Background: A long standing client approached us for guidance on how to structure their personal wealth and future investment plans in a tax efficient way. They were particularly focused on passing wealth to their two adult children while maintaining appropriate control and ensuring the long term protection of family assets. Their affairs included a mix of liquid investments and private equity interests expected to deliver significant growth in the coming years, making forward thinking succession and tax planning essential.

How we helped: We worked closely with the family to understand their objectives and long term wealth transfer intentions, adopting a “family office” approach that integrated tax, structuring, asset protection and succession planning. To help involve the next generation, we advised on establishing a Family Investment Company (FIC) and guided them through decisions on its purpose, share classes, and the allocation of voting, dividend and exit rights, including how the structure should operate if a child wished to leave or on the parents’ deaths. Throughout, we collaborated with their financial adviser and lawyer to deliver a coordinated, tax efficient structure that protects assets and supports the family’s long term succession goals.