HELPLINE: 
An offshore assurance vie made for British expats in France
The situation. The International Prudence Bond (IPB) from Prudential International is one of the most stable long-term investment options available to British expats living in France.
The advantage. Accessing a wide range of funds, including the popular PruFund, the IPB grows capital steadily over 5-10 years. It’s particularly appealing to cautious investors who want returns with minimal management. There’s also a built-in 101% death benefit (for policyholders aged 75 or under) for additional peace of mind.
How it works. Investors choose a base currency (₤, € or $) and begin with a minimum investment of £20,000, €25,000 or $35,000. Top-ups start from £15,000. The bond offers annual growth rewards of 0.1% (if no withdrawals are made), 20 free fund switches per year, and flexible withdrawal options. Some funds use smoothing to help reduce volatility and deliver returns even during market downturns.
Why it matters. This is a steady offshore investment and while it doesn’t promise the thrill of high-risk trading it delivers a growth solution backed by one of the UK’s most reputable insurers. For investors seeking 6-7% per annum with limited surprises, the IPB does exactly what it says on the tin.