Citywealth Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Theo Antoniou, Spencer West, Cyprus

Date: 02 Apr 2025

Vanessa Dal Busco

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Theo Antoniou, Founding Partner at Spencer West, Cyprus.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I’m the Founding Partner of Spencer West in Cyprus, an international law firm with a presence in 20 countries and headquarters in the City of London. My expertise lies in corporate and tax structuring, wealth planning, and financial services for businesses, family offices, and HNWIs.
Beyond advising clients, I also lead and expand our Cyprus office, ensuring we deliver world-class legal solutions while growing our dynamic team.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I start my day by staying up to date on international business trends and reviewing my goals. A morning workout at the gym helps me stay focused before heading to the office.
Most of my day is spent advising clients on complex cross-border transactions, tax structuring, and wealth management. Our team provides end-to-end solutions, from compliance and regulatory support to setting up SPVs, investment funds, and trusts.
I also dedicate time to speaking at international conferences, contributing to legal publications, and mentoring young lawyers in Cyprus through seminars and training.

Tell us about a recent, interesting client request.
Following the UK’s latest budget changes and amendments to the non-domicile tax status, we have received increased interest from HNWIs and UHNWIs looking to relocate to Cyprus for tax efficiency.
One recent case involved a tech entrepreneur from London with a multimillion-pounds company who wanted to optimize his tax and corporate structure using Cyprus’s IP Box regime (2.5% corporate tax rate). I collaborated with our corporate team in Cyprus and our UK partners specializing in international tax, IP law, and private wealth to create a comprehensive solution.
This case reinforced why I love what I do. We have the expertise, network, and infrastructure to provide seamless, multi-jurisdictional legal and tax solutions.

What challenges do your clients face, and how do you help them?
Many of our clients come from high-tax jurisdictions such as the UK, North Europe, Middle East looking for ways to legally optimize their tax exposure.
We assist them with: Corporate structuring through Cyprus holding companies, SPVs, and IP companies, Private wealth planning, including investment funds and Cyprus international trusts, Regulatory compliance and cross-border tax solutions
Our expertise ensures clients not only reduce their tax burden but also structure their assets in a way that is compliant, secure, and future-proof.

What is your proudest professional achievement?
Launching Spencer West in Cyprus and contributing to the firm’s global expansion is a major milestone. Unlike traditional law firms in Cyprus, we bring an international mindset, elevating the legal market and offering clients seamless legal services across multiple jurisdictions.

What do you consider the most important qualities of a leader?
Empathy and understanding. I believe in listening first—both to my team and my clients to fully grasp challenges before finding solutions. Leadership is about guiding, empowering, and making informed decisions that benefit both the firm and our clients.

Who do you most admire and why?
My wife. Behind every successful person, there’s a strong support system. She understands my vision, supports my ambitions, and takes care of our three wonderful children, all while being a pillar of strength in my life.

Where was the last place you traveled for work or pleasure?
London. I had productive meetings with existing and potential clients and spent time with my colleagues from Spencer West. London feels like a second home, I’ve built strong professional relationships and lifelong friendships there.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d be in politics. I closely follow global developments and believe business and politics are deeply interconnected. If I were in politics, I’d focus on reunifying Cyprus with a sustainable solution and promoting the country’s business-friendly environment, lifestyle, and opportunities on the global stage.

How do you unwind after a long day?
At home with my wife and three kids. A big hug from them makes me forget any stress. I love reading bedtime stories and spending quality time with my family, it’s the perfect way to end the day.