Family Office - Ongoing Advisory

Private Client | Wealth Management

A single-family office engaged us on a retained basis to provide ongoing tax advisory support across their activities.

The family office managed significant wealth for multiple generations of a successful entrepreneurial family, with investments spanning property, private equity, public markets, and operating businesses.

The nature of a retained advisory relationship is different from transactional work. Rather than being instructed on specific matters, we became part of the family's extended advisory team, available to provide advice on a responsive basis as issues arose.

Our work covered a wide range of matters over the course of the engagement:

Investment Transactions: We advised on the tax implications of proposed investments, including acquisitions, disposals, and restructurings. This involved reviewing transaction documentation, modelling tax outcomes, and advising on structuring to optimise tax efficiency.

Property Matters: The family had substantial property holdings. We advised on sales and acquisitions, refinancing arrangements, and the ongoing tax treatment of rental income.

Family Governance: We advised on family governance structures, including the use of family investment companies, trusts, and partnerships. We helped the family think through succession planning and the gradual transfer of wealth to the next generation.

International Aspects: Family members were resident in different jurisdictions, creating complex cross-border tax issues. We coordinated with advisers in other countries to ensure consistent advice and to manage the risk of double taxation.

HMRC Matters: We assisted with responses to HMRC enquiries and information requests, ensuring that the family's position was properly represented and that sensitive information was protected.

Trust Administration: The family had established several trusts over the years. We advised the trustees on ongoing tax compliance, distribution planning, and investment decisions.

One of the key benefits of a retained relationship is the ability to provide proactive advice. Rather than waiting for the family to identify issues, we monitored legislative developments and market changes that might affect their position, bringing opportunities and risks to their attention.

We held quarterly review meetings with the family office team to discuss the current position, upcoming matters, and strategic planning.

Outcome

Ongoing retained advisory relationship providing integrated tax support across investments, property, family governance, and compliance.

Proactive advice delivered on legislative changes and planning opportunities.

This case study is based on a real client matter. All identifying details have been removed or changed to protect client confidentiality.