ISOLAS LLP

Corporate & Commercial, Private Client, Tax, Financial Services and Fintech

Partner

Overview

Stuart read law at Kingston University and completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Northumbria University, followed by the Professional Skills Course (PSC) at BBP University London. Stuart is a dual qualified solicitor of England & Wales and Gibraltar.

Stuart commenced his professional career in 2010 at Grant Thornton and joined ISOLAS in May 2015 following a successful secondment, having last held the position of Tax Manager at Grant Thornton.

In 2019, Stuart was appointed by the Government as a member of the Business Licensing Authority (BLA), a position which he still holds today. The BLA forms part of the Office of Trading (OFT) and is responsible for the issue, renewal and administration of business licenses in Gibraltar. The role of the BLA, in conjunction with the Consumer Protection Division of the OFT, is to ensure a level playing field between businesses for the ultimate benefit of consumers and the local economy.

Tax in Gibraltar

With over a decade of experience in tax and private client matters, Stuart has become the “go to” lawyer within the firm for all tax matters. Stuart has extensive experience in advising high net worth individuals on the establishment of tax efficient structures and cross-border planning. He regularly counsels clients on setting up businesses in Gibraltar include corporate, tax and regulatory aspects concerning the company’s business, as well as assisting individuals relocating to Gibraltar; dealing with their residency and all other aspects of relocation, including Category 2 (Cat 2) and High Executive Possessing Specialist Skills (HEPSS) applications.

Stuart is often called upon by the firm to assist on all matters which include tax elements, compromising corporate restructuring and financing, and frequently advises clients on the Gibraltar regulations relating to the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the Common Reporting Standards (CRS).

Stuart often presents on tax issues affecting the jurisdiction and has also co-authored a number of prominent industry publications, including the Gibraltar chapter of the Legal 500 Tax Country Comparative Guide, the Chambers & Partners Doing Business in Gibraltar Guide, the Chambers & Partners Corporate Tax Guide and the International Legal Guides (ICGL) Private Client Laws and Regulations.

Fintech

Stuart also works closely with the ISOLAS Financial Services team, and has acted for many high-profile clients in assisting with the application process for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Providers, as well as a number of DLT related projects including successful applications with the GFSC under the VASP registration framework.

Private Client

Given his wealth of experience in Tax, Stuart is very active in the private client and family office space, often advising high net worth individuals and families on a wide array of matters, including the set up of tax efficient structures such as trusts and foundations.

Stuart acts as the protector to a private family trust and as director to one of the investment holding companies.

Sports & Entertainment Law Over the years Stuart has also helped develop the firm’s sports law practice and has acted for many of the local football clubs in a wide array of matters. Stuart has also acted for potential owners, including former Real Madrid footballer Michel Salgado

English and Spanish

The Law Society of England and Wales The Gibraltar Law  Council Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) AIJA International Association of Young Lawyers

Kingston University – BA (Hons) Business with Law

Kingston University – Post Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

Northumbria University – Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC)

BBP Law School – Professional Skills Course

Stuart has represented Gibraltar at the Islands Games competing in Judo. He also enjoys playing football and golf and does so whenever he has any free time.