Implications of the UK autumn budget, changes to the Mbappé law in Spain and the role of AI in wealth planning

This quarter's edition, designed exclusively for the advisers of High and Ultra-High Net Worth (HNW and UHNW) individuals, examines the implications of the UK Autumn Budget for wealth planning in the Regulation, Tax and Compliance section.

Spain's Mbappé Law, Chile and France

The team also explore a recent Madrid tax ruling confirming that qualifying investments held through unit-linked life insurance can benefit from the region's "Mbappé Law" investment incentive. They look at recent tax reforms in Chile and proposed changes to life insurance under France's draft 2027 Finance Bill, including questions over their compatibility with EU law.

This quarter's Country Focus turns to China, examining the growing emphasis on transparency, governance and regulatory scrutiny and the implications for wealth planning.

Planning for uncertainty

The Technical Spotlight focuses on Planning for Uncertainty, examining how advisers can build greater flexibility into long-term wealth planning. A practical 10-year client scenario demonstrates how legislative changes, international mobility and evolving family circumstances can all affect long-term arrangements, highlighting the importance of adaptable planning and ongoing advice.

The Autumn edition includes practical Case Study Insights exploring cross-border mobility, changing liquidity needs and intergenerational wealth transfers.

The role of AI in financial advice

In Navigator Voices, Mark Fairbairn, Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Utmost, discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing role in financial advice.

As usual, the Pulse section outlines key developments in regulation, tax and compliance across global markets, leveraging the expertise of Utmost's international technical team. The full edition is available at Utmost Navigator – Autumn 2026.

Aidan Golden, Head of Group Technical Services at Utmost, commented: "Long-term wealth planning inevitably involves an element of uncertainty as global tax and regulatory regimes continue to evolve, particularly for internationally mobile families. The common thread, therefore, that runs through the edition is that good financial planning is not simply about what works today.

"For advisers, the challenge is not to anticipate every eventuality. It means keeping planning under review so that clients put plans in place with the flexibility to respond when circumstances change, continuing to demonstrate the value of advice over the long term."

Utmost provides trusted, unit-linked offerings designed to help clients manage and preserve their wealth globally, with £123bn in assets under administration as at 30 June 2026.