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Britain's second-richest billionaire flees UK for Monaco in huge blow to Labour

Reported by Opalesque
Oct 4, 2026· 2 min read
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Key Takeaways
  • • David Reuben, Britain's second-richest billionaire with an estimated net worth of approximately GBP14bn, has relocated from the UK to Monaco, joining his brother Simon who is already resident there.
  • • The Reuben brothers control a combined fortune of nearly GBP28bn and have substantial property holdings across London and international markets, making their tax residency decisions material to UK fiscal considerations.
  • • Reuben's departure represents part of a broader pattern of wealthy UK residents, including hedge fund managers, relocating to lower-tax jurisdictions, raising concerns among Labour policymakers about capital flight and tax base erosion.
  • • Monaco's status as a tax-efficient jurisdiction has become an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking to minimize tax obligations, with the move signaling potential strategic wealth restructuring by the Reuben family.
Summary
David Reuben, the 88-year-old property tycoon and Britain's second-richest billionaire, has relocated to Monaco, completing a shift that reunites him with his brother Simon in the tax-favorable principality. The move carries significant implications for the UK tax system and represents a notable departure of wealth-generating capacity from British jurisdiction.

The Reuben brothers' combined net worth of approximately GBP28bn makes their residency decisions material to UK fiscal policy. David Reuben's individual fortune is estimated at around GBP14bn, derived primarily from extensive property holdings and real estate investments across London and international markets. The brothers have historically been among Britain's most prominent and wealthy individuals, with substantial business interests spanning multiple sectors.

Reuben's relocation follows a documented pattern of wealthy British residents, including prominent hedge fund managers such as Chris Rokos, migrating to lower-tax jurisdictions. This trend has emerged as a concern for the Labour government, which faces the challenge of maintaining its tax base while competing with jurisdictions offering more favorable tax treatment for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Monaco's appeal as a destination reflects its established status as a wealth management center with minimal personal income taxation, making it an increasingly popular choice for billionaires seeking to optimize their tax positions.

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Sources

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AlphaMaven summarised this story from the reporting below. Each link opens the original article.

Opalesque Britain's second-richest billionaire flees UK for Monaco in huge blow to Labour