Private Clients

Owning and operating an aircraft or helicopter is complex and requires significant attention to a number of considerations. With a comprehensive understanding and experience of the aviation industry, our dedicated aviation division can assist owners and their representatives in understanding the diverse requirements associated with the ownership, registration and management of a range of aircraft, including business jets and helicopters. We understand the responsibilities and complexities that come with owning these types of assets and make it a priority to stay abreast of any changes or new developments in industry legislation and regulations to ensure that any aircraft is managed effectively whilst remaining compliant.

Whether the intention is to use the asset on a corporate, commercial or pleasure basis, we consider how and where the aircraft is to be used and ascertain whether there are any tax or VAT exposures, to evaluate whether tailored tax planning could offer any fiscal benefits and/or reduce any liabilities.

We can provide bespoke corporate structures for effective ownership and work with owners and their family offices, advisors and aircraft managers alike, to ensure that the necessary administrative and operational support is provided to each client and their structure so that they remain free to fly and rest assured that there asset is in safe hands.

At Sentient, we have a team of experience and qualified professionals that offer a full range of administration, bookkeeping and accounting services so that we can demonstrate the financial position of the companies we manage at any time, allowing our clients to make better informed decisions for their businesses through relevant and efficient statistical information.

With clients ranging from private companies to multinationals, we offer a full range of solutions which are tailored to the level each client requires. Our solutions can encompass all or a combination of the following: bookkeeping; preparation of annual or periodic management accounts; preparation of financial statements, and; the completion and submission of VAT and tax returns.

These services are complemented by a robust framework of corporate governance so that they remain compliant with local regulations and reporting requirements.

The use of a corporate vehicle in the establishment and structuring of a financial transaction is common place. Whether this is for the purpose of providing privacy, philanthropy, succession planning, wealth preservation, holding investments or even for the purpose of trading, our highly experienced staff can assist with corporate structuring and provide guidance on choosing the right jurisdiction for a particular transaction.

We work with clients to provide them with a holistic view of their needs. This together with the relationships we have formed internationally with intermediaries and tax advisors, means that we are able to stay at the forefront of any new developments.

We understand that implementation is key to the success of any form of tax planning and to this end we work closely with the professionals to provide a structure that is fit for purpose and yields success.
We also ensure that our staff dedicate their time to the things that matter; maintaining files, recording transactions correctly and providing timely and accurate information to our clients and their advisors.

Wealth can be a reward, a privilege or the result of good fortune. But it can bring problems: there are plenty of ways to lose it; it can spoil lives and split families.
The prudent and sophisticated take care with their wealth, to: protect it from outsiders; invest it; put it to work; prevent it from bringing family problems, and; direct its management and distribution, even after death.

Trusts are well established legal vehicles but they have European cousins that offer a powerful alternative: Foundations.

A Foundation provides many of the advantages of a trust or limited company but can also serve a similar purpose to a private or charitable trust.

Jurisdictions that previously offered trusts alone are introducing foundations, including the Crown Dependencies. While the legislation differs to some extent between the Crown Dependencies, the essence of the foundation remains the same: a founder dedicates property to a chosen purpose (such as family or charitable purposes), the foundation is registered and becomes a legal entity and its affairs are conducted by a council under the constitution.

They are an attractive vehicle for managing ones’s wealth and for the purpose of succession planning but can also be used commercially or for those uncomfortable with common law trusts.

Investing in UK commercial real estate is becoming ever more complex and realistically is only viable for those individuals domiciled outside of the UK. However, obtaining the appropriate professional advice and engaging the right service provider for structuring can assist in mitigating UK tax exposures for foreign investors in UK commercial property.

At Sentient, we have over 35 years’ experience implementing a variety of property solutions, each designed to meet the individual objectives of each client. We offer efficient and cost-effective arrangements for all types of property acquisition through an assortment of vehicle types.

We have a wealth of experience and understanding in the acquisitions, maintenance, redevelopment and sale of a broad range of property types worldwide, including: serviced apartments, hotels, office buildings, student accommodation, offices, care homes and residential developments.

Tax planning, whether for a private individuals or a large corporate, is becoming increasingly more complex, resulting in the need to stay up to date with the latest tax changes and developments in order to ensure that any legal or tax obligations are complied with and remain a priority.

