I also went through almost the same situation last year with a “Golden Visa” investment tied to a property deal in Europe. On paper it seemed straightforward, but once I signed and paid the deposit, everything quickly became complicated. Like you, I was suddenly faced with unexpected tax considerations, unclear legal steps, and very little transparency about the long-term obligations. At that point, I honestly thought the money was gone. But after some searching and recommendations, I ended up working with techchainconsult.com, who helped me go through the paperwork and chase down my deposit. It wasn’t instant, and the process took some back-and-forth, but they were professional and knew how to deal with situations like this. In the end, I was able to recover what I thought I’d lost. I don’t think these companies always act with outright bad intent, but the way they communicate and structure these deals is very one-sided. Having a third party step in to advocate on my behalf made all the difference.
I contacted Holborn Assets in November about a Portuguese Golden Visa investment. The offer involved me investing €399,000 in a hospitality property, with Holborn contributing about €101,000 to meet the visa threshold. I hoped to use IRA funds, which meant setting up a self-directed IRA LLC in the U.S. and another in Portugal—very complex, but I thought doable at the time. After signing a contract and wiring a deposit, Holborn started the process by securing Portuguese tax numbers. However, once I met with their partner law firm, Paxlegal, new concerns emerged: surprise tax obligations, potential social security payments, ambiguous processes, and unclear long-term costs. This, combined with personal financial setbacks (and the volatility of the US stock market), gave me serious second thoughts. I reached out weeks ago to ask about recovering part of my deposit, understanding that some work had already been done. Since then, I’ve received no formal response—only a few WhatsApp messages from a scattered assistant and a missed call early in the morning. I don’t typically use WhatsApp and made that clear. I don’t believe there was bad intent, but the communication has been vague and the process poorly explained. Most of all, I wish I’d been encouraged to meet Paxlegal before signing—after that meeting, I definitely wouldn’t have proceeded. Now, I just want a proper email outlining my options about my deposit. Nothing more, nothing less.
Such a shame there is no "0" or even negative stars. I was advised that I could remove my holding from trustee status to my own name to save £700 per year in trustee fees. The advisor omitted to tell me that it would remove the QROPS status and that I would be taxed on the TOTAL amount - in Portugal that is 28%. And because the original advice 15 years ago was from a different advisor (changed to Holborn 2011) they have wriggled out of it saying I should have been advised at the time of the original investment. They refused to answer questions that I raised in my complaint, they did not comply with their own Complaints Procedure timescales, asked for more time when I asked why, then missed the next deadline. I asked what was going on, they said they aimed to reply within five days but I had to chase after seven days, and they washed their hands of it. DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
A dreadful experience, and most unprofitable. I was "handled" by three different Holborn advisors, and lost confidence in each of them. When I probed I was told to stop contacting them, even though Holborn was still my "advisor". Finally I cut my losses and took my business elsewhere.
Stuart has been fantastic from the off! I doubted the fact I actually needed any advice but I'm now so glad I took the time to hear him out. Still early days and I can't comment on Holborn's other advisers but so far so good as far as I'm concerned. Thank you Stuart and Team!
Stuart is a star! Nothing but love and gratitude for the advice and help he has provided me down the years. Having someone so experienced and knowledgeable in your corner is invaluable. He has my family s best interests at heart and is always on hand to provide advice when called upon. If you get the opportunity to work with Stuart grab it with both hands!
Maybe a little early to give a review, but after a few months very impressed, lets just hope it stays that way, but from everything so far more than happy from all aspects. Sorry would of loved to upload some pictures of your office to the review but forgot to take any! Chat next week.
The professionalism and enthusiasm of their staff are commendable. By resolving my issue to my benefit, they have exceeded my expectations. I would like to return to this company in future as well.
Stay away ! very questionable advice, awful fund selection resulting in a significant loss to my pension pot. Unfortunately, these people do nothing to improve the 'grey' reputation of this industry.
I've been working with Holborn Assets for the past few years and have been very pleased with their service. I have also enjoyed their recent webinars on investments during covid.
A big thank you to the Holborn team! I had been meaning to sort my pension for ages and after months of putting it off I was put in touch with Adrian. He took care of all the leg work and made me feel safe in the knowledge that evrything was being dealt with in a timely and professional manner. He explained my options in plain english and allowed me to make the decision that was right for me and my family without any pressure. I have and will be recommending Adrian to anyone I can.
Top notch, got exactly what paid for and more. Thanks.
Spent 2 days here as part of my secondary school internship with the Digital Marketing people and it was really fun!
Financial Planning and Mortgage advice. Truly impartial - no cold calling. Can t fault them.
Dealt with Vincent, nothing but open, honest advice.
Tyrone is an adviser at Holborn and has been helping me achieve my financal goals for several years. Initially I just needed some advice on my pension but after he fulfilled his promises on this I continued to work with him. I m now on track to retire a few years earlier than expected happy days!
Best brokerage in Dubai, with the best qualified advisers in the market .
Prior to speaking with my adviser, I had no idea what to do with my pensions back in the UK. I contacted Holborn and was pleased with how quickly they provided me with honest and valuable advice on planning my retirement and for the future.
Professional Financial Advisors, the location thou is quite busy, so hard to find parking & the elevators can be a problem early morning..
No complaints this end, excellent service would use again.
Cheers to all the staff of this leading company! They respond quickly to the customer queries and try to resolve the issues of clients as soon as possible. Keep it up, guys!
Holborn Assts cost me 30k plus 14k per year. They are not to be trusted
I ve been dealing with Claudia for around 3 or 4 years now and my experience has been nothing but positive. The thing I like most is how proactive she is with arranging catch-up meetings which is something I never had from previous advisers. The advice I have received from her has always been honest, clear and assured. I wouldn t have anyone else managing my finances!
The most Professional firm of Financial Advisors in the Middle East !
Slightly sceptical at first. But fair plays lads you didn't disappoint. Cheers!
