Partner
A graduate of Southampton University, Christopher was working as broker liaison officer for a London based financial information provider before moving to France in 2003.
In preparation of this move, he studied for and passed the Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII) International Certificate for Financial Advisers.
Once established in France he spent a number of years working at an International bank (BNP Paribas) in Nice, before changing course and working for ten years in high end real estate on the Côte d’Azur.
In 2019, Christopher was tempted by Robert Kent (founder and director of Kentingtons) to return to his roots; financial markets and advice.
“Being permanently interested by macroeconomics and International financial markets, throughout my career I have always worked closely with the wealth management industry. I was very impressed by Kentingtons overall philosophy for navigating the transition to becoming financially resident in France, as well as the fact that they are fully independent and transparent. We share the same values and hence it was an easy decision to join Kentingtons.”
In order to comply with the legal framework in France, Christpher passed the following French examinations. He must do 15 hours of training every year in order to re-qualify annually (IAS).
February 2020: Livret de Formation CIF (Conseiller en Investissement Financier)
April 2020: Livret de Formation IAS Niveau 1 (Intermédiaires en Assurance)
Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, walking (the dog!), socializing, eating out, finance and reading the newspapers.
As we move into the New Year, I was asked what we might expect from the French economy over the next 12 months. Whilst, like many before me, I am happy to speculate, I am also perfectly aware of the fact that nobody knows what is around the corner. To quote Milton...
For English nationals living in France, the landscape of financial advice is facing potential changes, thanks to recent propositions by Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner for Financial Services. She proposed reforms to alter the traditional methods of...
In the UK and, indeed, many “Anglo-Saxon”, (as the French say) countries, trusts are a part of life for everyday financial, family and inheritance planning. We use them to ensure that our beneficiaries get what we want them to and in accordance with the timing and...
In a previous article, last year, I pondered upon the relative strength of France’s economy. For example, compared to Germany or the UK, France has certainly been less impacted by inflation. Furthermore, unemployment remains historically low. At 7.1%, unemployment is...
According to recent data from the Banque de France indicates that in January this year, over €500 billion was held collectively in people's current accounts, accruing minimal or no interest. When it comes to saving, this is a common trend as many savers opt for what...
As a financial and tax advisor in France, I often find myself pondering the pivotal question that plagues many expat retirees: "To move, or not to move, one's pension pot? Should you cash in your UK pension?” The answer, my friends, lies within the intricate web of...
Unless you are completely new to France or live in a cave, you may know something about assurance vie, and the fact that they are easily the most popular investment structure for French residents. It is impossible to ignore the advantages, for income tax, capital...
As human beings, we are naturally attracted to things we find familiar; accepting change and the unfamiliar can be more complicated. This holds true for investments. For example, someone born and bred in the UK is more likely to invest in British companies, whereas a...
I do not view my profession to be a financial or political prophesier, channelling my inner Nostradamus, but to guide on sensible long-term financial planning and currency strategy, designed to stand the course, no matter what bedlam happens next. (Think Trussenomics,...
Over the years, but particularly since Brexit, we have met a number of people who are prepared to bend all sorts of rules in order to avoid becoming French resident. Even though, in reality, they would prefer to spend most of their time in France, or at least to have...
With the costs of renting out property spiralling, with increasing property taxes, energy efficiency surveys and other costs, the Connexion has asked me to comment on the viability of property as an investment, thus buying to rent or 'buy-to-let'. Taxe d’habitation...
Considering the time of year, I was recently given the opportunity to discuss tax declarations, for the Connexion. Typically, I would politely decline such offers as my expertise lies in providing counsel rather than tax administration. While French accountants can...
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