Families with significant wealth, often spread across different countries, face complex management, governance, tax and inheritance challenges. Between family governance, ownership structures and estate planning, every decision taken today influences not only asset management, but also the integrity of wealth for future generations. Whether in a Franco-Swiss or international context, the establishment of a family office, the organization of family governance and the management of intergenerational transfers must be part of a long-term vision, structured and capable of adapting to changing family and fiscal needs.
Family office: a pillar of wealth management
A family office enables a family to centralize and coordinate the management of its wealth across different jurisdictions. Whether for real estate, financial investments, private securities management or even philanthropy, setting up a family office is a lever for organization and optimization.
In France and Switzerland, families are often confronted with different tax regimes, making cross-border asset management a complex task. A family office can centralize the management of these assets, while guaranteeing tax compliance, particularly in terms of tax declarations, cross-border VAT and inheritance tax. It also offers the possibility of establishing wealth diversification strategies that take into account the tax specificities of each country and the reality of international markets.
Family governance: anticipating to secure the transfer of ownership
Family governance is one of the most effective tools for ensuring consistent management of family assets over the long term. It defines clear rules for asset management, voting rights, roles within the family and the division of responsibilities.
The development of structured family governance is crucial to preventing internal conflicts and ensuring the continuity of family values and objectives. In particular, drawing up family bylaws or a family charter makes it possible to establish guidelines for decision-making processes, recruitment of active members and investment management. It also helps prepare for the transition when new members join the family business or take over the management of the estate.
Intergenerational transmission: structuring to avoid disputes
Intergenerational inheritance is a major challenge for any family owning complex assets. Clear transmission mechanisms, such as family pacts, shared gifts or wills drawn up in accordance with local legislation, help to optimize the distribution of assets while avoiding double taxation and other unpleasant tax surprises. Regular review of inheritance arrangements is essential to adjust decisions to changes in the family, assets and tax situation.
Examples of strategies for successful family governance
Take, for example, a Franco-Swiss family with several management companies and a substantial real estate portfolio in both countries. The creation of a family office makes it possible to centralize asset management, formalize governance with a family charter defining the rules for asset management and transfer, and organize succession through appropriate mechanisms.
Furthermore, the introduction of approval clauses in the management of shareholdings in companies makes it possible to regulate the entry of new members into family governance and protect strategic assets. These mechanisms enable the family to maintain harmony and continuity, while ensuring a seamless transition of assets.
Our support in asset management and governance
BERGEOT PAOLI Associés assists families, entrepreneurs and executives in developing wealth management and intergenerational transfer strategies. We offer tailor-made solutions, adapted to the specificities of each family and wealth situation, while taking into account cross-border tax issues. Our expertise in family office structuring, family governance and inheritance ensures the long-term security of assets.
To find out how to optimize the management of your assets and anticipate intergenerational transfers in a cross-border context, consult our page dedicated to asset structuring and planning.