Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – James Cohen, Seddons GSC

Date: 11 Jun 2025

Karen Jones

This week’s 60-second Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to James Cohen, Head of Private Client at Seddons GSC.

Tell Citywealth Leaders List readers a bit about your role

I head the Private Client team at Seddons GSC. My work focuses on helping individuals and families preserve, manage, and transfer wealth, often across borders and generations. I advise on UK and international estate planning, trusts, tax, succession, and family governance, typically for clients with complex, high-value assets and global connections.

What does a typical day look like for you

Apart from helping get the kids up and out the door for school, no two days are ever quite the same. One of the reasons I enjoy private client work and estate planning, is its sheer variety. In the morning, I might be assisting an elderly client in passing on a modest estate to their family and chosen charities. In the afternoon, I could be advising on the purchase of a superyacht. Regardless of scale, I ensure my team treats every matter with the same care and attention.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions or requests you have received

Recently, much of our work has involved advising clients leaving the UK about estate planning due to changes in the non-domicile rules. For one family moving to the UAE, we not only provided technical tax and structuring advice but also helped them find local advisors, accommodation, and suitable schooling. We put in place Wills in both the UK and UAE, reviewed their asset structures, and ensured they would not be considered UK tax resident going forward.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping them to overcome them

Capacity issues are becoming more prevalent, especially with an aging population. This places strain on families, particularly when children are living in different countries and estates span multiple jurisdictions and structures. We often need to unpick complex cross-border implications while also managing family dynamics. This requires close collaboration with our network of trusted professionals worldwide to deliver cohesive, cross-border solutions.

What is your proudest professional achievement

Creating a team at Seddons GSC that clients trust across generations. Many of our relationships span decades and have evolved to include the next generation of decision-makers. That level of continuity and confidence is something I take great pride in.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader

Clarity, empathy, and consistency. Clients and colleagues alike look to leaders for sound judgment and a steady hand. In a fast-moving environment, these qualities foster trust and help drive results.

Who do you most admire and why

My wife. She has shown tremendous resolve and determination throughout her life, both professionally and personally. She is a constant source of strength and a shining example to our children.

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure

For work, I was in Turkey attending a client’s wedding and took the opportunity to meet with another client living there to discuss their estate planning needs. For pleasure, I recently spent time in Spain with my family, enjoying the sunshine, good food, and time together.

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing

I would probably be running my own business, likely something in the restaurant or food industry. I enjoy problem-solving, building teams, and seeing ideas come to life.

How do you relax after a long day

Spending time with my family helps me switch off. I also enjoy eating out and exploring London’s restaurant scene as well as playing padel and golf. Stepping away from devices is essential to properly unwind.

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