Sven has almost twenty years of experience as a lawyer, providing assistance to high net-worth individuals & families in legal and tax-related matters.

He gives legal advice on a wide range of transactions involving major fiscal interests: the preparation of the sale of a company, the implementation of a merger or demerger, the distribution of accrued profits of a company, the application of the Belgian “Cayman tax” on foreign legal constructions, or the emigration or immigration of corporations and individuals. Risk control being of utmost importance in this context, Sven is also in regular contact with the Belgian tax ruling department.

Sven also has ample experience in tax adjustment declarations. In view of the current legislative framework, he tries to act proactively whenever possible and to rectify old tax irregularities before a discussion with the tax authorities or the public prosecutor’s office arises. In cases where such a discussion is already ongoing, he tries to come to a reasonable solution whenever possible, rather than engage in time-consuming legal proceedings with an uncertain outcome.

He also assists high net-worth individuals wanting to pass on their assets to the next generation. In this context, complex questions about business succession, difficult relationships with certain children, children who live abroad and/or assets situated outside Belgium may need to be dealt with. When working out a solution, Sven always tries to find a balance between what is attractive from a fiscal point of view and what is feasible from a practical point of view and should stand the test of time.

Sven holds a master’s degree in law (Ghent University – magna cum laude) and a master’s degree in tax law (University of Antwerp – cum laude). He won the prestigious TFR award for the best academic tax-related article twice. He is a member of the Bars of Antwerp and West Flanders.