Transitions and Turning Points: Lessons Learned, Opportunities Ahead

Periods of transition have long tested the resilience of private wealth. Today, generational change, regulatory reform and increased global mobility are converging to reshape how internationally mobile families approach control, continuity and legacy.

Against this backdrop, Jersey Finance convened a closed-door private client roundtable in London, bringing together senior figures from across the private wealth ecosystem. Hosted by Robert Moore, Jersey Finance’s UK Director, and held under the Chatham House Rule, the discussion explored the turning points now influencing the priorities of globally mobile high-net worth families.

Opening the session, Robert highlighted that moments of transition – whether generational, structural, regulatory or geographic – are often when wealth is most exposed. Control can shift, tax liabilities may crystallise and governance frameworks can come under strain. If not anticipated, the consequences can be significant.

Participants discussed a range of scenarios where disruption most commonly arises, including business exits, changes in tax residency, shifts in trust or company jurisdiction, the loss of treaty protections, forced-heirship claims, transparency triggers and high-profile family disputes. Collectively, these pressures underscore the importance of early planning, robust governance and trusted jurisdictions in navigating turning points successfully.

With the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history now underway, succession planning dominated the discussion. Advisers reported that next-generation education, financial literacy, and open communication are becoming increasingly necessary to successful transition.

Families operating in the increasingly busy US–UK corridor continue to contend with complex, often conflicting tax and estate systems. In response, there is rising adoption of family charters, constitutions, and mission statements. But participants agreed that documents alone are not enough, active engagement and shared purpose remain the real drivers of long-term continuity.

Many families are also turning to independent trustees and non-family executives to strengthen governance and create impartiality, while advisers increasingly help families articulate purpose and create legacy.

Business exits and liquidity events remain defining moments for wealthy families. Demand is growing for pre-exit planning covering tax, philanthropy, governance, and family communication, in preparation of the sale/exit.

Post-exit, families frequently face the challenge of redefining identity, risk appetite, and investment strategy. Rising liquidity from corporate monetisation and generational restructuring is also driving increased cross-border planning.

In this context, Jersey continues to be viewed as a jurisdiction of choice for families seeking long-term stewardship of wealth. With its neutrality, stability, and internationally recognised regulatory framework, Jersey continues to be viewed as a jurisdiction of choice for families seeking long-term management and continuity.

Global mobility featured prominently throughout the discussion, particularly in light of the UK’s non-dom reforms and evolving tax landscapes across major economies. Advisers reported increased movement between the UK, US, Europe and the Middle East, driven by a combination of lifestyle priorities, education choices and strategic tax planning considerations.

Families are engaging earlier to manage potential inheritance tax exposure and to ensure structural integrity as members live, work, and invest across multiple jurisdictions. This is contributing to rising interest in tax-neutral jurisdictions like Jersey, which offer long-term certainty for cross-border wealth strategies.

Another prominent trend is the institutionalisation of family wealth. Families are increasingly adopting more sophisticated structures, policies and procedures to include:

• Robust governance frameworks
• Independent investment committees
• Consolidated, tech-enabled reporting
• Clear purpose and mission statements

These developments reflect an aspiration towards greater transparency, multi-generational alignment, and professional oversight, particularly as families become more globally dispersed.

The roundtable concluded that transitions are becoming more frequent and more complex. Generational shifts, regulatory change, mobility, and geopolitical dynamics are reshaping how global families plan, protect and deploy their wealth.

In this environment, Jersey’s position as a stable, well-regulated and internationally connected jurisdiction remains a key advantage. By fostering collaboration across advisers and maintaining its leadership in governance, reporting, and cross-border structuring, the Island continues to play an essential role in helping families navigate pivotal turning points and safeguard their legacies for generations.