Masterclass on Cases in International Taxation of UHNWI, Family Offices and Trusts with Cross-Border Investments

Through expert-led discussions and practical case studies, participants explored key developments in international wealth structuring, family office tax regimes, global minimum taxation, tax transparency and succession planning, gaining valuable perspectives on navigating an increasingly interconnected global tax landscape.

Day 1: International Taxation of UHNWI with Family Offices and Cross-Border Investments

Professor Dr Martin Wenz, Chair for Business Taxation and the Laws of International and Liechtenstein Taxation, University of Liechtenstein

The Masterclass opened with Professor Dr Martin Wenz from the University of Liechtenstein, who provided an overview of the international tax landscape and the complexities of managing private wealth across multiple jurisdictions. Drawing on practical case studies, he examined the interaction between international tax frameworks, family offices and cross-border investment structures, setting the stage for the discussions that followed.

Trainers for Day 1 (left to right): Ms Chan Xue Pei and Mr Kevin Ng

Ms Chan Xue Pei and Professor Dr Martin Wenz

Ms Chan Xue Pei, Partner, Tax – Singapore, Forvis Mazars

Mr Kevin Ng sharing more insights with one of the participants

Shifting the focus to developments closer to home, Ms Chan Xue Pei from Forvis Mazars shared insights into Singapore's evolving family office regulatory framework and fund tax incentive schemes, alongside comparisons with Hong Kong's developments. The discussion then turned to Global Minimum Taxation under Pillar Two, with Mr Kevin Ng from Dentons Rodyk examining its implications for family offices, trusts and private wealth structures. 

Together, the sessions offered participants a broader perspective on how international tax developments and regulatory changes influence wealth structuring, investment decisions and long-term planning.

Day 2: International Tax Planning and Compliance of UHNWI with Private Wealth Structures

Building on the foundations established on Day 1, the second day explored the practical challenges of international tax planning, regulatory compliance and preserving family wealth across generations.

Day 2 Trainers (left to right): Ms Joanna Jiang and Mr Charlie Chai

Mr Charlie Chai, Tax Partner, Ganus Law Firm, Shanghai

Ms Joanna Jiang, Partner, East & Concord Partners, Shanghai

The day commenced with Mr Charlie Chai from Ganus Law Firm and Ms Joanna Jiang from East & Concord Partners, Shanghai, who provided insights into China's evolving tax and regulatory landscape. Their presentations examined offshore trust taxation, outbound investment regulations and cross-border wealth planning, offering perspectives on the considerations facing Chinese families with international investments and wealth structures.

Ms Goh Eng Cher, Family Office COO, Tamarind Global

Expanding the discussion beyond jurisdiction-specific developments, Ms Goh Eng Cher from Tamarind Global explored the growing importance of international tax transparency, beneficial ownership reporting and economic substance requirements. Her session highlighted how evolving international reporting standards are shaping the management and compliance responsibilities of private wealth structures.

Mr Han Junwei, Partner, Allen & Gledhill LLP

The programme continued with Mr Han Junwei from Allen & Gledhill LLP, who brought these considerations into a broader family wealth context through a case study on succession planning, family governance, taxation and risk management. His presentation illustrated the importance of looking beyond tax considerations to address the long-term preservation and transfer of family wealth across generations and jurisdictions.

Collectively, the sessions reinforced the importance of an integrated approach to international private wealth planning, where taxation, regulatory compliance and family governance are considered together.

Panel Discussion: Navigating Trends in International Taxation of Private Clients

Mr Edmund Leow, SC, Senior Partner, Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP

Bringing together the key themes explored throughout the Masterclass, the programme concluded with a panel discussion featuring Professor Dr Martin Wenz and Mr Edmund Leow, SC from Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP.

The discussion explored emerging trends and challenges in international private wealth taxation, including private and philanthropic wealth structures, cross-border investments and the evolving considerations facing internationally mobile individuals and families.

The exchange of perspectives provided a fitting conclusion to the two-day programme, highlighting the importance of staying informed and adapting to developments in an increasingly complex international tax environment.

Mr Dennis Lui, CEO of Tax Academy of Singapore delivering his closing remarks

Professor Dr Martin Wenz and Ms Tiffany Tan, Programme Manager of Tax Academy of Singapore

From left to right: Ms Chan Xue Pei and Ms Eunice Toh (Associate Director of Tax Academy of Singapore)

Bridging International Expertise with Practical Learning

The two-day Masterclass reflected Tax Academy of Singapore's commitment to bringing international thought leadership and practical industry expertise to Singapore's tax community.

By connecting leading academics, legal professionals and industry practitioners, the programme provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, professional learning and discussions on the increasingly complex landscape of international private wealth taxation.

Tax Academy of Singapore extends its sincere appreciation to Professor Dr Martin Wenz, all our distinguished trainers and speakers, and participants for their valuable contributions, insightful discussions and active engagement throughout the Masterclass.

We look forward to continuing to bring international tax programmes and leading experts to Singapore, supporting the professional development of our tax community.