Staying The Course: Why The UK Remains A Compelling Base For Globally Mobile Families

Recent headlines have painted a bleak picture of the UK’s economic and fiscal outlook, prompting many internationally mobile families to reassess their long-term plans. The abolition of the non-domicile regime, the introduction of VAT on private school fees, and soft economic indicators – such as the 0.3% GDP contraction recorded in April – have contributed to a growing sense of uncertainty.

As we’ve covered in recent articles, the trend of relocation to jurisdictions such as Italy and the UAE is gaining momentum. However, for all the media focus on departures, the UK continues to offer material advantages. For entrepreneurs, business owners, and multigenerational wealth creators, the country retains core strengths that are often underappreciated in times of transition.

Looking ahead, we believe the government will be compelled to revisit and, in some cases, unwind aspects of the non-dom reforms – particularly with respect to Inheritance Tax – albeit in a politically sensitive fashion. In our view, the current moment represents a nadir in the UK’s perception among global wealth holders. Yet, this may also mark a turning point, reinforcing the long-term case for the UK as a home for international capital and entrepreneurship.

THE UK AS A GLOBAL HUB FOR PROFESSIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The UK remains one of the most sophisticated private client ecosystems globally. Its appeal is underpinned not only by the calibre of legal, tax, and fiduciary professionals available, but also by the supporting infrastructure across investment management, banking, compliance and broader professional services firms. For families with complex needs, the UK continues to provide unrivalled access to cross-border expertise and institutional-grade service providers.

London, in particular, serves as a nucleus for family offices and wealth management institutions with truly international capabilities. Its legal system, respect for contract enforcement, and well-established rule of law provide the security and predictability that globally mobile families require.

A JURISDICTION OF STABILITY AND GOVERNANCE

While UK politics has been volatile in recent years, the broader institutional framework remains intact and globally respected. In contrast to other developed markets – such as the United States, where judicial independence is increasingly politicised – the UK retains a reputation for measured policymaking and a credible regulatory regime.

At Hundle, we are increasingly engaging with families relocating from the US to the UK, citing concerns around political polarisation, legal uncertainty, and social fragmentation. For many, the UK offers a more stable long-term base with dependable institutions.

EDUCATION, CULTURE AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Beyond governance, the UK’s educational infrastructure continues to act as a magnet for international families. The country is home to three of the world’s top ten universities, as well as a wide range of elite preparatory and senior schools. The broader cultural ecosystem – spanning the arts, sport, and historical heritage – remains deeply embedded in global perceptions of quality and continuity.

These attributes resonate strongly with second and third-generation entrepreneurs from Asia and the Middle East, who often view education and lifestyle as integral to the long-term success of their wealth planning strategies.

A PROVEN ENVIRONMENT FOR BUILDING AND SCALING BUSINESSES

For entrepreneurs, the UK remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions in which to establish and grow a business. Its combination of deep capital markets, a robust legal framework, and a highly developed services sector creates an environment that supports innovation, growth, and long-term value creation.

London continues to act as a gateway not only to Europe, but to global markets, with strong ties to North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The UK’s regulatory infrastructure provides clarity and consistency – two qualities that are highly prized by founders and investors operating across borders. Moreover, the availability of talent – across finance, legal, technology, and operations – enables businesses to scale with confidence.

The 2025 HSBC Global Wealth Hubs report reinforces this perspective. Despite recent tax reforms, the UK remains the top relocation choice for 10% of UHNW individuals globally and ranks among the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs aged 18–44. This reflects a continued recognition that the UK offers the full architecture required to build, manage, and protect complex business interests over time.

HUNDLE: A GLOBAL OFFERING FROM A LONDON BASE

While Hundle is headquartered in London, our client base – and our outlook – is global. Through our Open Architecture model, we are able to access best-in-class investment managers, custodians, and specialist providers across jurisdictions. We are not bound by geography or institutional constraint, which allows us to construct and manage portfolios that reflect the complexity and individuality of our clients’ needs, wherever they are based.

This flexibility is central to our model. It ensures that we can serve families who are resident in the UK, as well as those who have chosen to relocate to other jurisdictions such as Milan or Dubai.

ACCESS TO TALENT

As we have built our team, the UK continues to offer a deep and highly skilled talent pool. This is a key enabler for our business. From investment professionals and tax advisers to operations and compliance specialists, we are able to recruit and retain the expertise required to deliver the standard of service our clients expect. The density of talent in London remains unmatched in Europe and continues to attract professionals from across the globe.

This access to top-tier talent allows us to offer institutional-grade advice and execution, while maintaining the agility and discretion of a family office. For our clients, it means confidence that their affairs are being managed by people who understand the intricacies of both global finance and personal wealth.

SUPPORTING GLOBAL FAMILIES – IN AND OUT OF THE UK

Our clients are increasingly international in both footprint and outlook. We work with families who are relocating to the UK, as well as those who are choosing to leave. In both cases, our role is to make these transitions as seamless as possible.

For clients moving to the UK, we provide support across the full spectrum of practical considerations – whether directly or via our trusted network of intermediaries. This includes coordinating visa applications, sourcing and acquiring residential property, introducing legal and tax advisers, establishing banking relationships, and identifying suitable schools for children. For those departing the UK, our services extend to cross-border structuring, comparative tax modelling, and ongoing portfolio management in new jurisdictions.

We view relocation as a strategic decision – one that intersects with wealth planning, governance, education, and lifestyle. Our ability to support clients on either side of the move reflects both our international reach and our commitment to delivering holistic, long-term solutions.

CONCLUSION

While fiscal and political headwinds have prompted some to look beyond the UK, the case for remaining remains strong – particularly for internationally mobile families who value access, infrastructure, and stability. The UK continues to offer a robust platform for those seeking to build, preserve, and transition wealth across generations.

At Hundle, our perspective is shaped by the global nature of our clients and the evolving demands they face. Whether remaining in the UK, returning after time abroad, or relocating for strategic reasons, we remain committed to providing clear, thoughtful guidance at every stage of the journey.

For families seeking a jurisdiction that combines commercial depth, legal certainty, access to talent, and international connectivity, the UK continues to warrant serious consideration.

To explore how Hundle can support your family in navigating the opportunities and challenges of cross-border wealth planning, please get in touch with our team.