Insights & research
Articles from our advisory team
FIRE for UK High Earners: Financial Independence and Early Retirement Planning
Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) has moved from a fringe movement to mainstream aspiration for many high earners. This guide examines the UK-specific mechanics — pension access age, safe withdrawal rates, and the bridge from investments to pension — for those targeting early retirement.
Read article →Financial PlanningFinancial Independence for High-Earning Expat Professionals: A 10-Year Plan
High-earning expat professionals are uniquely positioned to achieve financial independence within a decade — but success requires structured planning, not just high income.
Read article →Wealth ManagementHow to Find a Financial Adviser When You Live Abroad
Finding a trustworthy financial adviser is challenging in the UK; finding one when you live abroad is harder still. This guide explains what to look for, what questions to ask, and which red flags should make you walk away.
Read article →Financial PlanningFinancial Advice vs Financial Guidance: Understanding the Difference
The regulated advice and guidance boundary explained: what constitutes regulated financial advice under the FCA, what guidance services like MoneyHelper and Pension Wise can and cannot do, the advice gap, and where robo-advice fits.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFinancial Advice vs DIY Investing: What International Investors Need to Know
DIY investing works well in simple situations. International situations — multiple tax systems, QROPS decisions, offshore bonds, cross-border IHT — typically exceed DIY capacity. Here is the honest assessment.
Read article →Financial PlanningFee-Only vs Fee-Based Financial Advice: How Your Adviser Is Paid
Understanding the difference between fee-only and fee-based financial advisers: what each model means for your money, the legacy of RDR reforms, platform charges, percentage vs flat fees, and what questions to ask.
Read article →Tax PlanningFATCA and FBAR Compliance Guide for US Expats
A detailed guide to FATCA and FBAR reporting obligations for US citizens and green-card holders living abroad, including deadlines, penalties, and planning strategies.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFamily Wealth Transfer: Strategies for Passing Assets to the Next Generation
A comprehensive guide to intergenerational wealth transfer for UK families, covering gifts, trusts, family investment companies, pensions, and business property relief — with the tax implications of each.
Read article →Wealth ManagementTalking to Your Family About Money: A Guide for Wealthy Families
Why families avoid wealth conversations, how to give early and intentionally, age-appropriate financial education for children and grandchildren, family mission statements, and using advisers as neutral facilitators.
Read article →Expat LifeFinancial Planning for a Family Member Returning From Abroad
When a spouse, partner, or dependent returns to the UK from overseas, careful financial planning avoids tax surprises and ensures a smooth reintegration of their finances.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFamily Loan Arrangements: Tax Planning, HMRC Rules, and Inheritance Tax Implications
Lending money within a family — to children, grandchildren, or other relatives — can be a tax-efficient way to support them while keeping the IHT clock from ticking. But HMRC's rules on the official rate, beneficial loans, and IHT treatment require careful handling.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFamily Limited Partnerships: What They Are, How They Work, and HMRC's View
Family Limited Partnerships are a US wealth transfer tool that has attracted attention in UK HNW planning. We explain the structure, valuation discounts, the comparison with Family Investment Companies, and why UK residents need to approach carefully.
Read article →Tax PlanningFamily Investment Companies: A Complete Guide for HNW Families
A Family Investment Company (FIC) uses the corporate tax wrapper to hold family investments, pass wealth to children tax-efficiently, and retain control. Here is how they work — including the post-October 2024 Budget recalculation and why HMRC has been watching FICs closely.
Read article →Property InvestmentBuying Property Abroad for the First Time: A Step-by-Step Guide
First-time international property buyers face different challenges than UK buyers. Here is a step-by-step guide to buying safely abroad.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFamily Office Services for High-Net-Worth International Families
Family offices are one of the least understood structures in wealth management. Here is what they are, what they provide, and when they make sense — and what the alternatives are.
Read article →Tax PlanningFamily Investment Companies: FIC Structures for HNW Families
How Family Investment Companies work, their tax and succession planning advantages, the risks to be aware of, and when a FIC is the right structure for internationally mobile HNW families.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFamily Governance and Preserving Wealth Across Generations
Most family wealth dissipates within three generations. Family governance — formal structures for decision-making, communication, and next-generation education — is the proven remedy.
Read article →Wealth ManagementFamily Governance for HNW Families: Frameworks, Charters, and the Third-Generation Challenge
The old proverb says wealth is created in the first generation, consolidated in the second, and squandered in the third. Family governance frameworks — charters, councils, and structured communication — help break this cycle.
Read article →InvestmentsFactor Investing and Smart Beta: A Guide for International Investors
Factor investing and smart beta strategies offer a systematic middle ground between passive indexing and active management — here is what internationally mobile investors need to know.
Read article →Expat LifeExpat Wills and Estate Planning: A Complete Cross-Border Guide
An expat who dies without a valid will in each country where they hold assets may see their estate distributed in ways they never intended. This guide explains the multiple will strategy, EU succession rules, forced heirship, and the practical steps to protect your estate internationally.
Read article →Tax PlanningUK Tax Returns for Expats: When You Must File and How to Do It Right
Leaving the UK does not end your UK tax obligations. Many expats still need to file Self Assessment returns — and the penalties for late filing are severe. Here is a complete guide to UK tax compliance from abroad.
Read article →Financial PlanningRetirement Income Planning for Expats: Building Sustainable Income from Multiple Sources
How internationally mobile retirees can construct a resilient income stream by layering state pensions, private pensions, property, and investments across multiple jurisdictions.
Read article →Tax PlanningRemittance Planning for Non-Domiciles: Legacy Rules and the Post-April 2025 FIG Regime
The remittance basis was abolished from April 2025 and replaced with the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime. We explain what this means, what the transitional measures preserve, and how mixed fund and remittance planning worked under the old rules.
Read article →Expat LifeExpat Life in Switzerland: Banking, Tax and Residency Planning Guide
Switzerland remains one of the world's premier financial centres and most desirable places to live — but its complex cantonal tax system and residency requirements demand careful planning.
Read article →Speak to a Global Investments adviser
Our independent advisers work with internationally mobile clients on pensions, investments, tax planning, protection, and international financial structures.