It’s been a year since we last came together, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Political power has changed hands in key jurisdictions, economic pressures have intensified, and new threats have emerged. In this opening session, we’ll set the scene by exploring the current global context and its implications for legal professionals and their clients. Topics will include cyber threats, cancel culture, geopolitical conflict, economic volatility, and other defining risks of our time.
 

Within our firms, much attention is given to engaging the next generation: bringing them into the fold of the family business or governance structure. But trustees often have a unique vantage point. Whether sitting on a private trust company (PTC) board or serving as long-standing advisors, they witness generational shifts firsthand. In this session, we’ll hear from trustees about how they manage evolving family dynamics, build relationships with younger beneficiaries, and ensure continuity across generations. What lessons can we, as advisors, take from their experience?

Are trusts or foundations the superior vehicle for wealth structuring, governance, and succession? In this lively debate, experts from both camps will make the case for their preferred structure, drawing on real-world examples, legal nuance, and jurisdictional differences. We'll explore flexibility, control, transparency, tax treatment, and client preferences. Whether you’re firmly in one camp or still on the fence, this session will sharpen your thinking and challenge assumptions about what works best, and when.

The recent Law Commission report on wills has reignited debate around predatory marriage and whether the automatic revocation of wills upon marriage remains fit for purpose. Should testamentary freedom take precedence, or do we need stronger protections for vulnerable individuals? This session will explore the legal and ethical dimensions of predatory marriage, and consider how emerging technologies, such as blockchain, might offer more secure, transparent frameworks for will-making. Can we, as specialists, begin to outline a practical model for blockchain-based testamentary instruments?

Lawyers today find themselves at the intersection of profound global change. From the rise of generative AI and escalating environmental crises to intense political polarization, from Trump-era politics to global democratic backsliding, our role is under greater scrutiny than ever. Are we advocates, gatekeepers, ethical stewards, or something more? This session will reflect on the evolving place of lawyers in society, asking what responsibilities we carry, how we can remain relevant, and where we might need to take a stand.

When advising internationally mobile clients, it’s never just about tax. Personal values, lifestyle needs, and legal compatibility all play a role in deciding where to live, invest, or structure wealth. From LGBTQ+ rights to art ownership regimes, investor visa trends to civil law constructs clashing with common law tax principles - each jurisdiction has its own quirks and advantages. This fast-paced session will offer a high-level legal update from key jurisdictions, explore the non-financial drivers of cross-border movement, and unpack the latest developments, including the ECJ’s recent decision to shut down Malta’s golden passport scheme. What do these changes mean for strategic planning—and which jurisdictions are becoming more (or less) attractive?

As global transparency rules tighten and tax authorities increasingly "look through" traditional trust structures, the trust industry finds itself under pressure to evolve. Are we seeing a decline in the traditional trust model, and a rise in alternatives like private trust companies, private foundations, or fully integrated family offices? This session will examine how recent UBO and tax disclosure requirements are reshaping client expectations and trustee responsibilities. We’ll also explore the benefits and risks of PTCs, including emerging litigation issues, and ask whether the future lies in hybrid or entirely new wealth structuring models.

As wealth becomes more complex and global, family lawyers increasingly collaborate with trust and tax advisors on issues like prenuptial agreements and cross-border planning. But beneath the structures and spreadsheets lie personal dynamics that often drive conflict. What lessons can we learn from high-profile family breakdowns, are they really about money, or something deeper? This session will explore the intersection of legal planning and emotional reality, highlighting where traditional estate and trust advisors can help prevent not just financial loss, but personal fallout.

Legal capacity isn’t always clear-cut. What happens when a client has formal capacity but begins exhibiting erratic or unpredictable behavior? The law offers limited guidance, yet the risks—financial, reputational, and relational - can be significant. This session will explore the challenging boundary between capacity and vulnerability, discuss when and how to seek advice, and consider best practices for lawyers managing clients in these uncertain circumstances.