11th November 2021 - Day One
12:00-13:30 - Welcome Lunch
13:30-13:50 - A Time Like None Other
13:50-14:30 - Family Fault Lines: Seismic Movements Ahead
Advising family businesses has never been so challenging. In families where rifts already existed, the economic pressure of the last couple of years has caused increased tensions and seismic effects across the business. How have existing governance structures managed to weather this storm? What have we learnt about governance planning from these experiences and how could we improve our advice in the future?
14:30-15:10 - Fiduciary Structures in Crisis
Even the most airtight structures may face crises at some point. Whether it is as a result of relationships with beneficiaries, settlors, protectors, government agencies (including tax authorities and criminal prosecuting authorities) and others, regulatory difficulties, travel restrictions leading to those with fiduciary responsibilities being 'stuck' in the wrong jurisdiction or the risk of insolvency. These are issues which are deeply practical for trustees and advisers and are vital to consider in advance. Moreover, how can we anticipate 'unknown' threats? What can we, as advisers, do to future-proof our structures? How do we establish fighting funds for use if trouble comes? Are there other steps which could or should be taken, learning from others' missteps?
15:10-15:30 - Coffee Break
15:30-16:10 - The Outsider Going In: A Perspective
Family offices have been around for centuries, but it is only in the last decades that we have seen their number increasing enormously. In this session, we will gain candid insight into the role of the former outside counsel who became the leader of the family office. Is there any insight we can gain about our clients and how we advise them from the 'inside'? What are the advantages and disadvantages to the role of family office head, and how can we avoid the frustration of coming up against a 'gatekeeper' for our clients?
16:10-16:50 - Perils in the Art Market for Clients and Advisors in 2021
The art world has faced new challengers over the last 18 months that have changed the advisory landscape. A spotlight is being shone on museums and galleries, their collections and their funding with unparalleled scrutiny. What does the rising criticism of perceived 'stolen art', and emphasis on the origin of wealth have to do with modern estate planning, legal advice, and the role of trustees holding art collections? What are the perils of which we must be aware?
16:50-17:30 - Philanthropy vs. Taxation: Whose Money is it Anyway?
In the last year, philanthropy has been much in the news. The pandemic, as well as other world disasters, has uncovered many faults in our systems and crystallised huge inequalities that exist. They have also created a new and refreshed sense of solidarity, empathy and philanthropic generosity. In this session, through debate, we will examine the tension between government programmes to help the disadvantaged (funded by taxpayers) and private philanthropy from which tax deductions are permitted. Are the political agendas of governments and individuals reconcilable? How can families intervene to help the world through philanthropy?
17:30-18:30 - Cross-Border Continuity Planning Breakout Discussions
18:30-19:30 - Leisure Time
19:30-20:30 - Welcome Drinks
20:30-22:30 - Welcome Dinner
12th November 2021 - Day Two
08:45-09:00 - Welcome Comments from the Co-Chairs
09:00-10:00 - Keynote from David Sanger
10:00-10:45 - Cross-Border Continuity Planning
In this session we will bring together the conclusions from the various different breakouts the day before in order to put together a holistic picture of the issues and opportunities in cross-border continuity planning. From tax planning issues, to conflicts in succession and heirship and understanding the next generation, to issues of regulation, transparency and family governance, we will bring together the complete picture.
10:45-11:05 - Coffee Break
11:05-11:45 - Structure Busting: Attacks on Trusts and Foundations
Attacks on trusts and foundations often come from within the family, whether through forced heirship claims, from a former spouse during a divorce, or after a settlor's death. Through a current, highly publicised case, our panel will look into structures and their abilities to provide asset protection with a close eye on the interplay between a settlor's desire for control, and the foal of asset protection. Which one wins out, and what does that mean for advisors? How can we make our structures more robust?
11:45-12:45 - Keynote from Dr. Helena Boschi
12:45-1:45 - Breakout Discussion: America, Home of the Brave and Now Trusts Too?
There has been much talk around the increased use of US trusts by global families, but there are seemingly diverging views and perspectives as to what is driving that trend, how big the trend really is and how long it will last. What is different from and what is similar to (arguably) more established global trust jurisdictions? This session will also take a view as to how US trusts will fit into the global matrix of trust jurisdictions in the future.
Breakout Discussion: Global Mobility, Boom or Bust?
The last year has taught us that global mobility is a key issue for our clients. How do we ensure mobility in case of future epidemics, nd where should our clients move? How do we combat the rise of nationalism and the drive to separate personal wealth?
Breakout Discussion: The Rise of Women and Wealth
A Great Wealth Transfer is underway, with as much as $68 trillion in wealth passing down in the next 25 years. In many cases, this likely will be a male-to-female transfer of assets. The rise in female wealth around the world has therefore led to a boom in requests for female advisors. This trend is becoming increasingly evident in the Middle East and Asia. What other trends can we see with our female clients, and what can we learn from each other and how best to advise them? This session will look candidly at the approach we as advisers have and what to consider moving forward. We encourage both men and women to join this session, as every conversation needs to include everyone in order to enrich it.
Breakout Discussion: Changing Attitudes to Wealth - Reputation Management
13:45-14:45 - Lunch
14:45-17:00 - Leisure Activities
19:00-20:00 - Gala Dinner Champagne Reception
20:00-22:00 - Villa d'Este Gala Dinner
13th November 2021 - Day Three
10:30-12:00 - The 'mattina dopo la festa' Session
Our Forum closes with a lively session inviting all to participate.
12:00-13:00 - Closing Comments and Lunch