London Office | Zetland Fiduciary Group

Zetland London

INTRODUCTION

London is one of the world's pre-eminent financial centres, combining a deep capital market, flexible common-law system, and a vibrant fintech ecosystem. Its strategic time-zone overlap with Asia and the Americas makes it an unrivalled hub for global deal-making and round-the-clock treasury management. A diverse talent pool, sophisticated professional services, and strong regulatory oversight ensure investor confidence and business resilience.

Zetland Fiduciary Group delivers an integrated suite of advisory, fiduciary, and administrative services that connect European capital with dynamic Asian opportunities while ensuring full compliance with UK and international regulations.

Brexit has reinforced London's position as an independent trading hub, prompting new bilateral agreements, fintech sandboxes, and flexible capital-raising routes such as the LSE Main Market, AIM, and specialist SPAC segments. Combined with the UK's extensive double-tax treaty network and robust dispute-resolution mechanisms, these features position London as an ideal launchpad for outbound European capital heading to Asia-Pacific opportunities.

Considering expansion into Asia or restructuring an existing group? Reach out to Zetland London for an initial consultation. Our specialists provide clear roadmaps on entity selection, UK holding-company optimisation, governance alignment, and cross-border banking. We act as your single point of contact, coordinating with local advisers across Hong Kong, Singapore, and China to deliver cohesive, efficient solutions that protect value and accelerate market entry.

London Services

From our London office, Zetland Fiduciary Group delivers an integrated suite of advisory, fiduciary, and administrative services that connect European capital with dynamic Asian opportunities while ensuring full compliance with UK and international regulations.

Leveraging decades of regional insight and a trusted partner network, our London team guides clients through investment structuring, governance, banking, and operational challenges. We combine local expertise with seamless coordination across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai to provide truly end-to-end support.

Investment in Asia

We structure and execute outbound investments from the UK into Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the wider ASEAN region. Services include jurisdictional comparisons, SPV formation, treaty-based tax optimisation, capital-flow planning, and ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes. Our holistic approach ensures efficient deployment of funds, robust asset protection, and transparent reporting to stakeholders and regulators.

Consulting and Advisory on Business Structures

Zetland analyses your expansion goals, risk profile, and shareholder requirements to recommend the optimal mix of holding companies, subsidiaries, and branch offices. We model tax impacts, profit-repatriation scenarios, and governance frameworks, then manage incorporation, document drafting, and intercompany-agreement execution, all while coordinating with legal, tax, and audit advisers across multiple time zones.

Corporate Governance and Compliance

Our London compliance team establishes robust governance frameworks aligned with UK Companies Act, FCA, and ESG standards. We maintain statutory registers, draft board charters, implement AML/KYC procedures, and prepare governance reports for regulators and investors. Regular health-checks ensure that your entities remain in good standing and fully prepared for audits, fundraising, or exit events.

Managed Office Solutions in Hong Kong, Singapore and China

Through our Asian offices, we provide turnkey managed-office options, including registered addresses, dedicated phone lines, mail handling, and serviced workspace. European-based clients benefit from a single contract and consolidated invoicing, gaining immediate credibility and operational capability in key Asian markets without committing to long-term leases or headcount before traction is proven.

Assistance with Bank Account Opening and Operation

Navigating stringent UK and Asian banking due-diligence can delay market entry. Zetland prepares comprehensive KYC/KYB packs, liaises with relationship managers, and advises on multi-currency solutions to facilitate timely account approval. Post-opening, we handle transaction monitoring, FATCA/CRS classifications, and periodic compliance reviews to keep accounts active and cost-efficient.

Market Entry Support for Asia

We deliver customised roadmaps for entering Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China, covering regulatory licensing, tax registrations, HR onboarding, supply-chain design, and local partner vetting. Our London team coordinates site visits, prepares feasibility studies, and aligns expansion strategies with in-country incentives, ensuring your launch meets both commercial objectives and compliance benchmarks.

BACKGROUND

London is one of the world's pre-eminent financial centres and is centrally located for international finance. It is a culturally rich and vibrant city, at the forefront of business, education, technology, tourism and the arts.

