A hedge-fund billionaire and one of the UK's richest taxpayers, Chris Rokos, has decided to leave the UK for Greece. According to reports, he plans to open an office in Athens. Greece offers attractive tax rules for wealthy foreigners, allowing them to pay a flat yearly tax of €100,000 (£86,000) on all overseas income if they meet certain criteria.
Chris Rokos was ranked third on The Sunday Times list of Britain's top taxpayers, having paid £330 million last year. In March, he announced a £190 million donation to Cambridge University, which would be the largest single donation to a British university in modern times. This donation will fund the creation of a school of government in Cambridge, named after him, aiming to train future leaders. The school is set to open this autumn.
Despite his significant contributions to Cambridge University, Rokos is an Oxford graduate, having studied mathematics at Pembroke College. He attended a state primary school before winning a scholarship to Eton College.
The decision to move to Greece comes amid UK Chancellor John Healey's first Budget on 28 October. Healey did not rule out tax increases, citing rising government borrowing costs as a challenge. He emphasized the UK's focus on wealth creation, highlighting its competitive and stable tax system, deep capital markets, world-class universities, and highly skilled workforce.
Rokos's representatives declined to comment on his decision, and a government spokesperson stated that the UK remains an attractive destination for talent and investment. Healey also mentioned balancing the budget and controlling public spending during his interview with the BBC.
Source: BBC
