Christopher Thompson

Christopher (Chris) Thompson

He/himPartner
About

Chris is a tax partner, bringing nearly twenty years of experience of which seven within a leadership role. His expertise extends to operational taxes, VAT, registration duties, and sector-specific levies, with a notable focus on the financial sector and financial transactions.

Chris has a strong track record in providing strategic fiscal advice, including requests for advance rulings in tax matters, and effectively resolving complex tax disputes. His proficiency in handling the tax aspects of M&A transactions and indirect tax matters further strengthens his skill set.

Beyond his financial sector specialisation, Chris has diversified experience across various industries, including real estate, energy, and consumer goods. Employing his technical expertise alongside a pragmatic approach, Chris is committed to assisting clients in navigating the complex landscape of local and international tax regulations.

Professional QaulificationsAvocat registered with the Ordre Francais des Avocats du Barreau de Bruxelles

EXPERIENCE

  • Obtaining tax rulings validating the treatment of various investment funds/products for corporate/institutional investors.*
  • Managing the tax due diligence and assisting on the structuring of the acquisition of a roadside assistance group by a leading Belgian insurer.*
  • Tax structuring input for the acquisition of various Belgian real estate assets by foreign insurers and funds.*
  • Obtaining a significant VAT refund for a Belgian-headquartered insurer with foreign branches, based on the CJEU’s Morgan Stanley case-law.*
  • Filing numerous domestic law, EU-law and/or double tax treaty-based Belgian withholding tax reclaims for non-resident pension funds, investment funds and insurers.*
  • Obtaining a sizeable Belgian net asset tax refund for a leading global asset manager.*

*Denotes experience at a previous firm

Education
  • King’s College, Postgraduate Diploma in EU Law, 2010

  • Universiteit Antwerpen, Master in het Fiscaal Recht, cum laude, 2005

  • Université Catholique de Louvain, Licence en Droit, magna cum laude, 2004
Languages
  • English
  • French
  • Dutch

Publications

  • N. Bammens and C. Thompson, “Taxe d’abonnement belge et conventions préventives de la double imposition : la Cour de cassation met les organismes de placement luxembourgeois au pied du mur”, T.B.F., 2022, issue 21, p. 39-69
  • C. Herbain and C. Thompson, “How are holdings holding up with VAT”, Virtues and fallacies of VAT : an evaluation after 50 years, IBFD, 2021, p. 381-403

Prior Experience

  • 2014 - 2023, Senior Manager/Director/Partner, International consultancy firm
  • 2005 - 2013, Trainee/Associate/Senior Associate, International law firm

Additional Information

  • Volunteer member of a school board and acting secretary of an ex-pupils organisation

Memberships

  • Member of the Brussels Bar

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