In 2022, inflation in France hit 6%, its highest level in nearly 40 years. Inflation had previously ranged, in France, between zero and three percent since the 1980s. Today it is comfortably under 3%. The question is whether 2022 was a one-off or whether we are...
Articles by: Chris Davenport
Chris Davenport
Partner
A graduate of Southampton University, Christopher was working as broker liaison officer for a London based financial information provider before moving to France in 2003.
In preparation of this move, he studied for and passed the Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII) International Certificate for Financial Advisers.
Once established in France he spent a number of years working at an International bank (BNP Paribas) in Nice, before changing course and working for ten years in high end real estate on the Côte d’Azur.
In 2019, Christopher was tempted by Robert Kent (founder and director of Kentingtons) to return to his roots; financial markets and advice.
“Being permanently interested by macroeconomics and International financial markets, throughout my career I have always worked closely with the wealth management industry. I was very impressed by Kentingtons overall philosophy for navigating the transition to becoming financially resident in France, as well as the fact that they are fully independent and transparent. We share the same values and hence it was an easy decision to join Kentingtons.”
In order to comply with the legal framework in France, Christpher passed the following French examinations. He must do 15 hours of training every year in order to re-qualify annually (IAS).
February 2020: Livret de Formation CIF (Conseiller en Investissement Financier)
April 2020: Livret de Formation IAS Niveau 1 (Intermédiaires en Assurance)
Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, walking (the dog!), socializing, eating out, finance and reading the newspapers.
Articles by Kentingtons
Cross-Border Capital Gains Taxes for French Residents: Essential Insights and Strategies
Today we shall try to de-mystify an area of cross-border finance that can cause a great deal of fear and trepidation! To this end, we shall consider what capital gains taxes are paid, and where, by French residents selling assets they own outside of France. The...
UK vs France Budget Comparison: Tax Hikes, Spending Cuts & Economic Impact
This summer, new governments took power in both France and the UK; Michel Barnier became the new prime minister of France, and Keir Starmer, the new leader in the UK. Both countries are highly indebted and, therefore, need to either cut spending or raise taxes,...
What Does the UK’s Recent Budget Mean for British Pensions in France?
I finished last month’s article as follows: “Whereas up until now I would say a majority of our clients have tended to leave pensions in the UK, with this rule change, I envisage that the majority will now cash in UK pensions, moving the funds into more tax-efficient...
Preparing your long term financial future when moving to France
One assumes that you do not just wake up one morning and say, “I think I’ll move to France this week”... On second thoughts, perhaps you do! But even if you think it, you are unlikely to follow through immediately with your newfound dream. The point is, moving...
French Financial Products Compared to UK/US Counterparts
Understanding the pros and cons of financial products and services is crucial for those seeking to optimize their wealth management strategies in France. In this article we will look into the particularities of French financial products, comparing them with...
Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from the UK to France
France is a beautiful place to live; however, relocating from the UK can bring various challenges and risks. Over our years of providing financial advice to British expats in France, we have seen many common mistakes, and we would not want you to repeat them....
What Might We Expect From The French Economy in 2024?
As we move into the New Year, I was asked what we might expect from the French economy over the next 12 months. Whilst, like many before me, I am happy to speculate, I am also perfectly aware of the fact that nobody knows what is around the corner. To quote Milton...
How you pay for Financial Advice in France
For English nationals living in France, the landscape of financial advice is facing potential changes, thanks to recent propositions by Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner for Financial Services. She proposed reforms to alter the traditional methods of...
Trusts vs Assurance Vie: What You Need to Know
In the UK and, indeed, many “Anglo-Saxon”, (as the French say) countries, trusts are a part of life for everyday financial, family and inheritance planning. We use them to ensure that our beneficiaries get what we want them to and in accordance with the timing and...
Taxes coming down in France, whilst taxes being raised in the UK
In a previous article, last year, I pondered upon the relative strength of France’s economy. For example, compared to Germany or the UK, France has certainly been less impacted by inflation. Furthermore, unemployment remains historically low. At 7.1%, unemployment is...
5 Short and Long Term Savings Plans in France
According to recent data from the Banque de France indicates that in January this year, over €500 billion was held collectively in people's current accounts, accruing minimal or no interest. When it comes to saving, this is a common trend as many savers opt for what...