“Each family is unique, and understanding the family dynamics, values, goals and priorities is key to providing tailored wealth strategies,” says Sonia Santos, Investec Bank’s Head of Wealth Management Switzerland. “Sometimes families are very aligned, sometimes not. We build a relationship with the family, ensuring all role players have their voice heard. By listening deeply and planning thoughtfully, we can provide the precision and discretion our clients’ wealth deserves,” Santos explains.
Open, cross-generational dialogue is crucial. From tailored wealth strategies to aligning succession goals, Investec helps families collaborate to build structures that reflect personal needs and shared ambitions — ensuring a smoother, conflict-free transition.
Planning for the future requires more than just financial structures. “We help distil the family’s financial purpose into a deeply considered plan – we call this a family constitution. We capture their core values, vision, and the way a family wants to govern themselves,” explains Santos. “It’s a roadmap for managing wealth and assets. It helps everyone understand their roles and responsibilities, and it fosters a sense of unity and collaboration.”
Investec also places strong emphasis on preparing the next generation, offering financial literacy programs designed to educate and guide. “We work with families to equip heirs with the knowledge and mindset to be responsible wealth stewards,” says Santos. “It’s about bringing them on the journey, explaining the plan, and even giving them funds to manage.”
Family networks are now more global than ever, adding new layers of complexity. “Our international tax and fiduciary specialists support our globally mobile clients to navigate family governance, estate planning, cross-border structuring, and exchange control with precision,” notes Elizabeth Fick, Head of Tax and Fiduciary at Investec Wealth & Investment International.
Investec’s integrated services — spanning investment strategy, tax, philanthropy, trusts, and family constitutions — help build long-term wealth resilience. “Our wide skill set means we can plan, advise and implement holistically, guiding our clients to a sense of safety and a life of prosperity,” explains Fick. In doing so, they help future-proof family wealth and ensure legacy is preserved, strengthened, and guided by purpose for generations to come.
