The IBSA Club Podcasts

A great incentive plan is not about “perks” it's about making sure the people building the company feel the upside at the right time, with tax outcomes that do not backfire. We end our Growth of a Business series by diving into management incentives for a scaling business, starting with the hardest practical question: when should you put incentives in place if your share value is rising fast and your leadership team is still forming?

We sit down with Jeremy Glover, Partner at Jurit LLP and Consultant at Howard Kennedy, to unpack how equity incentives work in the real world, including the tax trap every founder should fear: a dry tax charge, where someone owes tax without having cash to pay it. From there, we break down why the UK Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme is so widely used by growth companies, how qualifying EMI share options can defer tax until a sale, and why capital gains tax treatment can be so much more efficient than income tax. We also discuss National Insurance Exposure, and how employers think about risk, retention, and fairness all at once.

Valuation and leavers are where the details matter. We talk through agreeing values, how minority discounts can affect option pricing, what “good leaver” treatment can look like, and how vesting protects the cap table while still rewarding real contribution. We then zoom out to cross-border reality: an Irish parent, UK operations, a US expansion, and what happens to options when employees move between the UK and US under a double tax treaty. We finish by comparing EMI options with growth shares, including hurdles and the risk of getting day-one valuation wrong.

If you care about management incentive planning, employee share options, EMI schemes, and tax-efficient ways to retain key talent through an exit, this podcast is for you. 

A funding plan can look perfect on paper and still fail in the real world because the “where” is inseparable from the “how.” We sit down with Bern Gilbey and Sam Meiklejohn, Partners at Gateley, to unpack the decisions founders wrestle with when they need serious capital: stay UK-based and build toward AIM, chase a NASDAQ listing for higher valuations, or design a path that gets the best of both.

We get specific about why teams move operations to the United States, from deeper venture capital pools to the sheer scale of the US market and the power of the right regional ecosystem. Then we pressure-test the assumption that a higher IPO valuation is always the win. Growth-stage companies are often capital intensive, and if you need to raise again in a tougher market, today's premium can become tomorrow's down round. Stability, investor fit, and a credible growth trajectory matter just as much as price.

From there, we go into the mechanics founders often hear about too late: pre-IPO venture rounds, dual-listing strategies (AIM first, NASDAQ later), and the corporate structuring issues that come with cross-border growth. We break down holding company choices, Foreign Private Issuer status, and how US investor tax preferences can drive decisions around US topcos, tax transparency, and blocker companies, especially when UK EIS and VCT investors are involved.

R&D tax credits can be a lifeline for early-stage companies and a useful tool for large ones too, but the rules have become increasingly complex, especially when you can’t substantiate what you did. We sit down with Paddy Hobbs of S&W to unpack how the UK R&D tax credit landscape has rightfully evolved from a “how much can I claim” mindset into a compliance-first world where documentation, decision logs, and an audit trail can make or break the benefit. If you’re building a product in software, medtech, engineering, or any science and technology field, this conversation helps you think like HMRC will think. 

We dig into the big structural shift: the UK merged R&D regime (introduced for periods following April 2024) and how it has replaced the old SME and RDEC approaches. Paddy explains what “above-the-line” credit means in real terms, and why R&D tax credits look backwards while grant funding looks forward. We also talk about the practical risk that scares founders the most: not whether your work is innovative, but whether you can evidence the uncertainty you tackled and the work you actually performed. 

Additionally, we discuss Ireland’s R&D tax credit becoming even more competitive, and its stricter habits around timesheets and record keeping offering a useful model. The US comparison is a different kind of complexity, with federal and state R&D credits that vary widely depending on where you operate and how you structure the work. Finally, we tackle subcontracted R&D and contracts: who initiated the project, who directs it, and who bears technical risk often determines who can claim the relief, especially under the updated UK rules. 

If you want your R&D claim to fund growth without turning into a painful distraction, hit play, take notes, and tighten your process.  

