The fiscal landscape for Britain’s wealthiest individuals has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, prompting significant strategic realignments and an increased reliance on expert guidance. The impending abolition of non-domicile status in 2025 and the introduction of a council tax surcharge on properties exceeding £2 million from 2028, colloquially termed a "mansion tax," are compelling ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals to re-evaluate their financial arrangements and, in some cases, their residency. This evolving environment places a critical spotlight on the indispensable role of accountants and tax advisers, who are tasked with navigating these complex changes and safeguarding their clients’ financial futures.
The impact of these legislative changes is already palpable. Prominent billionaires such as David Reuben, Lakshmi Mittal, and John Fredriksen have reportedly sought more tax-advantageous jurisdictions, signalling a broader trend of wealth migration. However, many continue to anchor their affairs within the UK, necessitating intricate restructuring to comply with the new fiscal realities. This dynamic underscores the growing demand for specialised expertise in tax and trust advisory services, a domain that Spear’s has meticulously tracked through its annual Tax and Trust Indices.
The Evolving Role of Tax Professionals in a Complex Environment
The core challenge for accountants and tax advisers in this era is their imperative to maintain a broad and integrated practice. UHNW clients typically possess multifaceted financial lives, spanning family businesses, diverse asset classes, family offices, extensive landholdings, complex trust structures, and international investments. Advisers must possess a comprehensive understanding of potential tax liabilities arising from each of these domains, as well as the tax implications of their eventual dissolution or intergenerational transfer.
Gregory Smye-Rumsby, a partner at Dixon Wilson, articulates this necessity, stating that the complexity of his UHNW clients’ affairs demands a holistic approach. "Their affairs often involve multiple interconnected personal, business and tax issues," he explains. This often means navigating situations where a client may reside in one country, hold significant investments in another, have beneficiaries spread across multiple jurisdictions, and utilize trusts governed by the laws of a fourth. Consequently, successful practitioners must adopt a generalist, advisory-led strategy, encompassing personal and business tax planning, compliance, tax return preparation, international tax advisement, and adept handling of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enquiries. Furthermore, they must possess the acumen to distinguish between purely technical tax advice and the realm of legal representation.
"My role is, essentially, interpreting complex tax rules, explaining their practical implications and helping clients understand how they apply in real-life situations," Smye-Rumsby elaborates, highlighting the crucial function of translating intricate legislation into actionable guidance.
Sue Knight, who leads Grant Thornton’s Birmingham office, echoes this sentiment. Her practice, focused on UHNW private clients, frequently assists families whose financial affairs have become fragmented due to engagement with multiple, disparate advisers. "They need someone to step in and pull every disparate piece together into a coherent plan," she told Spear’s. Ann-Marie Atkins of Evelyn Partners likens her role to that of an "orchestra conductor," emphasizing the coordination required to harmonise various financial and tax elements into a unified strategy.
The overarching goal for these professionals is to demystify the often-intimidating world of taxation for their clients. John Bull, head of private clients at Blick Rothenberg, states, "My job is to demystify complex tax issues, speak to clients in plain English and give clear advice on which option best achieves the client’s goals, even where that is not the best tax answer." This client-centric approach prioritises individual objectives, even if it necessitates deviating from the most tax-efficient, but potentially less desirable, path.
Succession Planning: A Blend of Psychology and Strategy
The changes impacting inheritance tax and business property relief have significantly amplified the demand for succession planning services. Accountants and tax advisers are increasingly engaged in guiding first-generation wealth creators through the intricate process of understanding their assets, defining their long-term objectives, and establishing arrangements that benefit both current and future generations.
Simon Baylis, of BDO, works with internationally connected families to determine the optimal allocation of wealth to future generations, the intended purpose of this wealth, and the most effective means of achieving philanthropic aspirations. "A lot of it isn’t tax. It’s psychological. It’s about purpose, and making sure you’re doing the right thing for the child," he observes. This highlights the deeply personal nature of succession, which extends beyond mere financial calculations.
Emma Hosking-Williams, also a partner at BDO, underscores the critical importance of timing in succession planning. "Succession planning works best when undertaken gradually over time, allowing families to adapt and consider issues fully," she notes, advocating for a phased approach that permits thorough deliberation and adaptation.
