We have recently attended the 11th Annual Global Family Office Conference hosted by the Global Family Office Community and its founder, Vahe Vartanian. This event brought together the Family Office community, as well as an impressive array of thought leaders and industry experts, to dissect the evolving landscape. From geopolitical shifts to the hot topic of AI, the discussions offered invaluable insights into navigating today's complexities and seizing tomorrow's opportunities.
In keeping with the Cheltenham House Rule, we are not disclosing individual names in this article.
Global Realignment and Opportunities
Vahe kicked off with survey results highlighting geopolitics and tax as top concerns for Family Offices worldwide in 2025. The survey also revealed that family dynamics, internal conflicts, and the challenge of finding quality investments were significant concerns.
The initial panel, featuring esteemed experts, explored major global economic and security trends. Their discussion aimed to equip attendees with a deeper understanding of these forces, identifying both challenges and unique opportunities for Family Offices.
Discussions touched upon US dollar exposure amidst current geopolitical shifts, with speakers cautioning that geopolitics and interest rates are crucial considerations when investing in foreign currencies. The impact of AI technology was also addressed, particularly its effect on job markets. Speakers suggested that AI would lead to a transformation of job roles towards more sophisticated positions, rather than widespread job elimination. Cybersecurity was another central theme, emphasised for its critical importance and the significant investment opportunities it presents.
In terms of investment opportunities, green energy was highlighted as a promising area for Family Offices, driven by the urgent global need for a green transition. Key sub-areas identified included battery storage and infrastructure.
Overall, speakers consistently stressed the vital importance of diversification during these uncertain times. One key takeaway was the inherent advantage Family Offices have due to their longer investment horizons, which allows them to pursue a broader range of opportunities. They encouraged Family Offices to be proactive in the market, actively seeking out opportunities that align with their long-term goals, rather than passively reacting to market fluctuations.
Families and Their Impact
Following a refreshing coffee break, we had a very powerful session that provided a glimpse into the philanthropic endeavours of Family Offices. This session brought together family members who shared their diverse experiences and approaches to philanthropy, ranging from educational initiatives to impactful local community engagement.
The speakers highlighted the different ways families can achieve their philanthropic goals. One of them introduced the concept of "Catalytic Philanthropy," encouraging families to actively seek out individuals capable of driving positive change. By leveraging their networks and resources, families can empower and nurture these talents, amplifying their impact and inspiring others to become agents of change. Another speaker demonstrated the diverse avenues for making a difference by sharing their experience of giving back to the local community through a football club.
A key point raised by another speaker was the significant role Family Offices can play in philanthropy and charitable endeavours. Unlike governmental bodies, private entrepreneurs often possess the agility to act swiftly and leverage capital quickly for philanthropic causes. Families are encouraged to embrace this advantage and proactively address the issues they are passionate about.
A recurring theme among all speakers was the critical importance of succession planning for ensuring the longevity of philanthropic initiatives. They stressed the necessity of engaging the next generation in conversations about philanthropic values and objectives early on. However, one speaker also emphasised the principle of meritocracy, underscoring that contributions should be earned.
The consensus was clear: family legacy extends far beyond financial prosperity. The speakers all highlighted the importance of prioritising people over profits. In this turbulent world, speakers believed that individuals with wealth have a responsibility to address societal gaps and utilise their resources to create a better world.
Future Proofing Your Family Office
After lunch, we have a highly practical session on "Future Proofing Your Family Office," offering actionable strategies for long-term sustainability. This panel featured leading experts in Family Office management, human capital, taxation and compliance, and AI technology.
Our Co-founder Paul Westall sat on this panel and introduced to our audience the Family Office Maturity Model developed by Agreus. He discussed the difficulties in measuring and quantifying the professionalisation of Family Offices. He also underscored the importance of having a clear purpose and the right people in the Family Office space. He strongly advised against staying within the early stages, stating this would put Family Offices at huge risk.
Several key areas were identified for ensuring family longevity. AI technology was highlighted as a valuable tool for Family Office operations, capable of enhancing reporting, research, and other functions. AI's transformative power was a major discussion point, with one speaker using an engaging presentation (complete with AI-generated singing videos and auto-scrolling) to demonstrate its capabilities. Family Offices were urged to proactively understand, adopt, and positively leverage AI as a tool. However, despite these advancements, speakers noted that the unique nature of Family Offices means the human element will remain paramount.
Staying informed of regulatory and compliance changes was another key point, particularly with shifts in taxation laws. Changes to the UK's inheritance tax regime, for instance, have made succession planning more crucial than ever, noted by one of the speakers. A significant focus was also placed on engaging the next generation, as many Family Offices are structured by wealth generators, resulting in a potential gap for future involvement that needs prompt attention.
All speakers stressed the importance of staying informed and protecting assets amidst market volatility and the current geopolitical climate. Robust governance was heavily discussed, with one speaker emphasising the necessity of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) – a topic previously covered in our article.
Regarding global mobility, one speaker observed that while families are increasingly relocating internationally, their Family Offices often remain in the UK, a testament to its tax efficiency and Paul Westall's point about its excellent talent pool for Family Office professionals. The UK remains a key hub for Family Offices.
Families & their Passion
The conference's final session, "Families & Their Passions," explored the diverse and often unconventional investment landscape shaped by Family Offices and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) families. This session gathered high-profile speakers who shared insights into aligning investments with personal passions, spanning fields from sports and art to cutting-edge science innovation.
We have gained an eye-opening perspective on the breadth of investment opportunities. One speaker pointed out the growing interest and advancement in the sports industry, noting that there is now a global appetite for sports entertainment that presents significant opportunities for Family Offices. Another shared a fascinating personal passion for collectables, ranging from sports and celebrity memorabilia to political figures.
The art market was also noted as a source of immense opportunity, recognised for its dual identity as both a beautiful, tangible asset and a highly valuable investment. During the Q&A session, there was an interesting discussion about investing in artworks. The speaker acknowledged that while art valuation can often be opaque, it remains a very stable investment compared to traditional assets.
Drawing from experience in the medical field, another speaker highlighted the vast potential within the healthcare and medical sector. They emphasised the critical importance of having an expert team to navigate this complex field, especially given the lengthy timelines associated with innovation.
Key Takeaways
The sessions underscored that future-proofing a Family Office for long-term sustainability and longevity requires a multifaceted approach. A recurring theme in the discussion was the adoption of new technology, staying abreast of trends, and the active engagement of the next generation. These elements are key in ensuring the enduring legacy and impact of family wealth. We were delighted to be one of the sponsors of this conference and witness such vibrant discussions within the Family Office community.
Aside from the incredible discussions, the event also offered the chance to interact with like-minded peers in the community. We are looking forward to joining everyone again at next year’s conference.