As global uncertainty continues to influence the priorities of HNW individuals and families, US clients are increasingly evaluating how they manage and preserve their wealth.
A clear theme to emerge from the discussion was the shifting mindset of US families. Where international structuring was once seen as optional or a ‘nice to have’, it is now gaining recognition as a valuable component of long-term wealth preservation planning.
As families increasingly operate in a highly interconnected world, where its members, assets and interests often span multiple jurisdictions, whether through second citizenships, cross-border trusts or intergenerational planning, the objective remains clear: to protect wealth and legacy across generations.
Roundtable participants highlighted that drivers and motivations for this change vary between individuals and families. From concerns over political stability to the desire for more robust governance frameworks, there is a shared sense that flexibility, stability and foresight are becoming more important than ever.
And while tax remains an important factor to consider, it is no longer the primary driver. Families are seeking holistic solutions that provide legal certainty, facilitate succession planning, and enable long-term strategic flexibility.
There has also been a notable shift in legacy wealth within US families. While historically families’ wealth would stay onshore, the next generation is more global in its outlook and more likely to seek international structuring from the outset, reflecting a growing appetite for geographically diversified risk management.
