AFB Practice Workshop: How to deal with Partial Exemption Special Methods for VAT

AFB, in partnership with BDO, have organised an interactive practice workshop to review the key practical issues that arise when dealing with partial exemption special methods (PESMs).

The session will run through two up-to-date case studies, allowing members to undertake a high-level review, discuss typical methodologies, explore potential pitfalls, consider when changes to a PESM may be needed and discuss areas of focus for HMRC when reviewing or agreeing a PESM.

Why attend?

The workshop will explore:

• identifying when a PESM is needed or needs refreshing  
• how to perform a basic modelling exercise to identify a special method
• the key things to consider when negotiating a PESM with HMRC
• practical points to consider when refreshing or updating an existing PESM
• concepts of VAT grouping, fixed establishment, reverse charge/anti avoidance provisions (bought-in supplies) and single/multiple supplies

Who should attend?

The session will be of interest to representatives from the Finance, Compliance, and Internal Audit functions.

Speakers

The session will be hosted by VAT specialists from BDO who specialise in advising clients in the financial services sector (particularly, foreign banks).  Your hosts include:

• Stephen Kehoe – BDO’s Head of Indirect Tax, VAT Partner (Financial Services)
• Aditi Hyett – BDO’s Head of Financial Services VAT, Partner
• Shane Risdell – VAT Director, Financial Services
• Callum Richards – VAT Director, Financial Services
• Syeed Reza – VAT Associate Director, Financial Services
• Royce Adcock – VAT Manager, Financial Services

BDO has a long-standing dedicated VAT team which specialises in advising clients in the financial services sector.  This includes banks, fintechs, asset managers, crypto, private equity houses and insurance businesses.  As part of their role, the team has advised clients on a range of various matters – this includes advising on the scope of exemption, VAT recoveries and cross border transactions.   The team has in-depth experience in negotiating partial exemption specials methods with HMRC and have unlocked significant VAT savings for businesses.   In addition, the team is experienced in resolving contentious VAT matters with HMRC through means of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and where necessary, litigation.

Please note you will receive confirmation of your booking via email within 24 hours. Should you not receive confirmation, please contact AFB to double-check if your booking was successful.

Logistics

Fee:         £275.00 + VAT

Location:   In-person at BDO, 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 7EU

Date:       Tuesday 10 November 2026

Time:       14:30 – 17:00 (Registration 14:30 – 14:45; workshop 14:45 – 17:00) 

Places:     Maximum of 30 people

If you would like to submit a question or have any specific areas that you would like the session to address, please send them to the AFB at secretariat@foreignbanks.org.uk.

You will receive final event details one week before the event.

You will only be deemed to have attended (for CPD points) if you have made yourself known at registration and attend 50% or more of the session.

Please note that the cost charged for this event is payable to the Association of Foreign Banks. BDO is not charging AFB or Members for hosting this event. The delegate fees received for this workshop are invested in the ongoing running and administration of AFB.