All articles by Alison Ebbage

Power to the people – thanks to the tech

All in the Family (Offices)

Multi Family Offices (MFO) are growing their share of the wealth management pie, but they are yet to conquer the Single Family Office (SFO) space entirely. Although SFOs are looking to MFOs to provide optimisation – control is still sacred to them.

Analysis: Networking – still a face to face business

Private banks have much to offer clients when it comes to networking opportunities. And despite the possibilities offered by social online networks, the preference remains firmly for the face to face. Alison Ebbage reports.

Exclusive: Successful Succession?

Succession planning process for families in businesses is inherently complicated. Before anything can be passed down a great deal of ongoing thought and open discussion should ideally take place. But is this happening? Indeed the fable is rags to riches and back again in just three generations. Alison Ebbage investigates.

Exclusive: Outsourcing the wealth managers

Wealth managers offering model portfolio management to the advisory community is not a new thing; it stems largely from RDR. But does it make sense? Alison Ebbage investigates.

Exclusive: Swiss/US business set to rise

The past few years have seen Swiss wealth managers shy away from the US market. But a comprehensive rulebook to date, has transformed the market to allow business to once again be done. For those with longevity, commitment and contacts the prospects are very good indeed.

Front-end technology

Front office software has never been more important. Clients are demanding 24/7 service and broader range of data and functions. Advisors meanwhile are under pressure to add value and to be more ‘productive’ in terms of client retention and acquisition. The ability of technology to respond to the needs of both sides is key. Alison Ebbage reports.

Beyond 2038

Having evolved into a global multi-asset management industry, the wealth management community must now industrialise and decide where it can best make money by providing outstanding and targeted service and advice. Alison Ebbage does a 50-year sweep of the industry, with a look back and ahead to what success will look like in the future

Offshore banking: Access denied?

Offshore centres and the wealth they manage have become a political football in recent times as cash-strapped governments act to claw back as much taxable revenue as possible. Alison Ebbage finds banks unwilling to comment on the topic with other commentators pointing to offshore continuing relevance for global high net worths.

Rolling with the Retail Distribution Review

The Retail Distribution Review has caused a lot of headaches for the wealth industry. Alison Ebbage speaks to three banks to find out how it has bedded down in the first few months and finds relative calm, although costs continue to climb.