Waqf by Another Name
Branding, Vanity, or Substance? Mohammad Uz-Zaman, Chartered ALFBF, TEP This article was inspired by the International Waqf Conference in Mauritius, three days of genuinely valuable discussion earlier this year. My analysis complements research I have undertaken over several years into awqaf, an interest I have since formalised through ADL Research in a study entitled The […]
Start With the Family, Not the Shareholders’ Agreement
Family tension is not noise around the business. It is part of the business system. Most advisers meet a family business and see a company. There is a balance sheet, a shareholder register, a set of articles, and somewhere in a drawer, a will drafted at a different point in the family’s life. That is […]
Why Cash Is Not the Answer
True wealth in an anxious age The anxieties are legitimate. Western economies carry public debt at levels last seen in wartime, and when the interest paid on that debt exceeds the economy’s growth rate, the arithmetic deteriorates (Reinhart and Rogoff, 2009; IMF, 2024). Consider, too, the rise of non-Western markets, the disruptive potential of artificial […]
The 14-Year Rule Explained: How a Gift You’ve Forgotten Can Still Add to an Inheritance Tax Bill
Most people planning their estate have heard of the “7-year rule”: give money away, survive seven years, and the gift falls outside your estate for inheritance tax (IHT). It’s one of the best-known ideas in estate planning — and one of the most misunderstood. Far fewer have heard of its longer, stranger cousin: the 14-year […]
Family Businesses Succession Planning: 5 Critical Mistakes You Must Avoid
Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, yet many fail to survive beyond the second generation. Succession planning is not just a matter of choosing who takes over, it is a complex legal and financial process that determines whether a business thrives or falls apart. Under English law, poor planning can expose family […]
Sustainable and Socially Responsible Investing: 8 Brilliant Strategies for Positive Impact and Profit
Sustainable and socially responsible investing (SRI) has moved from the margins of finance into the mainstream. Investors now expect their money to deliver both returns and positive impact. For individuals and families engaged in estate planning, ESG strategies present a compelling opportunity. By aligning wealth management with sustainable principles, it becomes possible to preserve family […]
7 Powerful Reasons Why Financial Advisors Outperform DIY Investing
DIY investing platforms have surged in popularity, offering access to markets at the click of a button. They appeal to those seeking control, speed and lower costs. However, when it comes to building, protecting and passing on wealth, especially within the UK’s complex tax and legal framework, these advantages can quickly become liabilities. The intricacies […]
Insurance: 5 Brilliant Ways It Elevates Wealth Management
Wealth management is no longer just about growing assets; it’s about protecting them across generations. In the UK, the interplay between financial planning and estate planning is becoming increasingly complex, especially with rising property values and tightening inheritance tax (IHT) thresholds. Insurance, often overlooked, can play a vital role in this landscape. Whether used to […]
How to Overcome 5 Surprising Challenges Women Face in Financial Planning and Achieve Lasting Confidence
In the UK, women are increasingly taking the lead in household financial decisions, business ownership and wealth accumulation. However, despite these strides, financial planning continues to present unique challenges for women, challenges that can carry lifelong consequences if not proactively addressed. English law provides the tools and frameworks necessary to overcome these obstacles, but timely, […]
Emergency Fund Blueprint: 6 Powerful Rules to Stay Financially Safe
An emergency fund is not just a buffer, it’s a cornerstone of a robust financial and estate plan. It protects you against unforeseen events such as job loss, illness or the sudden need for long-term care. In the context of English law, its value is amplified when integrated with proper legal structures and planning mechanisms. […]