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Challenging the Narrative: Why ‘High Risk’ Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think
Geopolitical volatility is keeping us all on our toes. We are seeing political fragmentation and polarisation in the West, a tightening affiliation of authoritarian regimes including Russia, Iran, China and North Korea, and conflicts involving multiple parties in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan to name a few. That’s before we even mention tariffs.
And with that comes a long list of risks. Sanctions risks have been top of the agenda since the conflict in Ukraine started in Februa


So the UK tax rules have changed: what does this mean for US people?
Since 6 April 2025, the UK tax rules relating to those who were previously known as “non-doms” have been totally re-written.
In this note, we focus on the impact of the changes for our US-connected clients and outline a few risk areas to keep under review.
To summarise the changes, which took effect from 6 April 2025:
A new four-year special tax regime has been introduced, under which qualifying individuals will be exempt from tax on their foreign income and gai


The Borderless Application: Navigating the Rise of Global University Aspirations
The landscape of higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, with students increasingly venturing beyond their national borders in pursuit of academic fulfilment. The traditional model of primarily considering domestic universities is giving way to a more globally-minded approach, where students actively explore and apply to institutions across multiple countries. This evolution is fueled by a desire for diverse academic environments, immersive cultural exper


The Evolution and Advantages of Swiss Trusteeship
Switzerland has long been regarded as a trusted centre for private wealth management and financial services. Its appeal continues to grow, particularly in the area of trustee services, where regulatory clarity and international demand for complex structuring have reinforced its position as a leading jurisdiction. With its robust legal infrastructure and deep-rooted tradition of confidentiality and stability, Switzerland remains a compelling base for families and institutions


Examples of who would make use of a discretionary trust
Abacus is known for offering a market-leading service for the establishment and management of trusts, either as stand-alone solutions or as part of a broader structuring strategy. Services are tailored to each individual or family’s particular needs.


TALO: Unlocking the potential of female talent
TALO is a mentor matching platform that supports women across key life transitions throughout their careers - whether that’s motherhood, fertility journeys, menopause, divorce, grief, board dynamics, hormonal shifts or career pivots. TALO is helping women stay professionally empowered and financially independent, no matter what life throws their way.
We match women to external mentors who are from the same industry, and who have recently navigated that same personal life e


Celebrating 20 Years of Prism the Gift Fund: How We Raised Over $1 Billion for Charity
This month, Prism celebrated 20 years of shaping the future of giving at its’ summer Gala hosted at Christies and welcoming over 300 guests from philanthropists, private client intermediaries and beneficiaries. The evening was a reflection not just on the funds it has facilitated, but on the millions of lives touched through thousands of grants, causes, and communities supported by its clients' generosity.


Court Decision Might Mean Foreign Tax Credits can be used against U.S. tax
U.S. taxes for American citizens living abroad include the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), 3.8% to certain net investment income of individuals, estates and trusts that have high income. Foreign tax credits from various specific countries have not usually been widely usable in offsetting NIIT liability.
But the U.S. Court of Federal Claims has decided, in Paul Bruyea v. United States, that foreign tax credits might be used to offset NIIT in U.S. tax treaties with more tha


Effective wealth preservation strategies in the UK
Wealth preservation is a key consideration for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and family offices.
Managing assets efficiently while ensuring tax compliance and long-term sustainability requires careful planning and the right structuring. In the UK, wealth preservation strategies must align with evolving tax laws and international regulations.


Bridging Loans for Refurbishment Projects
Bridging loans are designed to "bridge the gap" between a present expense and a future cash flow. With this in mind, they are useful tools for landlords or homeowners who intend to refurbish or renovate their property. By providing property owners with liquidity, refurbishment bridging loans enable them to increase their property's value without requiring the cash up front.


Navigating a Quarter-Century in Private Banking: Insights from Sandra Garcia Basciano
At the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean, Gibraltar has long been recognised as a strategic financial centre. Its stability, internationally respected regulatory framework, and efficient tax system make it an attractive jurisdiction for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors. Private banking in Gibraltar continues to evolve, shaped by regulatory developments, digital transformation, and a growing demand for bespoke financial solutions


Why choose a professional trustee over a friend or family member?
A fiduciary is an individual or organisation entrusted with managing wealth, including investment portfolios, luxury assets, properties, and funds. A fiduciary is anyone legally obligated to act in someone else’s best interest, covering roles like financial advisors, estate executors, and corporate directors.
Trustees, however, are a specific type of fiduciary responsible for managing a trust’s assets in line with the trust’s terms, solely for the beneficiaries’ benefit.
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