It’s time we stopped punishing progress.

That’s why we’ve launched the HENRY Foundation* - a vital lifeline for struggling HENRYs up and down the country. And to kick off the foundation, we brought in an ambassador who now knows HENRYS better than anyone – comedian Josh Berry (aka Henry).

*Okay…we’ll come clean. The foundation isn’t ‘real’. But the campaign is real. This is a serious issue, but please don’t actually send us money.

Are HENRYs actually in severe financial hardship? Probably not. Are they in a state of moderate financial discomfort? Quite often. Is the £100k tax trap a genuine issue that punishes ambition, damages wealth creation and distorts incentives? Absolutely.

And it’s a problem worth fixing. That’s why we’re campaigning for change.

Read on to find out more.

The HENRY ‘Foundation’ is born

IG’s HENRY campaign - we’re calling out the cliff edge

The £100k salary cliff edge is well documented. But if you’re unfamiliar with it, here’s the problem.

Once someone earns more than £100,000 in the UK, they begin to lose their personal allowance - effectively creating a 60% marginal tax rate between £100k and £125k. For parents, the situation can be even worse, as exceeding the threshold can also mean losing access to key childcare support to the tune of thousands of pounds a year.

According to our recent study*, nearly half of HENRY households say they aren’t able to invest enough to build long-term wealth, rising to 92% among those with nursery-age children. We also found that many are turning down promotions or refusing pay rises to avoid the cliff edge, which can cost families more than £13,000** in a single year.

HENRYs should be the engine of growth and investing in the UK. But our research shows many are being shackled by a system that is limiting their ability to invest, damaging aspiration and distorting career progression.

A tax system that discourages ambition and limits long-term investing is a system that needs fixing.

That’s why IG is calling on the government to make four changes to address the problem.
 

* About the research (After 92% stat)
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,003 UK Respondents (Aged 18+) earning £90-£125K. The data was collected between 18.02.2026-23.02.2026.

** How we calculated the £13k number (asterisk after 13K number)
IG modelled an average high-earning household in the South East with two nursery-age children, using ONS and OBR data to estimate typical income, costs, inflation and wage growth. It then assessed the impact of a pay rise pushing one earner above £100,000, factoring in the loss of childcare support and loss of personal allowances.

Our four point plan to support HENRYs and boost capital markets
 

Why investing matters for HENRYs - and everyone else

Building a secure financial future doesn’t happen overnight. Small, consistent steps - like contributing to an ISA, using salary sacrifice, or investing regularly - can make a real difference over time by shielding more of your wealth from tax in a place where it can grow.

By taking advantage of tax-efficient accounts and starting early, you can make the most of your earnings and plan for long-term goals. Every bit invested today adds up, giving you more flexibility tomorrow.

Whether it’s saving for a home, your children’s future, or long-term security, making small, consistent investments is key.

You can learn more in the articles below and start your investing journey by opening an account today.

Tips and tricks for HENRYs.