Second Opinion & Trusted Advisor
“Tabea, do you have a few more minutes? Can you stay on the call?”
This is how meetings with three parties involved often end. My client, another advisor or contractual party, and me.
The reason my client wants me there: trust.
Trust that I will tell them what I really think. Even when it may be uncomfortable.
Trust that I am on your side.
I know you.
I know your wealth.
I know what matters to you.
What do you think?
As soon as it is just the two of us, we start talking through the meeting. Putting things into perspective.
“Should I do it this way? Can I send them all the documents they asked for?”
My client asks for my opinion because he knows I will tell him honestly how I see it.
The question of setting up a company to contribute his investments does not only affect him. It also affects his two daughters in Brazil.
He mentioned this only briefly during the meeting. Most of the discussion was about the technical aspects.
I know that he is concerned about taxation, as Brazil has specific rules for the taxation of foreign investment income and investments.
My role is to think beyond the immediate question.
In this case, for example, it is not only important to understand how the money and investments go into the company. At some point, something will need to come out again.
The question we need to answer is: How, and to whom? And not when the time comes. Before the company is established.
In this case, that means working together with a tax advisor in Brazil.
I tell my client how I see it and also ask how he experienced the conversation.
At the end, we agree on the next step.
“What I particularly appreciated was your calm, thoughtful and at the same time very clear approach. You listen very carefully, ask questions and manage to offer new perspectives.”
Andrea
Sometimes it is also about finding the right specialist.
My client returned to Switzerland following the abolition of the UK “non-dom regime”.
He was still receiving equity compensation and various severance payments from his former employer.
After a while, I spoke with his UK advisor because I realised that additional international expertise would be useful for this part of his situation.
I suggested bringing in a specialist and discussing this with the client. The advisor was relieved and my client was happy, as my colleague in the UK is a recognised specialist in cases like these.
My role as your trusted advisor
A second opinion on tax matters.
You get my assessment.
By your side in conversations.
Including meetings with other advisors or contractual parties.
Making technical language understandable.
So you know what you are deciding on.
Understanding what really matters to you.
Beyond the technical question.
Looking at the bigger picture.
So your goals and wishes are taken into account.
Questioning and giving you an honest assessment.
Ideas, recommendations and the situation as a whole.
“I also appreciate your critical questions about my situation, including my wealth and retirement planning.”
Group CFO
“You don’t just provide solutions, you tailor them. […] That’s why you are more than a traditional tax advisor.” International Executive
A second opinion when you need one.
You can rely on me and my honest opinion.
And when we need additional expertise for a particular question, I bring in the right specialist.