ALISTAIR SIM

NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME

“No week is ever quite the same. I might spend one day helping a CEO get clarity after landing in a new country, and the next bringing together different specialists to help a client avoid a risk they hadn’t even considered.

A key part of my role is cutting through the noise. Clients are often dealing with a lot of information, so I focus on simplifying it and making sure they understand what really matters and what action to take.

I also spend more and more time looking at how we can use technology and AI to improve what we do, constantly challenging whether there’s a better way to deliver for our clients.”

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

“I didn’t set out to work in tax. In fact, I chose a graduate role that didn’t even have “tax” in the title. I landed in Human Capital, and from there, global mobility opened up a world that suited me perfectly.

I’ve always been drawn to travel, different cultures, and working with international teams. This role brings all of that together. Early in my career, I was encouraged to work with senior executives and was thrown into a UK IPO involving multiple non-resident directors. That experience shaped my specialism and gave me a real appreciation for the complexities at the top level of global business.”

CONNECTING THE DOTS

“One of my core strengths is connecting dots. Clients often come to me with one question, but there are usually several related issues sitting just beneath the surface. My role is to identify those, bring in the right specialists, and make sure everything is joined up.

I believe “right” is often relative. Global businesses operate in the real world, not in theory, so my advice is always grounded in practical, commercial reality. Clients value that I keep things in plain English and move quickly.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

“For me, strong client relationships start with listening properly. Not just understanding what a business does, but also how decisions are actually made internally. That insight is critical.

My time working in-house was eye-opening. It highlighted that many advisors don’t take the time to truly understand their clients’ operations. I make a point of staying connected, even when I’m not formally engaged, because relationships aren’t built on transactions alone.

The most satisfying part of my work is becoming a trusted advisor, particularly in high-pressure situations. When clients realise you’re thinking ahead for them and flagging issues they haven’t yet considered, that’s when the relationship really strengthens.”

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

“One of the biggest lessons in my career came from working in an environment where things weren’t running smoothly. There were outdated processes, a lack of technical training, and some unhappy clients. At the same time, a newly acquired business was thriving in contrast.

The key lesson was simple: no matter what’s happening internally, clients should never feel it. You can fix what’s broken behind the scenes, but you can’t let that come at the expense of relationships. That mindset continues to shape how I work today.”

CONSTANT CHANGE

“Global mobility is constantly evolving. Rules change quickly, and businesses can become non-compliant almost overnight. The real challenge is knowing which risks genuinely matter and explaining them in a way that clients can act on.

Another challenge is alignment. If tax, payroll, HR, and corporate teams aren’t working together early on, issues escalate quickly. A big part of my role is bringing those groups together and ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start.”

ITS MORE THAN JUST TAX

“There are two misconceptions I come across regularly.

The first is that global mobility risks are low. In reality, tax authorities are becoming more sophisticated, using AI and data to target enquiries more effectively.

The second is that global mobility is simply “expat tax”. The truth is, moving people across borders touches everything from corporate tax and VAT to immigration, employment law, and even cybersecurity. Expat tax is often just one piece of a much bigger puzzle.”

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON

“I combine technical expertise with practical thinking to deliver clear, commercially focused advice. I’m experienced in leading multi-disciplinary teams, spotting risks early, and simplifying complexity so clients can act with confidence.

I’m also naturally curious about technology and AI, always exploring whether there’s a better way to work and deliver outcomes that are both effective and future-ready.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“I’m particularly focused on developing tech-enabled global mobility services. Knowledge is widely accessible now, so what differentiates us is how we deliver it.

For me, that comes down to speed, creativity, and visibility. Technology plays a huge role in enhancing the first two, allowing us to deliver faster and more tailored advice. At the same time, building strong relationships and maintaining a visible presence in the market remains just as important.”

WHY AAB

“What stands out most to me about AAB is the people. Having worked in some of the largest firms globally, it’s refreshing to be part of a team that combines technical strength with genuine collaboration and approachability.

That environment makes it easier to deliver the kind of joined-up, high-quality advice that clients need. It also means we can offer the best of both worlds: deep expertise with a personal, responsive service.”

BUILDING TRUST THAT LASTS

“One of the greatest compliments I’ve received reflected my ability to distil complex expatriate and social security rules into clear, actionable advice, making every interaction seamless and highlighting my professionalism, insight, and steady confidence. That kind of feedback means a great deal to me, not just because it is positive, but because it reflects the value of delivering clarity, trust, and consistency when clients need it most.”