Expatriation & Wealth Management: a conversation with Guillaume Passebecq

How can expatriation be used to build, organise and optimise one's wealth? That is the question put to Guillaume Passebecq, recently appointed Director of Necker Finance, following a career spanning nearly thirty years in private banking and asset management across France, Luxembourg and Mauritius.

Moving to Mauritius is often the start of a new chapter: an exceptional setting, an attractive tax regime, and fresh opportunities. But this transition also raises important questions around wealth, tax and financial planning, questions best addressed early on.

In an international context shaped by geopolitical, economic and financial tensions, what is Mauritius's place today?

Mauritius holds a distinctive position on the international financial landscape. The country benefits from well-recognised political stability, a regulatory framework aligned with international standards, and a favourable tax environment. While the jurisdiction isn't immune to global turbulence, it has proven remarkably resilient. Its institutional strength, network of tax treaties and international standing make it a destination of choice for families, entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Does relocating to Mauritius call for a rethink of one's wealth strategy?

Yes, moving abroad typically brings a change in tax residency, legal framework, and sometimes even marital or inheritance regime. It's the ideal moment to take stock and identify the opportunities that come with this new chapter.

How does Necker Finance support expatriates in Mauritius?

Our strength lies in our dual presence, in Mauritius and in Geneva, through Necker Finance Suisse SA. This structure allows us to combine local expertise with an international outlook.

Our team, drawn from private banking, asset management and financial engineering, operates on an open architecture basis, giving us the freedom to select the most suitable solutions, independently. No two expatriations are alike. Some clients settle here for a fixed period, others for the long term, and these differences shape decisions around investment, taxation and wealth transfer.

We support our clients through account opening, banking coordination and, where needed, real estate projects. Through our partner banks, mortgage financing can also be arranged. For clients with a managed portfolio, Lombard loans may be offered, secured against financial assets.

What kind of solutions do you offer?

Our aim is to take a comprehensive view of each client's wealth, allowing us to design a strategy tailored to their goals, investment horizon and risk profile. We offer both conservative and dynamic solutions. Financial assets are held in segregated accounts, in the client's name, with selected custodian banks both in Mauritius and internationally, ensuring transparency, security and independence.

We build diversified portfolios incorporating mutual funds, structured products, direct securities, private debt, private equity and alternative funds. For certain goals, particularly around wealth transfer, we can also provide access to Luxembourg life insurance. We offer both discretionary and advisory portfolio management.

One last piece of advice for someone settling in Mauritius?

Having been an expatriate myself on several occasions, I know first-hand how important it is to have the right support around you.

My advice is simple: surround yourself with recognised, independent experts who can bring an international perspective and help structure your wealth for the long run. My team and I are very much at your disposal, whether for an initial conversation or a portfolio review.