At private client solicitors we are devoted to protecting your private wealth

Tailored Family Investment Services

Trusted Guidance for Every Stage of Your Family Investment Company

 

A Family Investment Company (“FIC Structure”) is a popular vehicle for clients who are interested in estate planning. Since the overhaul of the trust tax legislation in 2006, FICs are now considered to be another option to succession planning, alongside trusts, which enables families to retain control in preserving their wealth in a tax-efficient manner.

 

Get in Touch

Our Family Investment Company (FIC) advisory services include:

Our Family Investment Company (FIC) advisory services include:

  • Advising on the full lifecycle of a Family Investment Company, from initial structuring and incorporation through to bank account establishment and ongoing corporate compliance.
  • Designing the legal and governance framework for the FIC, including shareholder agreements, articles of association, trusts and long-term succession planning.
  • Preparing family governance documentation, such as family charters, family constitutions and succession policies to support intergenerational wealth stewardship.
  • Advising on the most appropriate ownership structures, including the interaction between FICs, trusts and other wealth-planning vehicles.
  • Structuring share classes and rights, including alphabet shares and the allocation of voting, capital and income rights to achieve tax efficiency and family control.
  • Advising on the types of assets held within the FIC, including investment portfolios, cash, real estate and private investments.
  • Guidance on onshore and offshore structuring considerations, including jurisdictional and regulatory factors.
  • Coordinating with corporate colleagues, tax advisers, accountants, and investment managers to ensure the structure aligns with the family’s wider tax, investment and succession objectives.
  • Advising directors and shareholders on ongoing governance, fiduciary duties and regulatory compliance.

 

Risks of Not having a FIC

  • Loss of control in asset distribution
  • Assets could pass to unintended parties
  • Double taxation
  • Difficulty in dealing with the estate administration after death

Tailored Private Client Family Investment Company structure services for long-term wealth preservation

Each Family Investment Company scenario is considered on a case-by-case basis. For further advice and guidance on this topic, please get in touch with the experienced solicitors at Private Client Solicitors by email on enquiries@privateclientsolicitors.co.uk or by calling 0161 509 5020.

FAQs

A FIC is a private investment company whose shareholders are family members. The company can be structured to suit the family’s specific needs, and its documents (such as the Memorandum, Articles of Association, and Shareholders’ Agreement) will specify how specific family members will benefit with respect to voting rights, future profits, income, and/or capital. Different classes of shareholdings allow individuals to differentiate between the tax planning and succession needs of all family members.

-There are no restrictions on the levels of capital introduced.

-It works very well for assets which do not attract IHT reliefs (such as investments and cash).

-You can either pass income-generating assets to grandchildren directly, or via a trust to utilise their own tax breaks whilst retaining control, which makes the FIC more attractive.

Different family members retain control through shares, directorships and loan agreements. The original donor of the gift would still have some control over the company and its assets, but capital value will have started to be moved away from the estate of the donor to heirs, either at the outset or during the lifecycle of the FIC.

Absolutely! In short, your FIC paperwork should be reviewed yearly to ensure the structure remains legally sound, tax efficient and aligned with family goals.

– A FIC is a company governed as a private company, under the Companies Act 2006, whereas a trust is a legal arrangement governed by a trust deed and trustees.

– A FIC offers more flexibility through customised share classes, making it easier to pass growth to younger generations while retaining control.

Might be appropriate if:

– You have inheritance tax concerns

– Wish to retain some control while passing wealth to family members

– Are considering alternatives to trusts

– Want a long-term succession planning structure

What our clients say

Exemplary legal services

Private Client Services were instructed as part of our late father’s probate package. We were very impressed with the professionalism, knowledge and sensitivity at all stages of this matter. Our solicitor Demi Crosbie kept us updated at all times and nothing was too much trouble. We felt that we could call at anytime for any explanation of the procedures, if we were unclear on anything and Demi would call us back as soon as she could if she was out of the office. What was a very upsetting and stressful period of our lives was made a little less burdensome by knowing that our affairs were in good hands. We would highly recommend Private Client Services.

Safe hands

Michelle, and her colleague Charlie, helped me out during the lengthy probate process following my mother’s passing, and without them I would have never made it through. They went above and beyond every step of the way, explaining every part of the process clearly and concisely, keeping me up-to-date with every change in situation, and even helped me out after probate had been granted. Considering that I was doing most of this while living abroad was even more of a challenge, but they were there for me every time.

Wills, Power of Attorney , Property Severance

Melissa was always very professional and gave us the best advise and guidance. With Melissa’s help we now feel very prepared and gave peace of mind that all our affairs are in order for now and the future. Would have no hesitation in recommending Melissa and the Company to anyone.

Help and support

This firm deserve a medal for the help and support they gave me when dealing with a Will during and after the passing of a very dear friend. Melissa and Emily keep you updated at all times so no surprises. I am now keeping Melissa and Emily to help sort all other Wills when I need them to as well as recommending them to friends as well as family.

LPAs

Jaima helped us to complete my mother’s will and LPA, complicated by her dementia diagnosis. This saved us a much more lengthy process including doctors and the courts. We couldn’t have done this by ourselves. The service was great and the information for my mum was clear. they made sure she fully understood the process and avoided causing any anxiety.

Wills & Probate

Melissa is professional and puts you at ease we got support and advice at every step of the process . A very nice young lady and we were very happy with her support and advice . Will recommend Melissa to all our friends and relatives and we now have our own family solicitor Thank you to a great solicitor

Handling of late father’s estate

When my father passed away after a short illness I didn’t really know where to begin with the financials. PCS gave me great advice after an initial consultation and then executed the agreed plan to perfection. I found the process stress free and Omair was a pleasure to deal with. PCS, fantastic. I can’t thank you enough!

Our accreditations

Our service is fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring trusted legal expertise and complete peace of mind.

Get started today

We are happy to have an initial no obligation telephone call, in person or online to understand your estate requirements. From there, we prepare legally valid documents, provide advice on probate and estate administration, and arrange secure storage for your records. Whether you are planning for the future or managing the estate of a loved one, our solicitors offer clarity, sensitivity, and expertise at every stage.

Get started with us today.