Citywealth Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Philip Teague, Cross Border Financial Planning 

Date: 21 May 2025

Karen Jones

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Philip Teague, Executive Director at Cross Border Financial Planning.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
As the founder of Cross Border Financial Planning, my role is split between managing the business and advising our clients. Much of our work involves helping individuals and families navigate complex financial challenges across the UK and US — whether that’s planning for retirement, structuring investments, or handling the cross-border implications of divorce. I’m lucky to work with a talented, motivated team, and I spend my days balancing client work with developing the business.

What does a typical day look like for you?
There’s no such thing as a typical day, which is part of what I enjoy about the job. One moment I’m speaking with a family in London about gifting strategies to their children, the next I’m coordinating with our US office on tax-efficient investment solutions. Between client meetings, managing the team, and working on strategic growth, it’s busy — but always varied.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions or requests you have received.
We recently helped a US-based beneficiary of a UK pension sharing order, which was a particularly rewarding case. Divorce is challenging enough, and when the complexities of pensions and tax are thrown in, it can become overwhelming. Being able to give that client clarity and a plan for the future felt meaningful.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Many of our clients face the complexity of living, working, or retiring across borders. Navigating tax rules, investment regulations, and even just the differences in financial systems can be daunting. We provide clarity, structure, and compliance — particularly when dealing with cross-border pension/investment arrangements and US tax reporting. Our team has designed systems and portfolios that are US-compliant but still flexible and efficient.

What is your proudest professional achievement?
Without doubt, building Cross Border Financial Planning from the ground up. It’s a real privilege to come into work each day alongside such a gifted and committed team. Knowing we’ve created a business that’s helping people at pivotal moments in their lives makes it all worthwhile.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
The ability to listen. Whether it’s to a client, a colleague, or someone giving constructive feedback — really listening is where good leadership starts. I also think clarity, empathy, and the willingness to get stuck in alongside your team are key.

Who do you most admire and why?
David Attenborough. His lifelong commitment to educating people about the natural world, delivered with such integrity and passion, is something I deeply admire. He communicates complex issues with clarity and calm — qualities I try to bring to my work as well.

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
Over Easter I was in South Carolina and Georgia visiting family. The southern charm is very real — it’s a special part of the world, and I always come back with a renewed appreciation for hospitality, good food, and slower conversations.

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I’d almost certainly be a marine biologist. I’ve always loved the sea and wildlife.

How do you relax after a long day?
We recently adopted a rescue dog — a Lurcher called Flash. He’s incredibly lazy, but I do enjoy dragging him out for a walk in the evening. There’s something about the ritual of walking a dog that helps you switch off, even after a long day.