‘We have geopolitical risks in various pockets of the world at the moment, and that means that the UHNW community is thinking ever more carefully about structuring options,’ observes Piers Master, who’s received an influx of asset structuring enquiries recently, particularly from the Middle East.

‘In the financial crisis people were worried about losing their money. This time not only are they worried about losing their money, they’re also worried about losing their lives,’ Clare Maurice tells Spear’s.

‘The accountancy world over the last 20 years has become more automated,’ says Ben Grist. ‘Where you can add value for clients is areas like tax, because everyone feels very personal about tax.’ Add value he does. Grist has become a general adviser for HNW clients, on everything from simple filings to estate planning and more complex questions. ‘I like it because it means you’re dealing directly with clients,’ he says. ‘You start off just talking about taxes, and that brings in lots of questions about how families work, how wealth gets passed down… You go above and beyond the technical question of “what’s my tax bill?”. And that’s what I love to do, speak to real people.’

‘I understand that being an owner manager can be an isolating task,’ Jeff Hartstone tells Spear’s. ‘I act as a sounding board for clients’ worries, queries and ambitions, fostering trust and loyalty. Absolute trust and confidentiality are key.’ Hartstone is one of BKL’s longest-standing partners, with more than 30 years’ experience in the private client world. He has served as managing partner and senior partner. ‘I’ve helped to lead the firm through many economic changes and ambitious periods of growth,’ he says. He has a treasure trove of insights to help his clients, who are made up of high-growth clients, largely from the real estate world.