Is it Time to Consider an Offshore Gross Roll-Up Fund?

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. It does not constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, nor should any information contained herein be relied upon for the purpose of making investment decisions.

Past performance is not indicative of future results, and the value of investments may fall as well as rise. While the information contained herein is believed to be reliable, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding its accuracy or completeness.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change without notice. They do not necessarily reflect the views or official position of the institution or its affiliates.

Introduction

With UK taxes rumoured to rise in the Budget next month, many investors are thinking about how to make their money work more tax-efficiently. ISAs are still a great option, but their annual limits, which might be reduced in the Budget, restrict how much can be invested. Additionally, since the 2024 Budget confirmed that from April 2027 pension pots (including SIPPs) will fall within the taxable estate for inheritance tax, traditional pension investing has become less appealing for some. 

That is why many investors are looking again at offshore roll-up funds, particularly those such as the LGB SME Private Debt Fund that receive interest from investments without the deduction of withholding tax. This structure lets you control when you realise your income, giving flexibility around when you pay tax. It is particularly useful if you are currently a higher-rate taxpayer but expect your circumstances to change, or if you simply do not need the income now and prefer to let it grow until the timing is more favourable. Alternatively, some investors might believe that the current tax and spend government will be replaced by a tax-cutting government in due course. In any event, not having to report interest income is a distinct advantage of roll-up funds. 

About the Fund

The LGB SME Private Debt Fund was launched on 1 June 2016 on the Heritage Investment Fund Platform in Guernsey. It is authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and available in the UK on a restricted basis to Investment Professionals, High Net Worth and Sophisticated Investors. 

How the Roll-Up Structure Works

allows returns to compound tax-free inside the fund. You only pay tax when you sell your shares not while you hold them meaning your investment can grow more efficiently over time. 

Investment Approach

Since its launch, the fund has focused on providing steady, compounding returns by investing mainly in secured medium-term notes arranged by LGB Capital Markets. At times, it has also held public securities to diversify exposure. LGB Investments acts as the investment adviser to the local manager in Guernsey, ensuring alignment with LGB’s established credit expertise. 

Investors can subscribe through the LGB Investments platform or via an investment account at Heritage Capital Management Limited (HCML) in London or Seven Investment Management (7IM). The fund allows for monthly subscriptions and redemptions and maintains a minimum 5% allocation to cash. The portfolio is well-diversified, currently holding 46 medium term note issues from 14 different issuers, and over 60% invested in notes maturing within the next two years. The latest fund fact sheet can be found here and the latest updates on the LGB SME Fund can be found here.

Why it May Appeal Now

For investors looking to defer income tax and grow capital efficiently, this strategy has delivered consistent benefits over the years. With the recent changes to pension rules and possible further changes to tax rules in the November Budget, the ability to compound returns without immediate tax liabilities could become even more valuable for those focused on long-term wealth building and future flexibility. 

Get in Touch

The LGB SME Private Debt Fund is authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and is available in the UK on a restricted basis to Investment Professionals, High Net Worth Investors and Sophisticated Investors (read the client classification specifics here). If you do not have an account and are interested in investing, simply fill in the form below and we would be delighted to speak with you.