The landscape: Global clients, local limitations
Yet despite this, there is a growing disconnect between the global nature of clients’ affairs and the localised capabilities of many institutions, particularly when it comes to property finance involving international assets and structures.
A client may be based in Geneva, with property in London, a holding structure in Jersey, and family interests across the EU and the Middle East. These structures can make lending more complex, but it’s all about having the expertise on these structures to be able to source and prepare a solution.
Identifying the advice gap: Where lending, structuring, and planning diverge
Our conversations with Swiss-based private client professional advisers consistently highlight the same issue: while wealth structuring, tax advice, and legal planning are all well established, there remains no truly integrated offering for international real estate finance.This is more than an operational challenge. It represents a service gap in the advice model for clients with assets held globally. That’s where we come in with Henry Dannell Switzerland, our team of advisers are well-versed in dealing with clients with complex wealth structures spanning the globe.
Who this affects and why it matters
The profile of clients affected is familiar:
- HNWIs holding Swiss wealth but acquiring property across the globe
- Multi-jurisdictional families using trust or foundation structures for ownership
- International business owners
- Clients seeking to integrate borrowing within tax, estate or succession strategies
These clients aren’t looking for fragmented solutions. They’re seeking joined-up thinking across jurisdictions, delivered efficiently and discreetly. When that isn’t available, they often look to their professional advisers for leadership, even when the solution is outside the adviser’s direct remit.
That creates risk, inefficiency, and undue reputational pressure.
This creates the need for a trusted solution. We realise a recommendation reflects on you, and we remember that at the core of what we do.
How Henry Dannell bridges the gap
At Henry Dannell Switzerland, we’ve built a specialist service designed exclusively for private client advisers operating in this space.
We do not offer tax, legal or investment advice. Our sole focus is providing a bespoke debt advisory service for complex real estate and luxury asset finance needs, but delivered in a way that complements and enhances the advice already in place.
Here’s how we help you close the gap:
Lending Solutions for International Property
We support the acquisition and refinancing of property across the UK, EU, and select international locations, even when the assets are held via offshore structures or trusts. This includes primary residences, secondary homes, and investment property.
Structuring Aligned to Advisory Goals
We understand the regulatory, legal and fiduciary landscape. Our proposals are built around SPVs, foundations, and trusts, not in conflict with them. This ensures consistency with broader planning objectives, not compromise.
- Proactive Currency Management
We work with clients to understand exposure and build appropriate FX considerations into the debt structure, a key risk area in multi-jurisdictional lending. - Collaboration, Not Competition
We work with professional advisers, not around them. All client contact is discreet, delegated, and always introduced. We complement your advice and never compete with it. - Speed with Clarity
We know time is tight and timing matters. We’re fast, but thorough, with clearly packaged proposals and regular updates that keep your role central and respected.
A note on broader lending needs: Real estate and beyond
While cross-border real estate remains the most visible gap in today’s market, many clients also seek strategic financing around luxury assets, from private aviation and yachts to prestige vehicles, collections, and alternative assets.
These transactions often intersect with:
- Tax strategy and estate planning
- Offshore holding vehicles
- Time-sensitive liquidity requirements
- Family office governance or philanthropic objectives
At Henry Dannell, we offer the same level of structural alignment, lender access, and discretion for these transactions as we do in property finance, always working with the adviser, and always as part of the wider client picture.
Whether your client is acquiring a London townhouse via a trust or seeking finance for a Gulfstream through a Luxembourg entity, our focus remains the same: to enhance your advice and protect your reputation through exceptional execution.
The result for you: Time saved, value delivered, reputation protected
We see ourselves as a discreet, dependable extension of your team, quietly managing the complexities of international debt advisory so you can continue focusing on the strategic outcomes your clients expect.
Our introducers typically gain:
- A credible partner to whom they can confidently refer complex property and asset finance
- A faster, more streamlined process for clients needing cross-border finance
- Reduced coordination demands across lending, legal, and currency issues
- Greater client satisfaction and enhanced adviser reputation
A strategic advantage for introducers
The demand for joined-up, international lending advice is only growing. But while the gap in the market is clear, so too is the opportunity for those private client advisers who can offer credible solutions.
At Henry Dannell, we’re here to help you deliver exactly that, with precision, speed, and absolute discretion.
Please note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The information contained herein is based on market conditions and opinions at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice. This article may contain references to or summaries of market research reports or analyses prepared by external providers. Henry Dannell Switzerland does not endorse or adopt the views expressed in any such third-party reports. We recommend that you review the original research reports before making any decisions based on their content. Please also note: a mortgage is secured against your home or property. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
