Over USD 83 trillion is transferring to the next generation over the next 25 years. Unfortunately, many of these wealth transitions are at risk of failing. Not because of poor investments, but because of poor family dynamics and preparation. Traditional estate plans transfer assets but miss critical elements: the knowledge, context, and intelligence that built the wealth. Forward-thinking families are recognising that wealth data is itself a legacy asset that must be intentionally transferred using purpose-built technology and governance frameworks.
Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) have long shaped financial markets through meticulous governance, multi-decade foresight, and strategic asset allocation. Now, a growing number of affluent families see parallels between SWFs’ institutional rigor and the framework required to achieve meaningful, long-term philanthropy. By weaving in principles like transparency, diversification, and disciplined governance — plus leveraging platforms such as Altoo’s for centralised oversight — families can better direct their capital toward sustained global impact.
As digitalisation reshapes the global economy, a trend of so-called crypto philanthropy has emerged. Involving cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, this innovative concept provides a borderless and bureaucracy-free alternative to traditional philanthropy and is poised to take on a powerful role in charitable giving.
Understanding the key differences between charity and philanthropy is essential for high net worth individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact with their contributions. Both approaches have their merits and can complement each other in a comprehensive giving strategy. In this comprehensive article, we explore the definitions of charity and philanthropy, their implications, and the ways in which they shape our society.
In the heart of the Middle East, a region known for its diverse cultures and economic prowess, a quiet but powerful force is shaping the destinies of countless lives - the philanthropic efforts of charitable foundations.
Among all generational groups, the health category is a top priority in philanthropic donations. Having a sense of personal touch, health care donors are more likely to make a gift in honour or memory of someone.
Geopolitical tensions and uncertainty have emerged as the new norm, and public, private, and philanthropic actors need to better equip themselves to confront emergency situations in the near and intermediate future, as well as collaborate more closely to address the interconnectedness and complexity of such crises.
Philanthropy dates back to Greek society. According to the US financial media website Investopedia, Plato instructed his nephew in his will to use the proceeds of the family farm to fund the academy that he founded in 347 B.C. The money helped students and faculty keep the academy running.
In terms of total philanthropic giving, the United States ranks well above other countries. This article outlines the key factors behind Americans' world-leading generosity.
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Intergenerational wealth transfer has always been among the hardest challenges in wealth management. Getting it right starts with visibility; you can't educate heirs about wealth you can't clearly show them. The increasing international mobility of both wealth owners and their families means transfers now span multiple jurisdictions, currencies, and legal systems simultaneously. As complexity multiplies, the foundational requirement of unified visibility becomes more critical.
As record numbers of wealth owners move and invest internationally, wealthy families face a critical infrastructure question: Should we replicate our wealth management systems in new countries? Local expertise will always be essential, but the definition of "local" can be expected to evolve over time. Consolidated data infrastructure is key to avoiding unnecessary operational barriers as global footprints and portfolios expand.
How do you run an effective family office when the family's patriarch is in Geneva and his adult children live in London and New York? According to Campden Wealth research, for more than half of family offices this kind of question isn't hypothetical: They serve at least one family member residing outside the family office's primary jurisdiction. The coordination challenge this creates isn't just logistical. It's structural, and it demands infrastructure built for distributed operations from the start.
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You likely aim to track the performance of every asset in your portfolio, from equities to real estate to private investments. But there's one asset generating measurable returns that likely doesn't appear anywhere in your wealth statements: your data itself. It's a performing asset that generates returns. Advanced technology platforms are enabling wealth owners to unlock this substantial value by treating data with the same rigour they apply to any other investment.