Sean Bannister
Sean Bannister is Partner and Head of Tax at Edwin Coe. A Chartered Tax Adviser by training, he sits between law and accountancy, combining technical precision with commercial judgement to advise high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and entrepreneurs with complex UK and international tax needs.
Sean’s work spans tax advisory, structuring and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on internationally mobile clients, non-resident investment and the interaction between UK and overseas tax regimes. He is regularly instructed by family offices, trustees and professional advisers seeking clear, balanced advice in areas where tax, reputation and long-term strategy intersect.
Known for his calm, pragmatic approach, Sean helps clients navigate an increasingly complex tax environment with confidence. His advice is technically robust, commercially realistic and focused on achieving workable outcomes.
Sean also advises entrepreneurs and investors on structuring, succession planning and exit strategies, ensuring tax supports commercial objectives. As Head of Tax, Sean leads a multidisciplinary team of contentious and non-contentious tax specialists, delivering joined-up advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Expertise
Tax
Tax Advisory Services
Tax Compliance
Tax Disputes
Credentials
Recommended in the Citywealth Top 50 Tax Professional List 2025
Named as one of eprivateclient’s 50 Most Influential (2024)
Named in the Citywealth Global Top 100 Tax Professionals List 2023
Named in the Citywealth Leaders List
Top Recommended in Spear’s 500 2024
Winner of Wealth & Finance INTL – Best for Tax Dispute Resolution – UK
Chartered Tax Advisor
EXPERIENCE
Sean’s experience includes:
Advised on a non-UK life assurance policy holding over $100 million in overseas fund interests.
Restructured a non-UK trust owning a Central London residential property portfolio.
Planned the UK exit to Monaco for a non-dom individual ahead of deemed domicile changes.
Established a non-UK trust pre-April 2017 for a client approaching deemed domicile status.
Led a mixed fund cleanse for a non-dom repatriating funds to the UK.
Structured Business Investment Relief for a finance professional investing in a UK venture.
Advised on the sale of a UK business to maximise Entrepreneurs Relief and non-dom benefits.
Navigated the relevant loan regime for a non-UK collateral-backed property acquisition in London.
His client service is always first class and any queries I have had have been dealt with swiftly and with understanding.
eprivateclient 50 Most Influential 2024
Sean is approachable, professional and is utterly dedicated to helping his clients. By combining his practical experience in relation to disputes work and the knowledge base developed as a result of his advisory work, Sean is able to provide an unparalleled service to his clients.
eprivateclient 50 Most Influential 2024
Working with Sean has been an incredibly positive experience, and I believe his contributions have been invaluable to our clients. Sean has unique skills and knowledge of the tax issues that normally arise in the context of an individual’s expatriation.
eprivateclient 50 Most Influential 2024
Sean is able to cut through the noise and, where it is possible to do so, advise on robust solutions that are aligned to client needs rather than highlighting issues and problems that need to be addressed. This extends to identifying the issues that do not necessarily form part of Sean’s specialism but which are nonetheless essential to address in order to deliver a holistic solution.
eprivateclient 50 Most Influential 2024
Sean has a natural willingness to go above and beyond for clients. He has extreme technical nous enabling him to simplify complex tax/legal jargon into understandable/implementable actions making his advice second-to-none.
Citywealth Leaders List
Our relationship is a valued partnership going beyond the classic remit of a client/adviser relationship. Sean has outstanding technical knowledge. His advice is robust and aligned to client needs by delivering a holistic solution.
Citywealth Leaders List
The Tax team is rated for its professionalism and in depth knowledge of HMRC and its practices.
Client Feedback Survey 2023
I had complete peace of mind that the best outcome would be reached.
Client Feedback Survey 2020
Astute, approachable and professional, Sean will go on to be recognised as one of the ‘go to persons’ for tax matters in the UK.
eprivateclient's Top 35 Under 35 2015
Sean Bannister is a priceless asset you have.
Client Feedback Survey 2015
You totally delivered on what you promised – thank you.
David, Private Client
I appreciated the comfort and confidence that comes from putting ones affairs in the hands of experts.
Client
Good and reliable advice on complex UK tax matters.
Client
Easy to talk to, and explanations of problems very helpful.
Client
You made the whole process so easy for us. I’d have no hesitation in recommending you.
Michael, Managing Director