Zetland's UK office was established in 2009, to assist clients based in the UK and Europe with accessing and facilitating business management and investment solutions in offshore jurisdictions and Asia. In recent years, we have seen an increasing demand for corporate services into Asia which includes Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, and Beijing.

Renowned for its international outlook, London's business landscape is defined by a blend of tradition and innovation. The city's well-developed professional services sector—encompassing legal, accountancy, consulting, and fintech—offers investors and entrepreneurs unrivalled resources for cross-border expansion. London's cosmopolitan culture, supported by world-class infrastructure and a strong regulatory environment, makes it an ideal location for companies with global ambitions.

LEGAL & BUSINESS

The origins of common law can be trace back to medieval England during the reign of Henry II in the 12th century. This legal system developed over centuries, laid foundation for the modern legal practices used today. The UK operates under a common law system that is highly regarded worlwide for its stability, predictability, and transparency. The UK's robust legal framework facilitates secure transactions, enforceable contracts, and effective dispute resolution, making English law a a preferred choice for many international agreements. In London, solicitors and barristers serve both domestic and multinational clients, providing specialized expertise in areas such as corporate law, finance, tax, and commercial law. These legal professionals play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and global reputation of the UK's legal system.

London is a prominent global business hub renowned for its extensive legal and arbitration institutions, including the London Court of International Arbitration and the UK's Commercial Court. These institutions handle complex cross-border disputes, reinforcing London's status as a center for international commerce. The city's legal community is highly regarded for its thought leadership and influential role in shaping global regulatory standards. This well-developed legal environment is supported by access to top-tier legal talent, offering specialized advice on mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and compliance.

Regulatory oversight in London is robust, with authorities like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Companies House ensuring high standards in anti-money laundering, transparency, and corporate governance. The process of business formation is streamlined and efficient, providing diverse company structures and special-purpose vehicles suitable for both local and international investors. Additionally, London's broader professional services sector—including leading accountancy firms, consultants, and industry associations—further bolster business growth, compliance, and innovation, making the city an ideal location for global enterprises.

ECONOMY

London's economy is both diverse and resilient, with a strong foundation in financial services and thriving sectors such as technology, creative industries, healthcare, education, and tourism. The city hosts the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups, supported by top universities' talent pools. Its extensive transport links and international airports connect it globally, making London a key trade and investment hub.

The city also hosts a sophisticated private wealth and family office sector serving high-net-worth individuals worldwide. The UK's competitive and transparent tax regime, featuring some of the lowest corporate tax rates in the G7 and a comprehensive network of double-tax treaties, facilitates cross-border investments and profit repatriation. Incentives such as R&D tax credits and the Patent Box promote innovation and industry growth.

Oversight by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ensures compliance and transparency through digital reporting requirements, with a growing focus on anti-avoidance measures. London's financial advisers and tax specialists provide strategic guidance on structuring, transfer pricing, and adapting to international tax developments, helping businesses stay compliant and optimise their tax positions.

FINANCE & TAXATION

As a major global financial hub, London offers access to a broad spectrum of banking, asset management, insurance, and fintech services, supported by the London Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest, which caters to both large-cap and growth companies. Its deep capital markets enable efficient fundraising through equity, debt, or alternative routes.

The UK's tax regime is competitive and transparent, with corporate tax rates among the lowest in the G7. The system features a wide network of double-tax treaties, supporting cross-border investment and efficient repatriation of profits. Incentives such as R&D tax credits and the Patent Box regime encourage innovation and investment in key industries.

Compliance and reporting are overseen by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), with digital reporting requirements and a growing emphasis on anti-avoidance and transparency. London's financial advisers and tax specialists provide strategic guidance on structuring, transfer pricing, and navigating international tax developments, ensuring businesses stay compliant while optimising their tax position.

GENERAL

London is a premier global business hub, characterized by a resilient and diverse economic landscape. The city offers a broad range of opportunities for corporations and entrepreneurs across various sectors. It is home to world-renowned cultural institutions, including leading museums and theatres, as well as significant parks and sporting venues that enhance its vibrant cultural profile.

London's multicultural environment fosters innovation and entrepreneurial activity, supported by an advanced public transportation system that ensures efficient connectivity.