Insights and events for financial advisers

We summarise events in the Middle East, with thoughts about what might happen next and the consequences for financial markets and your investments. This is a fast-moving situation, so please keep in mind any future developments as the media reports them.

What’s changing from 6 April 2026 and what it could mean for you and your clients.

Family Investment Companies (FICs) have become an increasingly popular option for ultra-high net worth families who want a structured, flexible way to pass on wealth while keeping control over how it’s managed. As more people look for long-term, tax‑efficient ways to plan for the future, FICs offer an approach that sits between personal investing and traditional trusts. But what exactly are they, and who might they be right for?

Just when things seemed to be calming down on the US policy front, global trade uncertainty flared back up. More selling of AI-threatened stocks also followed, yet lots of shares keep going up.

On the surface equity markets and the balanced portfolios invested in them are making steady gains, but there’s an underlying turmoil as investor sentiment swings from seeing everyone as an AI winner to fearing many potential losers.

Business Property Relief (BPR) can play an important role in inheritance tax (IHT) planning, particularly for business owners and investors in UK growth companies. It can reduce the value of certain business assets for IHT purposes, helping more of an estate pass to the next generation.

Understanding capital gains tax: how IFA clients can reduce liabilities and keep more of their wealth.

A landslide snap-election victory for Japan’s ruling party could be a catalyst for rises in the yen and Japanese bond yields. That could have negative reverberations across the globe. All the same, we remain positive on the outlook for the global economy and markets.

The world seems to be rapidly changing in unpredictable ways, but toil and trouble is nothing new. Precious metals in particular have had a turbulent time lately. But we still see them as credible diversifiers, and maintain our belief in individuals and companies to innovate and compound growth over the long term.

Watch the first of our 2026 market updates exclusively for financial advisers.

The year is progressing as we thought it would, with lots of policy threats from the usual source, but limited disruption to markets. In such an informational storm, knowing when to react and when to ignore the commotion will be crucial.

With Greenland on President Trump’s bucket list of places to acquire, he’s threatened tariffs for any country opposing a “total” purchase. Stock markets are showing some nervousness, but we’re hopeful that the “Donroe Doctrine” will be another example of escalation followed by de-escalation.

Equity gains were stronger than average in 2025, pleasantly surprising investors who are still climbing a wall of worry. The outlook remains positive as we look ahead to the new year, though similar uncertainties also look likely to persist.

Bespoke investment management is often positioned as a client benefit. But for advisers, it’s proving to be just as powerful – helping firms grow, strengthen relationships and deliver a more personalised experience.

Discover how Rathbones’ Model Portfolio Service (MPS) is designed to free up advisers’ time and support their approach to meeting Consumer Duty requirements.

Tax changes are forcing advisers to rethink how they manage portfolios for clients with significant wealth. With growing pressure to balance tax efficiency and long-term growth, bespoke investment management is emerging as an increasingly valuable solution.