John A Azzopardi
Director
"Act with integrity, empower those around you, and always help clients see the full picture so they can move forward with confidence. "
John is the Tax and Fiduciary Director at RSM Gibraltar. As a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and UK Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) with over 20 years of experience, he leads both the Tax and Company & Trust Management Teams, guiding clients through efficient structure implementation and ongoing compliance.
Driven by a deep commitment to integrity and responsibility, John takes a hands-on approach to client relationships, making sure each person receives clear, practical advice that’s tailored to their situation. He believes that acting with honesty and transparency is fundamental, clients are always given a full picture of their options and potential outcomes, enabling them to make confident, well-informed decisions.
John’s personal style is collaborative and direct. He stands by his team and the deliverables they provide, taking accountability for outcomes while empowering others to grow and contribute. He builds trust by breaking down technical complexity into straightforward guidance, ensuring clients never feel left behind. Every day, he focuses on building relationships that put the client first, recognising the value of empathy, respect, and effective communication.
He helps clients understand their tax responsibilities and potential implications before setup, managing a global portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and corporates.
John’s expertise includes Gibraltar insurance, cryptocurrency, gaming companies, and financial intermediaries. John is also approved by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission to act as a Money Laundering Reporting Officer.
John trained with Deloitte UK, then joined PwC UK, advancing to lead their National Trust Team. Before joining RSM Gibraltar, he led the Credit Suisse Zurich team to implement systems for UK-Swiss tax compliance. He is highly skilled in automatic exchange of information agreements, including US FATCA and the OECD Common Reporting Standard.
John simplifies complex technical issues, empowering clients to make informed decisions at every stage. John’s support extends well beyond initial advice—he guides clients from structure setup through to ongoing compliance, working proactively to keep them aware of their responsibilities and the practical impact of evolving regulations. His approach means clients never face surprises: John remains closely involved, offering practical, clear direction on both new and existing arrangements to help them manage risk and make confident decisions fully informed by regulatory requirements.
Expertise:
- Tax Advisory and Compliance: Guiding clients through complex tax matters.
- Tax Investigations: Supporting clients during regulatory reviews.
- Company Management: Providing strategic oversight and guidance in the establishment, optimisation and running of corporate structures.
- Automatic Exchange of Information: Overseeing FATCA and CRS reporting.
- Approved Money Laundering Reporting Officer
John is committed to a better future for clients and the wider community, valuing teamwork and collaboration.
Professional involvement: Founder member of the Gibraltar Association of Tax Advisors (GATA).
Charitable initiatives: Regularly supports local charitable events aligned with RSM values.