When it comes to taxation, the preservation of wealth whilst mitigating tax liabilities is often at the forefront of many private client’s minds. Our team can assist with the structuring required for effective tax planning to mitigate tax liabilities in an effective yet compliant manner.

Furthermore, we offer tax compliance services in addition to the ongoing administration required to manage these structures, including the preparation and submission of tax returns and FATCA and CRS compliance and reporting.

Trusts have been in existence for centuries and their uses have evolved over time.

However, even if a particular trust usage may be well known, prospective settlors sometimes still have concerns at transferring the legal ownership of assets to third party trustees.

In this regard it is important to choose the right jurisdiction and professional firm to act on behalf of the settlor and beneficiaries when considering the establishment of such a structure or the reorganisation of an existing situation.

The jurisdiction must have a good solid reputation supported by robust legislation. The effect of good legislation means that a high level of security is offered together with confidentiality and clarity in terms of the tax position.

A trust can be used in a number of ways and established for a number of reasons:

– Asset protection
– Enhanced confidentiality
– Tax planning
– Wealth preservation
– Estate and succession planning
– Protection of interests (i.e. children)
– Avoidance of forced heirship

We can establish trusts in a number of key global jurisdictions and our in-depth knowledge and practical experience means that we are highly proficient in delivering effective solutions for our clients. We offer comprehensive services and will work with professional legal advisers to draft the right trust deed to meet your objectives. We can also provide Trustee Services and carry out the day-to-day management and administration of the Trust.

A Trustee administers the assets of a Trust subject to the defined terms of the Trust deed and in accordance with the governing law, for the benefit of the beneficiaries, who may include the Settlor.

A trustee may be appointed for a wide variety of purposes, such as in the case of bankruptcy, for a charity, for a trust fund or for certain types of retirement plans or pensions.

Governance of the Corporate Trustee consists of experienced professionals who will ensure that the Trust is administered pursuant to the terms of the deed and within legislative and taxation boundaries.

We have been providing Trustees on behalf of our clients and their Trusts for over 35 years and have a full understanding of the responsibilities and requirements that come with such an important role.

VAT is a complex and onerous tax regime which affects all type of businesses. Due to the scope and complexity of VAT, it is important to obtain the appropriate professional support that is vital to ensure correct compliance.

For corporate entities, particularly those trading across Europe, VAT can be very time consuming and heavily administrative.

At Sentient we can provide the following services to support your VAT requirements: VAT registration; VAT Administration and VAT Compliance.

Owning and operating any type of vessel can be complex and requires attention to a number of considerations.

With a comprehensive understanding of the yachting industry, our dedicated yacht division can assist owners and their representatives in understanding the diverse requirements associated with the ownership, registration and management of a range of vessels, including but not limited to motor yachts and sailing yachts.

With the legislative and regulatory requirements of the industry continually changing, we understand that staying abreast of any new developments is of utmost importance to ensure that any vessels under our management remain compliant.

We give consideration to how and where a vessel will be used, in order to ascertain any tax or VAT exposures, whether the asset is intended to generate income and subsequently whether tailored tax planning could offer any fiscal benefits and /or minimise any liabilities.

Our yachting team is highly experienced in every aspect of yacht ownership, registration and management, resulting in a service which is comprehensive and attuned to our clients’ diverse needs.

Approved by the Isle of Man Ship Registry as a “Representative Person”, we can act for owners and operators of a wide range of vessels. Furthermore, we can assist with the necessary ongoing administration in respect of the regulatory, technical and administrative upkeep of such vessels as well as the ownership entities, across a number of jurisdictions.

The choice of registry is important when considering under which flag to register a vessel. The state chosen determines how a vessel will be treated in the countries and ports it visits. A flag state must enforce convention standards on the vessels it maintains within its register so when choosing a state in which to register a vessel, consideration should be given to the following:

– The reputation
– Jurisdiction stability (in terms of its local Government)
– What professional support services exist; and the cost.
– Ease of registration and customer services
– Gross tonnage
– What security is required by those providing a mortgage

We are ideally located to provide multi-jurisdictional registration according to each of our client’s individual requirements and ensure the process of registering their vessel is as efficient and as smooth as possible.

Approved by the Isle of Man Ship Registry as a “Representative Person”, we can act for owners and operators of a wide range of vessels. Furthermore, we can assist with the necessary ongoing administration in respect of the regulatory, technical and administrative upkeep of such vessels as well as the ownership entities, across a number of jurisdictions.