James Heathcote

Spear’s Review

Having built and led the private client tax department at a large family office-backed firm since 2019, James Heathcote started his own firm, Sanctoras, in 2022, employing many of the same team.

He now lives in Dubai but still focuses on UK tax law. ‘The move to Dubai was initially for lifestyle reasons,’ he tells Spear’s, but he has found a growing customer base in the Emirate looking for advice without having to deal with an office in London, in addition to his UK clients. ‘We’re not looking to be the next big private office company,’ he said, ‘but to provide the service our clients are looking for, and be a bit selective about the clients we work with.’

Adviser Profile

Sanctoras works with high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. The firm has a particular specialism in international private clients and regularly advises on residence, domicile, trusts, inheritance tax and succession planning. 

James has a particular interest in complex divorce cases and is routinely instructed on tax matters, either on behalf of one of the parties or as Single Joint Expert. A leading divorce lawyer describes him as a ‘rising star’ with ‘a calm and patient manner which clients very much appreciate’. 

The firm is also establishing The Sanctoras Foundation to work with promising entrepreneurs from less-advantaged backgrounds through mentoring, networking opportunities and business support.