After several years of turbulence, the UK’s economic and political landscape is showing signs of stabilising. While uncertainties remain and policy developments continue, markets have steadied, the direction of travel on key reforms is becoming clearer, and the pace of
More about Globally Speaking – February 2026The Zakat principles Zakat is a strategic and rules-based mechanism rather than a random act of voluntary charity. It is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses the requisite net assets (Zakatable assets) to give Zakat. Zakat is due on assets
More about Understanding Zakat: obligatory charity giving in IslamThe UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is tightening up, and from 25 February 2026, failing to travel with the right passport could stop you from boarding your flight altogether. This is not a small administrative tweak —it’s a fundamental
More about Urgent travel warning for British dual nationalsAgainst a backdrop of global political and economic uncertainty, and despite significant recent changes to the UK’s tax regime for individuals, the UK remains an attractive and comparatively stable destination for internationally mobile Americans. This summary highlights the principal UK
More about Stars, stripes and sterling: a tax guide for Americans in the UKIn our November 2025 edition of Globally Speaking, we explained that the UK Budget on 26 November 2025 included an unexpected announcement affecting the inheritance tax (IHT) position of formerly “excluded property trusts” that had a “long-term resident” (LTR) settlor
More about Capping inheritance trust charges for excluded property trusts revisitedHigh Value Council Tax Surcharge For many years, the UK stood apart from our European neighbours by not imposing an annual property tax beyond standard council tax. While speculation about a “mansion tax” has circulated for many years, it never
More about Considering investing in a prime residential property in England? Here’s what you need to know about Stamp Duty Land Tax and the new High Value Council Tax SurchargeThe UK Budget delivered on 26 November 2025 introduced a series of targeted measures for internationally mobile, UK‑connected individuals and families with cross‑border wealth, but do not represent the sweeping tax reforms that had been predicted. The Budget is arguably
More about Globally Speaking – UK Budget UpdateAs the Autumn Budget approaches on 26 November, the private client sector is poised for further change amid uncertainty over the UK’s evolving political and economic landscape. Tax reforms affecting UK-based individuals — and potentially those with UK connections —
More about Globally Speaking – October 2025This article outlines the key principles and scenarios affecting the inheritance rights of spouses, children, and parents. Previous articles on this topic include Shari’ah, and an introduction to Islamic inheritance law and Heirs in Islamic law. Shari’a law On the
More about Shares under Islamic InheritanceThe ROE Since 31 January 2023, overseas entities that hold or acquire interests in UK real estate have been required to register with the UK Registrar of Companies (via Companies House) (the Registrar) and to disclose required information about themselves,
More about Public disclosure of trust information: reforms to the ROE and TRS regimes affecting non-UK trusts