NEWSROOM

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
NCBIC SMART, a taste of the good life

(L-R) NCB Insurance Company’s Audrey Chin, VP, Business Development and Client Relations and Ann-Marie Hamilton, GM NCBIC, share the benefits of being SMART with David Chung, President, Jamaica Institute of Engineers at the recent launch of the SMART Retirement Plan.

NCB Insurance Company (NCBIC) officially launched its new individual retirement product the “SMART Retirement Plan” at a launch event at the LIME Golf Academy recently.    The SMART Retirement Plan is a personalized pension plan that provides contributors with a monthly income on retirement and contributions are accumulated tax-free.

NCB Group Managing Director, Patrick Hylton stated, “The NCB Group has a long history of pension fund management through its subsidiary West Indies Trust Company Limited (WITCO) which was transferred to NCB Insurance Company in 2007, making NCBIC the industry leader among Pension Fund Managers in Jamaica with over 40 years of service in the industry.  NCBIC is the largest segregated pension funds manager in Jamaica with dedicated client relationship officers who are experts in pension regulations and pension administration.”

The SMART (Secure Money At Retirement) Retirement Plan is open to Jamaican residents between the ages 18-69 years who are not contributing to any other approved pension plan.  This is ideal for the self employed, employees of small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals who were terminated from an approved plan.

SMART offers tax free benefits such as lump sum payments of up to 25% of the accumulated value paid to members upon retirement.  There is also a tax exemption for investment income earned through the years of participation.  The Plan provides immediate pension benefits in the event of permanent disability before retirement. Should a member of the plan die before retirement, the plan refunds the total accumulated value to your named beneficiary.

Contributing to the fund is simple, as NCB Insurance Company provides flexible payment options which allow you to pay your contributions monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.  Payments can be made by salary deduction, pre-authorised payments, via telephone, at any branch of the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) or via the internet through NCB eLink.

NCBIC ensured that attendees experienced some of the grandeur that awaits them at retirement if they start SMART planning. Guests were taken to the corners of the world with displays from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Antarctica.  They were treated to relaxation therapy by spa experts from the renowned Adam and Eve Day Spa who were on hand to offer back, neck and shoulder massage therapy. The more adventurous rolled up their shelves and perfected their golf swing at the complimentary driving range while all enjoyed the fine dining from Cuisine Art by Jeanette Hutchinson. 

SME Execs in attendance were delighted with the offerings. “This evening was a refreshing experience; one that puts into perspective the life we should all aspire to enjoy during retirement,” remarked Nordia Murray-Lewars, Financial Controller at Crichton Automotives Limited.

Make the SMART choice, speak to an NCB Insurance Advisor at any NCB Branch or call 1-888-MY-NEEDS (69-6337), they will work with you make the SMART planning decisions that will help you prepare for life.