Family Offices In The Middle East Look To Global Markets, Driven By Concerns Over Political Instability

Intertrust survey of professional advisers in the region reveals that the next generation of Middle Eastern Family Offices have a growing global outlook

• 74% of advisers expect high net worth families in the Middle East to adopt a more global mindset
• 83% of respondents believe concerns over political stability is the main driver behind structuring outside the region
• Family Offices, special purpose vehicles and corporate structures predicted to rise in popularity

Wealthy Middle Eastern families are adopting an increasingly global mindset, and this is having a profound impact on their wealth structuring strategies with greater adoption of sophisticated structures such as Family Offices and special purpose vehicles, according to a new study.

Intertrust surveyed professional advisers servicing clients based in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain to examine their views on wealth structuring, the rise of families with a global mindset and succession planning.

Almost three-quarters (74%) of advisers expect high net worth families to become more global over the next five years, driven primarily by the next generation’s desire to expand their business interests beyond the region. As a result, the research underlines a growing demand for legacy plans to be based on international best practice (58%) and greater awareness of the impact of governance and regulation (58%).

The study revealed concerns over political stability as the key driver behind structuring outside of the region, which was cited by 83% of respondents. This has galvanised many families into focusing on their affairs and taking the necessary steps to safeguard their assets. Other drivers are the popularity of overseas education (57%); increased access to global tech-enabled financial solutions (53%) and better travel and communication links, enabling Middle Eastern families to take a more global view of their region.

According to the study, Family Offices are predicted to be the fastest-growing wealth structuring vehicle among Middle Eastern wealthy families.  With their investment management, ownership tracking and reporting capabilities, Family Offices are gaining pace especially in the UAE thanks to its sophisticated infrastructure, skilled employment market, flexible regulatory regime and excellent global transport links.  Special purpose vehicles and corporate structures were ranked in second and third places respectively. 

Respondents ranked Jersey, Singapore and Switzerland as the three most favoured jurisdictions for Middle Eastern families seeking wealth management and succession solutions outside the region.

Ian Rumens, Global Head of Private Wealth says:

“Advisers are witnessing dramatic changes in the Middle East region’s wealth structuring landscape. As living, learning and working overseas is becoming common particularly among the next generation, families are becoming increasingly mindful of the region’s political landscape and the need to mitigate risk by taking a more sophisticated approach to managing their wealth.  As a result, we’re seeing significant growth in investment structures such as Family Offices, special purpose vehicles, Funds, offshore trusts and PTCs.”