"Who are you?"

Essential Finance is the leading online resource for investments, medical/life insurance and financial planning for expatriates. We offer better value, better products and better service.

All of our principals are expatriates - seasoned investment professionals with many years of experience under our belts. That's why we understand completely the special challenges expatriate life poses in terms of planning ahead, and why offshore investment is the ideal solution for executives on the move.

We offer you a unique opportunity to take control of your investments, strictly on your own terms. With Essential Finance a secure future is just a few clicks away.

"Who do you do?"

Essential Finance offers a wide selection of regular investment vehicles (i.e. savings, education, retirement etc.), portfolio bonds and insurance (life/medical/income protection). Our expert management and support services can help you plan, action, manage and develop a portfolio to meet your requirements, both now and in the future.

"How are you different?"

The beating heart of our operation is a non-intrusive platform where you can view and compare an unrivalled choice of award-winning products from leading financial institutions at your leisure. There's no pressure. No cold-callers hyping products you don't want. It costs you nothing to become a member, and unrestricted access to information means you can make informed investment decisions based on the merits of a product, at a time and pace that suits you. And if you want advice, we're right there, online in real time, by telephone or face to face.

Essential Finance is the world's first comprehensive online resource connecting you to all the privileges and benefits of offshore investment. We plug you in to the best products and services, at the best value, so you stay informed, independent and in total control. Seamless wealth management is now literally at your fingertips. That's a first. And here are some more:

• First for choice: our range of information on offshore investment products is unmatched.
• First for management: pro-active management including automatic fund-switching service.
• First for accessibility: instant access to your investment valuations, day and night.

"Why should I invest offshore?"

Offshore investments are based in locations that, due to the absence of tax liabilities, will provide a higher return than an equivalent investment held in a conventionally taxed environment. As such, money that would ordinarily be removed in taxes remains in the investment and continues to grow.

"How am I protected?"

Essential Finance is headquartered and legislated in Hong Kong, one of the world's leading financial centres. We are also fully licensed by the Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers (http://www.hkcib.org), a government authorised body whose stated mission is to ensure the highest level of professional conduct among their members and to provide the community with a class of insurance brokers whom they can rely upon.

All investment agreements are directly between the client and the relevant financial institution. Though fully authorised with a client holding account, Essential Finance maintains a strict policy of not holding or handling client monies. All transactions are directly between the client and the financial institution.

The companies with which we deal are market leaders, invariably over 100 years old, and based in tax-efficient locations that provide worldwide investor protection.

One such location is the Isle Of Man which is renowned for security, stability and protection. As a British crown dependency the Isle of Man has enjoyed the stability of its own government for over 1,000 years, and boasts the world's longest established parliament. The Island's Insurance Act ensures that authorised insurance companies have sound and professional management and that the interests of policyholders are protected. The Isle of Man has received the coveted AAA credit rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

"What is financial/wealth planning?"

Financial planning means setting - and reaching - your investment goals to secure the lifestyles you deserve.

An organised determination of your financial position, future needs and goals is one of the first and most important steps towards becoming financially secure. A complete assessment of your financial and economic requirements, visions, ideas and fears is vital towards determining the direction to take your investment interests.

The strategy will integrate you or your family's financial goals, including risk management, investments, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Wealth Management is the next step in financial planning. It brings together all aspects of your financial life into a single plan - from investment advice to estate planning to long term insurance, trusts and tax planning.

"Do I save enough to use your services?"

Investing offshore is very affordable. Regular savings plans start from only US$150 per month and lump sum investments from US$15,000.

"How do I get started?"

In order to understand which product is best for you, you must first know your investment goals and how they fit into the overall picture. You can start this process by completing our 5-Step planner (click here). Alternatively you may chat to a consultant now through our LiveHelp facility, call us on (+852) 2893 3200 or drop us a line on our online contact and enquiry form (click here). Advisors are available to provide you with a face to face consultation in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. We also visit other locations on a regular basis, please contact us to see if there is an advisor near you.

"What's new?"

Become a free member of Essential Finance and receive our newsletter which keeps you informed of the latest news, launches and offers from leading financial institutions. The latest special offers available from both Essential Finance and our business partners can be viewed by clicking here.

"I know all of this stuff. What are you selling?"

Essential Finance offers three distinct packages
• Membership Service - FREE

Special benefits for members including:
• The Essential Finance newsletter – keep ahead of the pack with the latest news.
• Expert market commentaries giving you the edge.
• Latest fund performance data.
• Tools to plan your future.
• Personal and family financial health check facilities.
• First in line for Essential Finance special offers exclusive to members.
Click here to sign up now.

Service Package- only US$10 per month or US$99 per year.

Providing superior management of your investments:
All of our membership benefits plus:
• Go where the smart money is with our AIM fund-switching service.
• Instant access to your investment valuations, day or night.
• Watch your future take shape with monthly Personal Wealth Statements.
• Monthly report showing the asset and geographical breakdown for each fund.
• Keep on track with a personal review every six months.
Buy the Service Package today and take control. click here for more details.

Essential Finance Special Offers - HAVE IT ALL!

Buy an investment product now through Essential Finance and get the following:
• FREE Service Package for twelve months.
• FREE O2 XDAII mobile telephone/pda with selected investments.
• FREE Membership benefits.
These terms are additional to any Special offers available from the financial institutions.
Essential Finance also sponsors a Child in need with all new regular savings plans (subject to conditions).
Better value, better products, better service - Click here to have it all!