An Interview with Chris Eaton

What do you do for ILS World?

Working initially in London and Gibraltar I moved to the Isle of Man in 1991 and founded ILS World. By 1994 we had offices in Dublin and London as well the Isle of Man but felt we were too UK centric so we opened an office in the BVI. In 1999 we decided to open our office in Portugal to give us a route into Europe and this was followed by our Dubai and Hong Kong offices in 2006 so we could truly call ourselves a global provider. I am very proud ILS World has grown and developed into the largest, locally owned and independent Isle of Man, international TCSP.

Why is your HQ in the Isle of Man?

It is a beautiful Island, the only entire nation to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and it is an easy place to get to. The Island is a financially attractive place to live and the corporate and trust services sector benefits from 0% corporation tax which reduces the pressure to increase costs to the end user. We have the products private clients need, the skill set and service levels they demand and all delivered at a lower cost than comparable jurisdictions.

Tell our members a bit more about your business and its relevance within the private client world.

ILS World is an independent adviser to individuals, trustees and family offices acting in their long term interests. We create and professionally manage bespoke, multi-jurisdictional structures and have expertise in advising on private wealth structures, succession and estate planning, trusts and foundations, private trust companies, family offices and immigration.

As more and more businesses consolidate into large, private equity-owned companies we have taken the decision to remain independent. Our independence gives us a unique proposition to our clients and intermediaries. We are owner managed and have stayed true to what we are - a fiduciary, one that isn't in competition with its professional introducers and with no conflicts of interest in our roles as directors, trustees or administrators.

Our team consists of committed and qualified specialists, more than 50 per cent of them have been with us for five years or more. They work hard to create long-term relationships, provide the highest level of service, offer regular face-to-face meetings and provide direct contact with senior members of the team.

At which PCD event will members find you next?

We enjoy the PCD events because it is a great opportunity to network with like-minded professionals. In the past year we have met with intermediaries in London, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Isle of Man, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Geneva. Later this month we will be in London.

On a weekend, PCD members are most likely to find you…

Growing and sampling my wine collection which has an emphasis on vintage Bordeaux and Rioja.