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News / Seeking advice too late is an ‘opportunity lost’

Seeking advice too late is an ‘opportunity lost’

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06.07.26
Seeking financial advice before moving abroad

Published on International Adviser on 5 May 2026.

Seeking financial advice only after moving abroad can be an “opportunity lost”, according to Blevins Franks adviser James Griffiths.

Speaking from his home in Le Rouret, near the commune of Valbonne in the South of France, Griffiths said there were benefits to seeking advice early, particularly where UK and French tax systems diverge.

Griffiths cited pension commencement lump sums and Isas as two areas where tax policies differ.

As an example of what can go wrong, Griffiths described a couple he had advised recently.

Having lived in France for five years, they still had a UK adviser charging 1 per cent, despite not being authorised to give advice in France.
They had moved their investments from a fund-picking list to a discretionary fund manager — which Griffith said is a taxable event in France.
Griffiths said that after a conversation with him, they realised this had caused them a “huge tax bill”.

“So that is the bad, worst-case scenario where a UK adviser has tried to stay involved, still taking their money, and has actually walked them into a massive tax bill in France,” he explained.

While such cases still occur, Griffiths said they had become less common since Brexit.

“Because of the visa process, there is a lot more involved to become French residents. So people seek advice earlier, which is fantastic for them.”

Equally, Griffiths said the firm now gets more referrals from UK advisers acknowledging the limits of their advice.

Read more: Seeking advice too late is an ‘opportunity lost’ – FTAdviser

Author: Hereward Mills

 

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.
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Blevins Franks has been providing specialist financial advice to British expatriates across Europe for 50 years. Our expertise covers tax, estate planning, pensions and investment management to offer a genuinely holistic approach to financial planning.
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