Mark Kirkham — Founder & Director, Soteria Trusts | CEO, Business Class Group

Mark Kirkham is one of Hong Kong’s most experienced and respected figures in independent financial advisory services, with a career in financial planning and fiduciary services spanning more than 35 years across the UK, Europe, and Asia.

Mark began his career in the UK in 1990, starting as a tied agent for a major insurance company before moving into sales management in 1992. His talent for developing high-performing teams quickly became apparent, and by 1994 he had been promoted to Regional Development Manager, working directly with the company’s top producers. When the organisation was acquired in 1995, Mark was reappointed as Branch Manager and guided his branch to a top-three position nationally — out of over one hundred locations — within three years. It was a formative period that shaped both his leadership style and his exacting standards for client outcomes.

In 1998, Mark made the decision to take his career international. He joined a large Independent Financial Adviser operating across Europe, beginning his offshore career in Germany and Belgium before relocating to Hong Kong in 2003. It is here that he has built his most enduring legacy.

In Hong Kong, Mark is registered with the Insurance Authority as CEO of Platinum Financial Services Hong Kong, one of the territory’s most widely respected Independent Financial Advisory firms. He has been instrumental in raising the bar for IFA standards and best practice across the region, and his influence extends well beyond his own organisation. He is a former member of the General Committee of the Confederation of Insurance Brokers, elected for his ILAS knowledge and expertise, as well as a former Councillor and Vice Chairman of the Independent Financial Advisers Association of Hong Kong. He is also qualified for membership of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

As the founder of Soteria Trusts — the trust and fiduciary division of the Business Class Group — Mark created a platform specifically designed to help expatriates, international families, and Hong Kong residents manage, grow, and protect their wealth through bespoke trust structures, international retirement solutions, and cross-border tax planning. His approach is characterised by straight talking, deep technical knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing for clients.

Reflecting his belief that informed clients make better decisions, Mark hosts a monthly educational webinar series called the UK Property & Tax Seminar — a free resource designed specifically for UK property owners living overseas. Each session covers the latest developments in UK taxation, inheritance tax exposure on UK assets, and practical strategies for structuring property ownership more efficiently. It has become one of the most valued touchpoints for expatriates navigating the increasingly complex landscape of UK property tax from abroad. Mark also writes regularly for the Soteria Insights Blog, where he shares his perspective on tax planning developments, regulatory changes, and wealth protection strategies relevant to international families and UK expats across Asia.

For those seeking guidance on UK inheritance tax planning, trust structuring, estate planning, or international retirement solutions, Mark’s combination of regulatory insight, global experience, and proven leadership makes him a trusted partner at every stage of the financial planning journey.