Global estate planning: Protecting wealth across borders

10:30 min

In this episode of Smart Money, Stanley Broun, Head of Fiduciary and Tax at Sanlam Private Wealth, unpacks the growing importance of global estate planning for South Africans with offshore assets, international property, and family members living abroad. He explains why estate planning should start earlier than most people think and highlights the key considerations involved in protecting wealth across multiple jurisdictions – from navigating foreign laws and minimising tax exposure to avoiding costly family disputes. The discussion also explores the importance of choosing the correct wealth structures, including trusts, life wrappers, and offshore wills, while emphasising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Stanley further shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs planning to sell businesses and externalise wealth, outlining why proper structuring and tax planning before a transaction takes place can make a significant long-term difference.