The world’s billionaires saw their wealth soar to a record $10.2tn during the coronavirus crisis. But fears over their post-pandemic fortunes are keeping the UK’s richest investors awake at night.

Some of Britain’s wealthiest bankers and hedge fund managers are among those preparing to offload assets over fears the UK government will hike taxes to plug a hole in the country’s Covid-ravaged finances, according to wealth, tax and legal advisers.