A startup can do everything right and still lose the business if it mishandles intellectual property. We sit down with Catherine Jewell and John Hull from specialist IP law firm Beck Greener to talk through what an IPO-ready IP strategy actually looks like when budgets are tight, timelines are real, and the market is global. We start with the core question founders and investors both care about: where should you file patents, and how do you build a patent portfolio that matches where you will manufacture and sell rather than chasing an expensive “everywhere” strategy.

From there, we widen the lens beyond patents. We dig into why trademarks and branding are often the most cost-effective IP protection a growing company can secure early, and how a pending patent application can create a valuable window to establish reputation and market share. We also get practical about confidentiality: how NDAs fit in, how to limit what you share while building prototypes, and why “public disclosure” can happen in surprising ways.

One of the most urgent parts of the conversation is modern disclosure risk. We unpack how AI tools, automated meeting notes, and non-siloed chat systems can effectively leak an invention before filing, plus how the US grace period works and why it does not save you in most other jurisdictions. We close with the patent versus trade secret decision, what reverse engineering means for your strategy, and how IP assets show up in valuation and IPO or trade sale due diligence, including other rights like designs and copyright and the role of tax incentives such as patent box regimes.

India isn’t being pitched as a “future opportunity” anymore. It’s operating like a market that is already here, already scaling, and actively removing friction for serious foreign investors. We sit down with Bhupender Singh, Managing Partner at Artham Law Chambers, to unpack what’s changing on the ground and why UK and EU companies are paying closer attention, especially as India moves toward dedicated investment facilitation desks and new trade frameworks.

We walk through the India growth story, the UK India FTA coming into force, and the EU India FTA path toward ratification. Then we get practical: how India’s foreign direct investment regime has shifted toward the automatic route, what exceptions still matter (including Press Note 3), and what investors should expect when moving capital into India and repatriating it on exit. We also break down the real tax planning issues that decide whether a deal feels smooth or stressful, from capital gains and withholding to interpreting treaty benefits the right way.

From structuring options like a wholly owned Indian subsidiary or a joint venture, to transfer pricing certainty through Advanced Pricing Agreements, the theme is clear: plan early, document well, and build real substance in your structure. If you work with clients looking at India or you’re exploring expansion yourself, you’ll leave with a sharper checklist and fewer unknowns. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review, then tell us: what would you need to see to feel confident investing in India?

What happens when a globe-spanning family fortune meets the realities of modern tax, law, and succession planning?

In this live event, an international panel of experts unpacks a compelling case study centred on a fictional entrepreneurial patriarch facing the ultimate question: how to pass on a complex mix of business interests, property, and personal wealth to the next generation — smoothly, fairly, and tax-efficiently.

Drawing on perspectives from tax advisers, onshore and offshore legal counsel, and investment specialists, the panel takes listeners inside the family’s existing wills, trusts, and pension arrangements, spotlighting potential inheritance tax pitfalls and the challenges of cross-border planning, including continental forced-heirship rules.

The conversation ranges widely across key international issues, from wealth and estate taxes in several EU jurisdictions and the US, to the treatment of overseas property holdings. The panel also examines how measures announced in the latest Budget could reshape the family’s planning, and what structural changes may be needed to keep their investment strategy aligned with an evolving legal and tax landscape.

Beyond the numbers, the discussion delves into the human side of succession — exploring the tensions that can arise between family members and offering practical strategies for anticipating, managing, and mitigating conflict to ensure a lasting legacy.

Whether you advise international families or are part of one yourself, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of long-term, cross-border succession planning in an increasingly complex world.

Curious about how Dubai could be the perfect escape from the UK’s new tax changes? Tune in to our latest IBSA podcast episode as Roy Saunders sits down with tax expert Jimmy Sexton from Esquire Group in Dubai. Discover why Dubai is a haven for the wealthy with no personal income tax, low or no corporate income tax, and easy pathways to residency through employment or investment. Jimmy shares his personal journey of living in Dubai for the past eight years, shedding light on the city's exceptional healthcare, top-tier education, and vibrant lifestyle.

