Episode 53: Henry Brandts-Giesen on Asia's Rising Wealth and the Future of Family Office Services

Henry Brandts-Giesen, global co-chair of Dentons' high net worth group, explores the rapid evolution of private wealth in Asia and the professionalization of family office services. The conversation examines Singapore's emergence as a global wealth hub, the complexities of intergenerational transitions, and the critical role of governance in sustainable family wealth management. Brandts-Giesen shares insights on moving from founder-directed models to democratized decision-making structures, emphasizing the importance of human capital alongside financial capital. The discussion addresses philanthropy, social license, and how technology enables more sophisticated family enterprise operations across borders.

00:00 - Introduction to Henry Brandts-Giesen and Dentons
02:16 - Asia's wealth transformation and Singapore's rise as a hub
05:38 - Generational transitions and family office management evolution
09:12 - Professionalizing family wealth and governance systems
12:46 - Redefining next generation succession planning
15:41 - Family capital beyond financial metrics
18:00 - Fundamental questions of governance and decision-making
21:28 - Philanthropy, impact, and social license for family wealth office structures
23:53 - Technology and the future of family business enterprise
26:19 - The human element in wealth advisory
28:00 - Closing remarks