Family Office and Private Client Advisor in Abu Dhabi

My name is James Spence, and I am a UK Level 4 qualified financial adviser, as well as a member of two professional bodies, both the CII and CISI.

My expertise lies in structuring international wealth solutions, ensuring tax efficiency, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes across multiple jurisdictions.

Many family offices I work with lack in-house expertise that is up to date with the latest financial regulations and best practices. My role is to bridge that gap - collaborating closely with family offices to upgrade their internal knowledge and implement sophisticated financial strategies that align with their long-term goals.

As part of a private client network of independent financial advisers, which is ultimately listed on the London Stock Exchange, I have access to a global network of licensed offices, including in the UAE, where we hold both SCA and IA licences. This allows me to provide fully regulated financial advice to UAE residents while leveraging our international framework to deliver seamless cross-border solutions in key financial hubs such as the UK, Singapore, and South Africa.

I operate on a fair and transparent pricing model—charging based on the value I add rather than relying on traditional commission structures seen commonly in the UAE. Whether through a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of assets under management, my focus is always on delivering strategic, client-first financial planning.

I aim to develop a deep understanding of each client’s unique needs, assisting them with cross-border tax structuring, wealth preservation, and long-term financial planning that secures their legacy.

If you require independent financial advisor services in Abu Dhabi backed by a global and fully regulated framework, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s build a strategy that ensures your wealth works effectively for generations to come.

As an independent financial adviser, I am not a tied agent - a crucial distinction from traditional banking models. While banks are limited to their in-house product range, my independence enables me to provide truly unbiased recommendations and source optimal solutions from the entire UAE market.

That means access to sophisticated, specialized options that most institutions, including private banks, cannot offer. My commitment is always to providing advice tailored precisely to what is genuinely in your best interests, not restricted by a limited product list.

In the world of financial advice, the adage “you get what you pay for” rings true. Many advisers offer "free" consultations or services, but this often means they are compensated through hidden commissions - leading them to recommend products that may prioritize their incentives over your genuine needs, ultimately costing you significantly more over time.

I take a fundamentally different approach.

My services are not dependent on product sales or hidden incentives. Instead, I charge a clear, professional fee based on the value delivered. When you partner with me, you are investing in over 15 years of proven expertise, respected qualifications, and a deep commitment to the highest professional standards.

Fiduciary duty is not just an ethical ideal; it is the legal and moral obligation to act solely in the best interests of the client, even if it conflicts with my own or the firm's interests.

This foundational commitment includes the duties of loyalty, good faith, and full disclosure, and it underpins every facet of my financial planning advice. While the fiduciary standard is often overlooked in the broader advisory space in the UAE, it remains the absolute core principle of my practice.