Is anywhere safe? This session following our keynote Professor Jason Sharman will consider his insights in the context of our clients, and examine the impact of political instability on the advice we are giving. With mounting tariffs, East-West tensions, and threats of World War, what are we doing to mitigate disruptions and safeguarding wealth? Is the answer liquidity and diversification, or remaining globally mobile?

Tax authorities are becoming more aggressive, using technology and international cooperation to scrutinize wealthy families. This session explores the evolving role of the private client tax adviser — balancing strict compliance and reputational protection with strategic tax planning to preserve and grow family wealth in a high-risk environment.

Who owns what — and when — becomes critical in the context of marriage, divorce, death, and succession. Across Europe, families are increasingly using tools like family agreements, trusts, and holding structures to navigate generational transfers, asset protection, and control. This session explores how matrimonial property regimes intersect with these strategies, and the evolving legal and tax landscape across jurisdictions.

This session will consider effective ways to involve the younger generation in family wealth decisions. Succession in multigenerational families is not just about financial planning - it’s about emotional readiness, relationship dynamics, and bridging generational divides.

Family offices play an integral role in assisting clients in receiving advice from their professionals.  Fundamental issues such as attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest, and choice of applicable laws, may be impacted by the existence of this additional advisor layer.  Lack of clarity in roles and obligations can create friction both on a day-to-day basis and when a family crisis point arises.  These issues, together with virtual/remote work practices, cross-border opportunities and challenges, and succession of agents and fiduciaries, are critical for family offices advisors to understand and consider in managing risk and ensuring continuity for their client families.  This session will ask participants to discuss and share their own experiences.

American trusts have evolved from distinct models into more aligned, competitive tools in global wealth planning. This session explores their history, compares newer foundation laws with established jurisdictions, and highlights how families can manage legal and regulatory risks in this changing landscape. Their relationship with offshore trusts has been a story of mutual evolution - from mutually exclusive only 25 years ago to aligned, comparable and competitive today, an outline of the similar yet contrasting evolution of both the US domestic and offshore trust sectors.

Health is becoming a core pillar of family wealth strategy. From the rise of medical family offices to planning for longevity, guardianship, and cross-border insurance, international families are managing health as both a personal and financial priority. What do we do when we can access health data (and when we can’t?) With medical data, capacity, and care impacting intergenerational wealth transfer, health is no longer separate from legacy planning — it's central to it.

From super yachts and private jets to art, luxury collectibles, crypto, and private equity, high-net-worth clients hold diverse and often unconventional assets. This panel brings together specialists across these ‘sexy’ asset classes to explore the unique challenges advisers face — including loan-to-value considerations, insurance complexities, valuation, and tax implications. Discover how to manage risk and unlock value in the world’s most exclusive investments.

This session explores how abduction and coercion are increasingly used in high-conflict family disputes - from cross-border child custody battles to the manipulation or removal of elderly relatives, and even state-involved detentions. Through real cases, we’ll examine the legal complexities, jurisdictional challenges, and ethical dilemmas these situations create. Most importantly, we’ll focus on what professionals can do to identify risks, protect vulnerable clients, and uphold their wishes amid family turmoil.

What happens when passion meets planning and reality bites? This session explores the tension between collectors’ aspirations, charitable goals, and the often messy truth of what future generations want (or don't want). From unrealistic valuations to restrictive legacy plans, and the myth of the "perfect museum donation," we’ll dive into what works, what doesn’t, and how to plan wisely for art that outlives its owner.

As client needs and legal landscapes evolve, modifying irrevocable trusts is becoming increasingly important. This session explores legal tools available to adjust trusts after creation, including retroactive options such as reformation, rectification, and construction, as well as prospective options like decanting, splitting and termination. We will compare approaches across jurisdictions, highlight key risks, and offer practical guidance for navigating unforeseen circumstances in trust planning and administration.

The Middle East continues to grow in importance as a hub for private client work, offering both opportunities and complexities. This session explores how practitioners can build meaningful relationships and establish influence in the region, with a focus on cultural awareness, legal considerations, and emerging trends in wealth structuring, succession planning, and family governance.

In this fast-paced session, key litigation cases from the past year are spotlighted in rapid-fire presentations. Hear firsthand about the lessons learned and crucial developments that every planner should know to better navigate the legal landscape. Stay sharp and informed with quick insights into the latest courtroom trends and challenges.