Listen to Roy and Jimmy break down the various visa options, including the sought-after golden visa for a relatively inexpensive real estate investment. Learn what it takes to become a tax resident in the UAE and how this dynamic city offers a blend of luxury and convenience that is hard to match. Whether you're pondering the tax implications or curious about the day-to-day living standards, this episode is your comprehensive guide to understanding why Dubai could very well be your next home.

This series of podcasts explores the beneficial tax regimes in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Switzerland, Singapore, Israel and Dubai in respect of where UK residents may wish to emigrate in light of the non-dom changes introduced by the Conservatives, and the likely tightening of these rules under the new Labour government. 

What if relocating to Cyprus could offer you a more favourable tax regime than your current country? Learn the ins and outs of Cyprus' unique tax benefits in our latest episode featuring Alexis Christodoulou, a South African lawyer specialising in Cypriot and international tax law at Elias Neocleous & Co. We dive into the evolving political landscape in the UK and its potential tax implications, particularly for those considering a move. Alexis guides us through the 183-day rule and the more nuanced 60-day test, explaining how you can qualify as a tax resident in Cyprus and the significant advantages that come with it.

From entrepreneurs to employees and private individuals interested in tax and wealth planning, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Understand how Cyprus compares to other countries offering similar tax benefits, and how its tax residency rules could benefit you. With over 15 years of experience having an office in Cyprus, our host Roy Saunders, founder and chairman of the International Business Structuring Association, shares his firsthand knowledge of the island's lifestyle and tax regime. Tune in to discover how to navigate the tax landscape and make the most of Cyprus’s favourable conditions.

This series of podcasts explores the beneficial tax regimes in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Switzerland, Singapore, Israel and Dubai in respect of where UK residents may wish to emigrate in light of the non-dom changes introduced by the Conservatives, and the likely tightening of these rules under the new Labour government. 

Could Malta be the effective tax haven UK wealthy individuals may choose to emigrate to? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of establishing tax residency in this Mediterranean gem with the expertise of Geraldine Schembri and David Borg. You'll discover how Malta's flexible requirements, which prioritize intention and personal ties over the number of physical days spent in the country, could be beneficial for both EU and non-EU nationals. We’ll discuss the advantages of Malta's tax system, including the absence of inheritance tax and favourable conditions for non-domiciled residents, making it an attractive option for those considering relocation due to tax concerns.

In this episode, we also tackle the notable comparison between Malta's tax policies and the UK's evolving non-dom rules. Geraldine and David provide a clear understanding of how Malta stands out, especially for those wary of the UK's statutory residence test introduced in 2013. With deep insights into tax strategies and the nuances of international relocation, this episode offers indispensable knowledge for anyone navigating the complex world of tax residency. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that could reshape your approach to international tax planning.

This series of podcasts explores the beneficial tax regimes in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Switzerland, Singapore, Israel and Dubai in respect of where UK residents may wish to emigrate in light of the non-dom changes introduced by the Conservatives, and the likely tightening of these rules under the new Labour government. 

Considering the tax benefits as a new immigrant to Israel with insights from international tax lawyer George Rosenberg and his senior associate, Maya Saphier. Learn how Israel's generous 10-year exemption on foreign income and capital gains can allow you to own foreign companies without triggering standard Israeli tax liabilities, as long as the control of these companies remains outside Israel. George explains that there is no inheritance tax in Israel, except for capital gains tax on inherited real estate, and delves into the nuanced criteria for achieving tax residency, emphasising the importance of Jewish faith or familial ties to a Jewish immigrant.

George explains the unique challenges non-Jews face in securing permanent residency, the lack of investor or golden visas, and the potential future impacts of governmental policy shifts on tax regulations. Additionally, gain a deeper understanding of trust taxation, including the surprising tax neutrality on trusts managed by Israeli trustees with foreign settlors and beneficiaries. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide that simplifies complex tax rules and helps you navigate your financial future in Israel.

This series of podcasts explores the beneficial tax regimes in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Switzerland, Singapore, Israel and Dubai in respect of where UK residents may wish to emigrate in light of the non-dom changes introduced by the Conservatives, and the likely tightening of these rules under the new Labour government.