High-Net-Worth Individual – Michael R., London
Partner Profile
Location: London, United Kingdom
Industry: Private Wealth Management / High-Net-Worth Individual
Focus: Art Investment, Estate Planning, and Wealth Preservation
Michael R., a high-net-worth individual in London, sought to build a tax-efficient, legally structured investment portfolio for his children. His priorities included minimising tax liabilities, securing long-term wealth preservation, and ensuring proper storage for his valuable art collection.
Beyond financial considerations, he needed expert guidance on protecting these artworks as assets and part of his family’s legacy.
Key Priorities
Michael’s key priorities included:
- Tax-efficient wealth transfer to maximise the inheritance value for future generations.
- Legal structuring to protect assets and ensure a smooth transition.
- Secure storage solutions to safeguard valuable artworks as both financial assets and family heirlooms.
Michael required comprehensive advisory services to align his art investments with long-term financial and legacy goals.
The Challenge
1. Tax Efficiency & Legal Structuring
- He wanted to ensure his art portfolio was passed down with minimal tax liability.
- The collection needed to be structured to protect its financial and cultural value.
2. Preservation & Storage of High-Value Artworks
- His collection required specialised storage solutions to maintain artwork integrity.
- He needed guidance on provenance documentation, valuation, and insurance.
To address these complexities, he sought expert insight on estate planning, acquisition strategies, and long-term asset protection.
Zurani’s Tailored Solution
Strategic Tax & Legacy Planning
Zurani collaborated with Michael’s financial and legal advisors to establish a specialised trust for managing and protecting his art collection.
- The trust structure significantly reduced inheritance tax liabilities, preserving up to 40% more wealth for his children.
- The collection was legally structured to ensure a smooth and secure transfer across generations.
- This strategy protected both financial interests and the family’s cultural legacy.
Curated Art Acquisitions
We focused on blue-chip modern and contemporary artists, ensuring:
- Each acquisition balanced financial growth with cultural significance.
- The collection included high-appreciation artworks with a strong market presence.
Optimal Storage & Asset Protection
To safeguard the collection, Zurani advised bonded art storage in Geneva and Luxembourg freeports, offering:
- State-of-the-art climate control and security for long-term preservation.
- Tax-free holding status, optimising investment value while in storage.
Insurance & Documentation
Zurani facilitated:
- Comprehensive insurance coverage to mitigate risk.
- Detailed collection cataloguing, including provenance, condition reports, and valuations.
- A market-ready documentation system, ensuring easy access to valuations for future sales or estate planning.
The Outcome
Zurani successfully built an art investment portfolio consisting of 15 carefully selected blue-chip pieces, including works by:
- Gerhard Richter
- Yayoi Kusama
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Helen Frankenthaler
With structured asset protection and expert curation, Michael’s children now inherit a collection that is both a financial asset and a reflection of their family’s artistic legacy.
Client Testimonial
“Zurani’s expertise extended well beyond art, demonstrating a profound understanding of both aesthetics and investment strategy. They collaborated closely with my advisors, fostering a spirit of teamwork that resulted in a meticulously crafted portfolio—one that not only constitutes a wise financial investment but also serves as a meaningful legacy for my family.
Their insightful guidance on optimal storage solutions and tax efficiency strategies proved invaluable, ensuring that each piece was preserved and maximised in value. I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome and the lasting impact it will have on my family’s future.
In recent months, we made the bold decision to engage Benjamin with discretionary oversight of our investment portfolio, empowering him to buy and sell as he sees fit.”
Michael R., London
