Fraser
Mackay

WHO I HELP

High-net-worth individuals. Owner-managed businesses. Partnerships. Sole Traders.

HOW I HELP

Income Tax. Capital Gains Tax. UK tax planning

 

“TAX ADVICE BUILT AROUND PEOPLE, NOT JUST NUMBERS.”

Based in our Edinburgh office, Fraser Mackay is a Private Client Tax Assistant Manager in AAB’s Private Client team, supporting individuals, business owners and families with the complexities of their personal tax affairs. From Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax compliance to specialist advisory work on business disposals and Inheritance Tax planning, he works closely with clients to ensure their affairs are structured efficiently and proactively. No two weeks look the same; he balances managing a diverse portfolio of clients with delivering tailored advice that reflects their personal and financial goals.

Fraser was inspired to pursue a career in private client tax by the technical complexity of the work and the constant evolution of legislation. While many of his peers were drawn towards working with companies, he chose to work with individuals, valuing the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships and deliver advice that can have a genuine impact on someone’s life. His approach is grounded in the belief that tax advice should be built around people, not just numbers.

TRUST BUILT ON CLARITY

“One of my non-negotiables is clear and consistent communication. You should never be left chasing an update or wondering where things stand. I make it a priority to keep you informed at every stage, explaining what I am doing, why I am doing it and what it means for you.

I know that tax can feel overwhelming or overly technical. My role is to remove that stress, not add to it. By being approachable, transparent and responsive, I aim to become your ‘go to’ adviser – someone you feel comfortable picking up the phone to, whether you are facing a major transaction or a simple query.”

YOUR ADVISOR, NOT JUST YOUR ACCOUNTANT

“An example of building a strong client relationship was when a longstanding adviser moved on and I stepped in. I took on the responsibility of maintaining that relationship while building my own rapport. By being approachable, transparent and responsive to the client’s needs, I was able to quickly gain their trust and become their ‘go to’ adviser for advice and support.”

PRECISION WITH PERSPECTIVE

“My key strengths are my technical expertise, my friendly and approachable nature, and a personality that challenges the traditional accounting stereotype. I believe great advice is not just about accuracy, but about how it is delivered.

By combining strong technical knowledge with a clear understanding of your personal and financial circumstances, I provide practical, tailored advice that is easy to understand. Having worked with a wide range of clients, I recognise that everyone’s goals are different – which means the solution should be too. My focus is on giving you confidence, clarity and advice that genuinely fits your situation.”

PROACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE

“Clients often come to me at pivotal moments – after selling a business, restructuring assets or planning for the next generation. One recent example involved a client who had completed a significant business sale and was concerned about a large cash balance creating Inheritance Tax exposure. By taking time to understand his wider objectives and family circumstances, we were able to explore a range of planning options. Through practical structuring and forward planning, we identified solutions that reduced his exposure to IHT.”

PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

“Balancing professional studies alongside managing a growing client portfolio has been one of the most valuable challenges in my career. At the same time, private client tax is shaped by ever-changing legislation, meaning there is a constant need to stay up to date to ensure the advice I give remains practical, relevant and forward-thinking.

Managing these demands has strengthened my ability to prioritise effectively, handle competing deadlines and maintain high standards under pressure. For you, that means confidence that deadlines will be met and your affairs will be handled with diligence, care and up-to-date expertise.”

BEING PART OF AAB

“Being part of AAB means I am never working in isolation. As the firm continues to grow, so too does the breadth of expertise available to you. If your situation requires input beyond private client tax – whether corporate, financial planning or specialist advisory – I can connect you with the right people quickly and seamlessly.

What I find most rewarding is being able to draw on this depth of knowledge to deliver genuine added value. You are not just engaging one adviser; you are accessing the collective expertise of the wider firm.”

INNOVATION THAT ADDS VALUE

“I think with the rise of AI, there is always murmurs that AI will replace humans, however AI will not be able to replicate the clear-structured specific and specialist advice to clients, whilst also maintaining strong client relationships.

Additionally, a common misconception about tax is that it is simply about numbers and compliance. In reality, it is very much about people. Every client’s circumstances are different, and good tax advice involves understanding their personal goals and providing practical, tailored solutions.”