Cross-border philanthropy

Philanthropy is a key element of the wealth plan of many ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and their families. The methods used to further an individual’s charitable goals can vary from cash donations to establishing and running their own charitable organisation. In many cases, such activities may take in more than one jurisdiction, facilitated in part by new payment technologies, crowdfunding and new transaction structures.

This sub-topic aims to highlight some of the issues faced by UHNWIs with a UK connection in engaging in cross-border charitable and philanthropic activities, such as the regulation of charities, the UK taxation of charities and charitable donors, and money laundering and financial crime. In doing so, it draws together cross-border content from the Charity and philanthropy, UK taxes for Private Client and International topics in Private Client—see Practice Note: Cross-border philanthropy—summary for more information.

Guidance on cross-border issues in general for private clients is available in the sub-topics: Cross-border planning (and private client), Cross-border estates and Charities in Scotland.

UK as a centre for cross-border philanthropy

The UK offers several advantages as a base for charities operating both within and outside its borders.

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Private Client News

Private Client weekly highlights—21 November 2024

This week’s edition of Private Client highlights includes: (1) Wigglesworth v Beetson, in which the claimant failed in an action for estoppel and adverse possession; (2) the Hansard Society to host a briefing on parliamentary process for Assisted Dying Bill; (3) Khan v Khan, which considered family property and constructive trusts; (4) analysis of the Autumn Budget announcement to bring unused pension funds and death benefits within the scope of IHT; (5) Palmer v Sans, which found that there was no transaction at an undervalue where property was already held on trust for the transferee; (6) KA v FA (The Secretary of State for the Home Department intervening), where the court recognised an overseas adoption notwithstanding failure of common law test; and (7) Kireeva v Bedzhamov, in which the Supreme Court has confirmed the application of the immovables rule to English property.

HoL committee issues call for evidence on Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill

A Special Public Bill Committee established by the House of Lords has issued a call for evidence on the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill. The deadline for submissions is Friday 20 December 2024.

Privy Council rules BVI company shares are not immovable property (Al Thani v Al Thani)

Private Client analysis: In a decision which will come as a relief to private individuals who own shares in BVI companies, the Privy Council has decided that section 245 of the BVI’s Business Companies Act 2004 does not have the effect of re-categorising shares as immovable property for the purposes of succession. Written by Kyle Bonnell, pupil at XXIV Old Buildings.

Supreme Court confirms application of immovables rule to English property

The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed Ms Kireeva’s (Russian bankruptcy trustee’s) appeal to overturn the Court of Appeal’s’ decision regarding matters arising out of the bankruptcy of Mr Bedzhamov. Peter Declercq and Patrick Elliot, partners at DCQ Legal (who acted for Ms Kireeva), discuss the implications of the judgment.