Guiding families through change

In pursuing the preservation and enhancement of your assets, an effective family office service aids efficacy, clarity of purpose and governance.

Change within a family can be unforeseen and disputes or delicate situations can often arise between family members and generations.

Difficulties can be averted before they arise. We advise on how to build a structure and financial strategy which is flexible and robust enough to accommodate new circumstances.

By building close long term relationships across the generations of a family we can also act as an independent arbiter, helping to defuse difficult situations and agree solutions to move forward.

How we can help

• Family governance: Establishing and managing an effective governance structure, family council and the day to day execution of a family constitution. 
• Strategic outlook: Ensuring your strategy is flexible enough to accommodate any unforeseen changes and guiding you on the decisions that need to be taken. 
• Independent arbiter: Drawing on our deep experience of working with diverse families to act as an impartial sounding board.
• Co-ordination: Working with your other advisers collaboratively and managing relationships between them and family members.
• Setting up a family office: Guiding decision makers as to their options and the benefits and challenges of these structures.
  
  

Meeting your needs

Impartial

Family dynamics can influence the governance and success of family owned businesses and family offices. A successful long term relationship with an adviser requires both subject expertise and impartiality, which are central to the Smith & Williamson ethos.

Responsive

Families and circumstances change. We aim to anticipate issues on the horizon, help manage the impact on your family where necessary and take advantage of new opportunities.

Personal

A hallmark of our service is matching the right people, of the right age and character, to the different generations within a family. This enables us to build personal, lasting relationships which endure through periods of significant change.