FIG and Global Mobility: What We Heard from the Market
The FIG Regime represents one of the most significant changes to the taxation of internationally mobile individuals in decades
1 October 2026 | Author: Vicky Boyle
We brought together more than 30 professionals from across the global mobility community to discuss the UK's new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime and its implications for internationally mobile individuals.
Through a series of live polls and open discussion, attendees shared their views on the opportunities, challenges and long-term implications of the reforms.
At a glance: what the room thought
- 74% disagreed that the end of the non-dom regime has had less impact than many predicted
- 68% were more optimistic about the UK’s prospects than they were 12 months ago
- 78% believe London will remain Europe’s leading financial centre in 10 years’ time
- 30+ global mobility advisers and intermediaries participated in the discussion
A regime creating winners and losers
One of the clearest messages from the discussion was that the FIG regime is creating both winners and losers. For some internationally mobile individuals, particularly short-term expatriates relocating to the UK and UK nationals returning after extended periods overseas, the regime can offer significant benefits. However, attendees also noted that long-term UK expatriates and some high-net-worth individuals can face less favourable outcomes.
Has the end of the non-dom regime had less impact than expected?
Roundtable poll result: 74% disagreed and 26% agreed. Participants described a subtle but meaningful shift in behaviour rather than a dramatic exodus. Inheritance tax featured heavily in discussions and is becoming an increasingly important factor in relocation and succession planning decisions.
The challenge of compliance
Enhanced disclosure and reporting requirements are increasing complexity for taxpayers and advisers alike. Organisations are focusing on governance, data gathering and internal controls to manage compliance effectively.
Tax is not the only factor
Attendees recognised the UK’s enduring strengths, including its culture, language, legal system, education sector and global connectivity. However, clients are increasingly comparing jurisdictions based on a wider range of factors, not just tax.
A cautious optimism about the UK’s prospects
Roundtable poll result: 68% agreed they were more optimistic about the UK’s prospects than 12 months ago. The mood was one of pragmatic optimism, recognising that many countries face similar economic and fiscal challenges.
Will London remain Europe’s leading financial centre?
Roundtable poll result: 78% agreed London will remain Europe’s leading financial centre in 10 years’ time. Participants highlighted deep capital markets, professional services expertise and international connectivity as key advantages.
Looking ahead
The discussion reinforced that the FIG regime is about far more than tax. It forms part of a broader conversation about the UK’s ability to attract internationally mobile talent, entrepreneurs, investors and businesses in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
How We Can Help
The implications of the new regime extend well beyond individual taxpayers. Employers may need to revisit mobility policies, employee support programmes, payroll processes and talent strategies to ensure they remain aligned with the new rules.
Our Global Mobility team combines deep technical expertise with practical experience advising internationally mobile individuals, executives and employers on complex cross-border tax matters. With one of the UK’s largest teams of UK/US dual-handling specialists, enabling us to provide joined-up advice on both sides of the Atlantic and support globally mobile populations with increasingly complex international tax requirements.
Would you like to know more?
If you would like to discuss this in more detail, please visit our dedicated FIG Hub page or get in touch with your usual Blick Rothenberg contact or Vicky Boyle using the form below.
Contact Vicky
Foreign Income and Gains Regime Hub
The UK non‑dom regime has been abolished and replaced by the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime
For many individuals, these changes raise a number of questions.
At Blick Rothenberg, our Private Wealth and Global Mobility specialists combine deep expertise with practical advice to help internationally mobile individuals, families and employers navigate the complexities of the UK’s Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime.
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