Lifestyle Considerations Trumping Pure Tax Efficiency
The narrative surrounding UHNW individuals and taxation has been dominated by headlines concerning high-profile departures from the UK. Figures like Chris Rokos and Kurt Björklund exemplify this trend, prompting discussions about the drivers behind such decisions. David Lesperance commented on this exodus, stating, "Chris Rokos is an example of what is happening; it’s an extreme example and a public example, but that’s the reality across not just big hedge fund managers, but all wealthy people."
Spear’s Tax Survey for 2026 indicates that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a primary destination for HNW individuals relocating globally, cited by 36 per cent of respondents as their preferred jurisdiction. Italy follows at 21 per cent, with Portugal at 15 per cent. These destinations offer attractive tax regimes and often a desirable lifestyle, drawing significant interest from those seeking to optimize their financial and personal circumstances.
However, tax advisers caution that a sole focus on tax exposure can sometimes lead clients to make decisions that do not align with their broader lifestyle preferences. Robert Pullen of RSM advises, "I always try and say to a client, ‘try and be driven by lifestyle, don’t be driven by tax. So if, you know, if you want to go and live in Italy, go and live in Italy and we’ll make it work’." This philosophy prioritizes personal well-being and life choices over purely fiscal advantages.
David Crabtree, a new entrant to this year’s index, emphasizes his approach, which prioritizes flexibility and simplicity over solely minimizing tax liabilities. "Clients often initially ask to save tax but are ultimately more concerned with maintaining control, preserving family options and achieving outcomes that fit their circumstances," he states. This perspective underscores that for many UHNW individuals, preserving autonomy and achieving holistic life goals are paramount.
As policy shifts continue to reshape the calculations underpinning wealth preservation, succession, and residency, Spear’s recognizes the vital importance of highlighting the industry’s leading tax advisers and accountants. These professionals, having advised billionaires, multigenerational families, and royalty, are exceptionally positioned to deliver nuanced, confident advice that is acutely attuned to the needs and requirements of the UHNW community.
Methodology: A Rigorous Approach to Ranking Expertise
The Spear’s Research Unit employs a comprehensive methodology to assess and rank leading providers in the tax and trust advisory sector. This process involves gathering extensive data on advisers and firms, including submission forms, peer nominations, third-party data analysis, client references, and expert consultations. Hundreds of interviews are conducted annually to ensure a thorough evaluation.
Advisers are assessed using a proprietary scoring system that assigns varying weightings to key attributes. These scores directly inform the annual Spear’s Indices, which are initially published online according to the research calendar and subsequently in print. The annual Spear’s 500 directory serves as the definitive print compilation of the top advisers across all indices.
Each featured adviser is profiled on spears500.com, a searchable database of over 4,000 entities. Users can filter this database by specific attributes such as an adviser’s location, specialist expertise, and client base to find suitable professionals.
Leading Accountants and Tax Advisers: A Snapshot of Expertise
The 2026 Spear’s Tax and Trust Indices highlight several individuals and firms demonstrating exceptional expertise in navigating the complexities of the current financial climate.
Daniel Crouch: Bridging US and UK Tax Landscapes
Daniel Crouch, a partner in EY’s US-UK cross-border tax services team, offers a unique proposition for clients with dual-jurisdictional tax concerns. Dual-qualified and authorized to advise on both US and UK tax matters, Crouch emphasizes his ability to serve as a single point of contact. "You don’t need two advisers. You only need one," he asserts. His specialization includes private clients, particularly lawyers and private equity executives, who have faced considerable scrutiny from governments in recent years. Crouch’s role is highly collaborative, leveraging EY’s extensive network and expertise to assist family enterprises and other HNW individuals with US connections. His accreditation as a US enrolled agent further solidifies his capacity to navigate the Internal Revenue Service’s complex regulations.
Ismael Hajjar: Driving Private Wealth Growth in the Middle East
Ismael Hajjar, partner and head of international private wealth in the Middle East at PwC, has overseen the significant expansion of the firm’s private client practice in the region. Since joining PwC in 2022, Hajjar has focused on a three-pronged strategy: advising elite families on structuring, governance, and family office establishment; assisting UHNWs relocating to the region; and collaborating with government agencies to foster programs that attract family offices. This strategic focus has not only driven revenue growth but also positioned PwC as a key player in the region’s burgeoning wealth management sector. Hajjar notes that governmental efforts to attract talent often lead to introductions to external advisers like himself, facilitating client onboarding and support.
