A Family Investment Company is a private limited company set up to hold investments, property, or cash for the benefit of the next generation. The founders keep full control through voting shares while the economic growth passes to shares held by children or grandchildren — moving value out of the founders’ estate for inheritance tax purposes.
The tax advantages: investment income taxed at 19–25% corporation tax instead of up to 45% income tax, all future growth outside your estate from day one, and flexible dividend control across family members. FICs work best with assets over £500,000 — typically cash, investment portfolios, or rental property.
The trade-offs: HMRC scrutiny is increasing, extracting money later triggers dividend tax on top of corporation tax, and there are real compliance costs. A FIC is not a shortcut — it is a long-term wealth transfer tool for families thinking a generation ahead.