Spear’s Review

Pete Fairchild, national head of private clients at Crowe, tells Spear’s he works with a range of clients on their tax planning and compliance needs, from legal professionals to international HNWs and entrepreneurs. Given his semi-pro sporting background, however – Fairchild is a former footballer and rugby player – his ‘sweet spot’ is those in sports, media and entertainment.

Fairchild uses Crowe’s international reach to his advantage should clients seek to relocate for tax reasons, particularly when it comes to staying on the right side of the statutory residence test. Working with colleagues around the world, he creates ‘mini reports’ so his clients can fully understand the residency rules in each country.

He sees communication and understanding as vital to his service as a tax adviser, and his skills are never better used than when a financially inexperienced but newly wealthy star comes into his office. Avoiding schemes and maximising long-term planning, Fairchild uses structures that place the emphasis firmly on whole-of-life prosperity rather than quick income returns, applying the strategy to all his clients.