Dawn Register: Expert in Tax Dispute Resolution
Dawn Register, a prominent figure at BDO and a recipient of a 2023 Spear’s Award, is widely recognized for her expertise in tax dispute resolution. She provides critical support to clients facing HMRC inquiries, serious investigations, and voluntary disclosure management. Peers frequently recommend Register to Spear’s, attesting to her standing in the industry. As head of specialist tax services at BDO in London, she oversees experts in various fields, including R&D incentives, VAT, indirect taxes, and tax assurance. Register finds the multifaceted and challenging nature of her work, which often involves navigating the intricacies of the UK tax system, deeply engaging. "I feel very fortunate to do the job that I do in that I never get bored. I’m always challenged, and every case is interesting," she remarks.
Sarah Farrow: Leading UHNW Tax Services at EY
Sarah Farrow leads EY’s ultra-high-net-worth tax team, a private client offering that emerged from EY’s acquisition of Frank Hirth in 2021. With over two decades of experience, Farrow specializes in addressing the complex tax issues faced by HNW individuals, businesses, family offices, and sophisticated investors. She recounts advising a Middle Eastern client who had inadvertently under-reported UK tax due to miscommunication between their bankers and former advisers. Farrow’s team successfully calculated the tax liability and reached an agreement with HMRC without queries, saving the client a substantial £350,000. This case exemplifies her ability to resolve complex situations with efficiency and discretion.
David Crabtree: A Boutique Approach to US-UK Tax Matters
David Crabtree, a partner at the boutique firm Ostberg Sinclair & Co, heads the firm’s HNW US-UK team. As a dual-qualified tax adviser, he assists wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and private equity professionals with cross-border tax challenges. Crabtree emphasizes a broader advisory role beyond mere tax compliance, guiding clients on business structuring, wealth structuring, estate planning, and succession planning. He places significant importance on understanding clients’ ambitions, concerns, family dynamics, and long-term goals. "Understanding what the client needs and not just giving them a set solution that may or may not be suitable for them," is central to his practice.
Michael Lewis: Driving EY’s US-UK Cross-Border Tax Services
Michael Lewis co-heads EY’s US-UK cross-border tax services team, a substantial group comprising approximately 125 professionals in London and an additional 45 in India. As the "face of the practice," Lewis works closely with colleagues across EY’s private client business, viewing collaboration as fundamental to the team’s success. He is known for his creative approach to finding solutions for clients, particularly those experiencing significant life or business events such as an IPO or business sale. His client base includes private equity and fund executives, as well as C-suite leaders, who often require specialized expertise that existing advisers may not possess.
Iain Younger: Guiding US-Connected Clients with KPMG
Iain Younger, partner and co-lead of KPMG’s US-UK private client tax service, focuses on tax, trust, compliance, and succession planning for US-connected individuals and family offices. Younger finds enjoyment in the technical aspects of his work, assisting clients in planning for the future and structuring their wealth. He frequently advises internationally mobile HNW individuals relocating to the US, noting that these decisions are often influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors as much as by tax considerations. Younger advocates for a collaborative, client-centric approach, ensuring that advice is clear, accurate, and actionable.
Ann-Marie Atkins: Championing Entrepreneurs at Evelyn Partners
Ann-Marie Atkins, head of entrepreneurs at Evelyn Partners, advises wealthy families, founders, and business owners. Drawing on her extensive experience in financial planning, Atkins is instrumental in shaping the firm’s offerings for entrepreneurs, providing tailored advice across all stages of their business journey. Her approach emphasizes practicality and clarity, aiming to simplify complex decisions for business owners. "We can really make it more succinct and more practical for business owners – maybe make it a bit less frightening," she tells Spear’s. Atkins is known for her direct communication style and her ability to explain complex matters without jargon.
Adrian Smale: Advising Entrepreneurs and UHNWs at EY
Adrian Smale, an EY partner, leads the firm’s entrepreneurs and UHNW tax team. With over two decades of experience, including roles at PwC and Grant Thornton, Smale advises owner-managed businesses and tech entrepreneurs on tax planning and structuring. He highlights a career highlight involving a 10-figure transaction in the music/entertainment sector. Smale notes that HNW clients are increasingly inquiring about changes to inheritance tax and capital gains tax, prompting them to consider the timing of selling their businesses. His technical acumen enables him to provide robust solutions for UHNWs’ personal and corporate wealth.
The expertise and dedication of these advisers are crucial in helping UHNW individuals navigate an increasingly complex global financial and regulatory environment. Their ability to blend technical knowledge with a deep understanding of client needs ensures that wealth is not only preserved but also strategically managed for future generations.
