Christopher S. Cook

Christopher advises leading private banks, high-net-worth individuals and family-controlled businesses on cross-border and domestic tax planning, life insurance structuring, trusts, succession planning and business structuring. He also advises on contentious private wealth matters, including issues concerning the validity of offshore trust structures, domestic and international tax investigations, and family disputes. Christopher has considerable experience designing and establishing bespoke international asset-holding and wealth management structures, including private trust companies, limited partnerships and family offices. He also advises charities and private clients on philanthropy and not-for-profit matters.

Chambers and Partners notes that Christopher is “well reviewed by interviewees, who applaud his knowledge, clear advice and responsiveness.” Citywealth Leaders List notes that “his depth of knowledge, manner of articulating complex issues and trusted approach with clients is best in class.”

• Advised a Middle Eastern family on the establishment of a private trust company structure and asset-protection trusts holding local and European assets.
• Provided tax and trust planning advice to a prominent Middle Eastern family, including in relation to the application of diplomatic immunity from taxation and the acquisition of real estate.
• Represented a well-known family in a substantial tax investigation concerning a number of historic trust structures established by earlier generations of the family.
• Advising a European family on the establishment of a single family office to provide investment and private office services to family members resident in multiple jurisdictions.
• Acting for a high-street retail chain in connection with its charitable partnership with a well-known children’s hospital.
• Advising a high-net-worth client in Latin America on the establishment of a charity for the promotion of human rights and the relief of poverty.
• Representing the family of a Far East-based businessman in connection with the administration of his worldwide estate, including assets located in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US.
• Providing ongoing advice to a leading life insurance provider on its UK offering.
• Advising a major international bank on the establishment of its platform for high-net-worth UK-resident clients.

• Law Society of England & Wales
• Solicitor Advocate (Higher Courts Civil Proceedings, England and Wales)
• International Bar Association