
The benefits of using Halo Financial for making secure payments internationally
Personal FinanceDiscover the benefits of selecting a trusted currency exchange provider to make secure payments overseas, and how Halo Financial can help you make the most of our safe transfers.

What is the best way to make an international money transfer?
Business, Currency Insights, Personal FinanceThere are many reasons why you might need to make an international transfer, whether you're paying for overseas property, paying overseas tuition, or sending money to family and friends. There are a few different ways that you can send money overseas, however, some methods are better than others.

Opening a Bank Account in Spain
Emigration, Eurozone, Expat Lifestyle, Personal Finance, Properties abroadThere are many reasons why you might want to open a bank account in Spain. You might be purchasing a holiday home, studying abroad, or moving to the country permanently. If this is the case, you'll be pleased to hear that opening a Spanish bank account as a non-resident isn't as difficult as it might sound.

How long does an international bank transfer take?
Business, Currency Insights, Economy, Personal FinanceWhether you're an expat, international student, or business owner, we know how important it is for international payments to arrive promptly. Sending money overseas is less complicated than it may initially seem however, there are a few factors that determine the processing times of your transfers.

What makes exchange rates move?
Banking, Personal FinanceExchange rates are moving all the time and sometimes they move unfavourably or unexpectedly. There isn’t one specific day, week, or month of the year that’s better for exchanging your currency.

Forex brokers vs banks: Which is the best option?
Emigration, Expat Lifestyle, Personal FinanceWhether you have plans to work, study, or live abroad, you have probably thought about the most efficient way to transfer your money abroad. With so many options available, we’ve outlined the benefits of using a forex broker over your bank.

Gender equality – getting women into finance in 2021
Banking, Business, Personal FinanceWhilst figures have improved over the years, there is still a shortage of women in finance in the UK, with initiatives such as the women in finance charter hoping to improve gender equality.

Mortgage trends in 2021 – Loan products and 95% LTV offers
Personal FinanceBanks launch new mortgage loan products for buyers and mortgage support services for homeowners in 2021. See more about mortgage rates and trends for 2021 and some interesting news about Self Employed mortgages, shared ownership and the government help to buy scheme

MPs reject SVR cap for mortgage prisoners but rates dip
Personal Finance, UK PropertyBorrowers are frustrated by MPs decision to reject the SVR cap on mortgage rates. Mortgage rates decline again and self-build mortgages are introduced. The Saffron Building Society has also launched two new large loan products to entice prospective property buyers. The self-build loan products will be made available...

UK Property Sales Reach 16 Year High
Personal Finance, UK PropertySoaring demand for UK property has been ignited by numerous government schemes to make UK housing more affordable, with demand set to continue for the remainder of 2021. Recent data from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed UK property purchases rose to a record high in March 2021 to levels not seen since...

Rishi Sunak Launches 95 per cent Mortgage Scheme
Personal Finance, Properties abroad, UK PropertyAspiring homeowners can now purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit due to the UK government’s new 95% mortgage scheme. The UK’s 95% mortgage scheme has been welcomed by the public and the property industry following a surge in UK property demand

Habito launches 40-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2021
Personal FinanceUK homebuyers offered more mortgage options in 2021, with the return of the 5% mortgage deposit scheme and a new 40-year fixed-rate mortgage. According to the independent mortgage monitor Moneyfacts, there are 3,532 products on offer - the highest number of available mortgage options since...

Return of 5% mortgage scheme for buyers
Personal FinanceBudget 2021: Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces a stamp duty extension and brings back the 5% mortgage scheme for buyers to boost the housing market. The UK property market defied all consensus expectations during the Coronavirus pandemic, courtesy of the Treasury's property tax holiday, which triggered a ...

Will tax hikes support economic recovery from the pandemic
Personal FinanceRishi Sunak is expected to announce changes to tax policies in his March Budget. Avoid tax traps and hefty bills by making sure you’re aware of the rules. According to new research from the financial services network Openwork, parents and grandparents are at risk of facing hefty tax bills...

Spring Budget 2021 – What can we expect from Rishi Sunak
Personal FinanceInformation and predictions on Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s March budget, including insight into rumours over a possible tax hike for businesses. We have the professionals' opinions on what may be included in the budget...

Lenders reintroduce mortgage deals as mortgage holidays end
Personal FinanceMortgage lenders are reducing rates and resuming 10% deposit mortgages in 2021 to give buyers more options amid the pandemic. Mortgage availability has risen to its highest level since April with top mortgage deals including...