According to Internaxx, around 70% of the expatriate investors questioned revealed that they preferred to look after their own finances rather than hire an investment adviser. Newspapers, magazines, and the internet were cited as the primary sources of information for these self-directed investors.

The survey showed that only 15% of those questioned had moved all of their assets offshore, but Alec Morley, the online broker's chief executive officer suggested that this was probably more to do with ease of access and convenience than lack of financial sophistication on the part of the investors in question:

'They appreciate 'real time' execution, access to international markets and real-time quotes,' he explained.

It emerged that the majority of UK expats prefer to deal with the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. European jurisdictions such as Luxembourg and Switzerland came in close behind as preferred locations for investment. Bermuda, however, attracted the votes of just 27% of those polled.

Analysing the results, and their relevance to online brokers such as Internaxx, Mr Morley suggested that:

'The research indicates serious potential to spell out the benefits to the many expatriates who have yet to migrate to international centres and the new online brokerage platforms located there.'

'At the same time, while some expats are behind the curve, those with a legitimate expatriate tax status and an interest in international investing appear keen to take advantage of every opportunity and are continuing to trade, even in these difficult markets. All in all, we have much to be optimistic about despite the cold climate.'