is a revolutionary change for investors used to having fees hidden away in commissions.
The common perception is that products will be cheaper using this approach. This is a double edged sword, cheaper does not necessarily, or indeed usually, mean better. Further, indemnified commissions are paid up front based on a percentage of monies invested. Ongoing fees will rely on a percentage of the assets managed which would increase over time and may in the long run cost more.
From the perspective of the adviser there is a clear view of the way the industry should develop to provide value to investors and facilitate lasting relationships on a win win basis. At this stage I am not sure the average consumer is quite ready for that and there needs to be a fundamental change of attitude toward investing.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Www.meyado.com.sg
For our target client, the answer is yes. There is a 'but', inevitably. This is the requirement for a fundamental change in the shopping habits of investors.
In the past clients have been able to obtain recommendations from any number of advisers, completely free of charge. They can then, on balance, make a decision to go with the recommendation they like best, or the adviser they feel most comfortable with.
With a fee based approach most firms will offer a free initial consultation, usually lasting 30 minutes or so. After this, time will be billed. This is a revolutionary change for investors used to having fees hidden away in commissions.
The common perception is that products will be cheaper using this approach. This is a double edged sword, cheaper does not necessarily, or indeed usually, mean better. Further, indemnified commissions are paid up front based on a percentage of monies invested. Ongoing fees will rely on a percentage of the assets managed which would increase over time and may in the long run cost more.
From the perspective of the adviser there is a clear view of the way the industry should develop to provide value to investors and facilitate lasting relationships on a win win basis. At this stage I am not sure the average consumer is quite ready for that and there needs to be a fundamental change of attitude toward investing.
Mark Paine
Meyado
Www.meyado.com.sg
Thursday, March 29, 2012
MAS Examinations for all advisers
In line with the MAS's efforts to continue the improvement in regulation of advisers in Singapore, all advisers are required to take an additional two examinations, being M8a (Collective investments) and M9a (Insurance).
Additionally the MAS are set to increase the minimum education level for advisers working in firms in Singapore.
All Meyado advisers in Singapore hold degrees, and many hold higher level qualifications, such as MBA's.
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Additionally the MAS are set to increase the minimum education level for advisers working in firms in Singapore.
All Meyado advisers in Singapore hold degrees, and many hold higher level qualifications, such as MBA's.
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
MAS to Review Financial Services in Singapore
The MAS announced its intention to review financial services in Singapore, making special mention of commissions and layering of commissions on insurance products.
The review is welcome and is the first step toward creating a fee based model in Singapore.
An awful lot of consultation and research now needs to take place, but this is the biggest shake up in Singapore Financial Services since the introduction of the Financial Advisers Act.
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
The review is welcome and is the first step toward creating a fee based model in Singapore.
An awful lot of consultation and research now needs to take place, but this is the biggest shake up in Singapore Financial Services since the introduction of the Financial Advisers Act.
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Thursday, March 22, 2012
UK Budget Whiplash
So it seems the budget in the UK, as ever, has gone down like a lead balloon. I can't imagine Osborne envisaged the Daily Mail running the Granny Tax story front page two days running.
Truth of it is, looking at it from outside of the country, more needs to be done to keep higher earners in the UK and not force them out with a 50% higher rate tax. Percentage revenues may be higher, but there will be less of them staying so GBP revenue will fall. Whilst I don't see a stream of expats wanting to get back to the UK as higher rate tax is 'only' 45% it will tip the scales for a few.
QROPS clarification is probably a good thing. At least if the government spends more time looking at it there will be a greater understanding and more transparency forced into schemes.
Personally I would have liked to have seen some easing on petrol pricing to further help businesses get going again, but the reduction in corporation tax will be a big help.
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Truth of it is, looking at it from outside of the country, more needs to be done to keep higher earners in the UK and not force them out with a 50% higher rate tax. Percentage revenues may be higher, but there will be less of them staying so GBP revenue will fall. Whilst I don't see a stream of expats wanting to get back to the UK as higher rate tax is 'only' 45% it will tip the scales for a few.
QROPS clarification is probably a good thing. At least if the government spends more time looking at it there will be a greater understanding and more transparency forced into schemes.
Personally I would have liked to have seen some easing on petrol pricing to further help businesses get going again, but the reduction in corporation tax will be a big help.
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
UK Budget 2012
The affect of the UK budget on my clients is in the main relevant to UK domiciles intending to return to the UK, although there is one alteration to non-domicile residents.
Life insurance taxation and avoidance of tax through offshore vehicles seems to bear the main brunt of the changes. Offshore Trusts are also on the watch list.
The Government is obviously unhappy with the volume of QROPS transfers and is seeking to ensure there is no unfair taxation treatment on these, and also reducing avoidance potential with a 10 year reporting requirement.
IHT has gone down to 36%
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Life insurance taxation and avoidance of tax through offshore vehicles seems to bear the main brunt of the changes. Offshore Trusts are also on the watch list.
The Government is obviously unhappy with the volume of QROPS transfers and is seeking to ensure there is no unfair taxation treatment on these, and also reducing avoidance potential with a 10 year reporting requirement.
IHT has gone down to 36%
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Volksworld Show
The Volksworld show takes place at Sandowne Park this weekend. Sadly I won't be there this year, but if you have the opportunity and have a vaugue interest in cars it's a brilliant weekend.
Check it out here
http://www.volksworldshow.com/
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Check it out here
http://www.volksworldshow.com/
Mark Paine
Meyado
www.meyado.com.sg
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Now hiring!
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