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Discover the Kuhn, Loeb & Co. difference
The demand for wealth structuring often arises at key "inflection points" in a family's lifecycle — when the status quo changes or old structures stop being fit-for-purpose.
Wealth services are most needed at so-called "trigger events", usually tied to family lifecycle (marriage, heirs, succession) or business lifecycle (wealth creation, exit, separation of business and personal assets), and often magnified by cross-border complexity. Here are the most common life and liquidity events where being prepared ahead of time pays dividends.
Initial Wealth Creation
Sale of a business, IPO or major windfall
A sale of a business, IPO, major inheritance, or windfall creates immediate and complex structuring needs. Requires asset protection, holding structures, tax-efficient reinvestment, and cross-border compliance. Typical tools: Holding companies, trusts, foundations, family investment companies
Initial Wealth Creation
Children & multi-generational wealth
When the family shifts from single-generation to multi-generational wealth, succession planning, inheritance tax planning, governance frameworks, education of heirs, and philanthropic structures become essential. Typical tools: Family trusts, private foundations, family constitutions, family councils.
Marriage / Divorce
Family structure changes
New spouses introduce different jurisdictions, laws, and succession rights. Divorce triggers asset division, liquidity needs, and protection of ongoing businesses. Requires marital agreements, prenuptial/postnuptial contracts, jurisdictional estate planning, and safeguarding of family assets.
International expansion
Cross-border complexity
Family members relocate, marry abroad, or invest across borders — creating exposure to multiple tax regimes, reporting obligations (FATCA/CRS), and inheritance conflicts. Requires tax residency planning, cross-border trust/foundation alignment, and treaty optimisation.
Business separation
Ring-fencing family from business risk
As the operating business matures, risks need to be ring-fenced to ensure operating risks (litigation, insolvency) do not endanger family assets. Requires holding company structures, STAK/foundation arrangements, insurance wrappers, and family vs. corporate governance frameworks.
Retirement / transition
Founder transition & estate transfer
Often the most critical moment: estate taxes crystallise, family disputes can erupt. Requires estate transfer structures, succession trusts/foundations, buy-sell agreements, and life insurance planning.
Geopolitical change
Regulatory & political landscape shifts
Wealthy families often restructure when external factors (war, sanctions, CRS, new wealth taxes) threaten stability. Requires jurisdictional diversification, second citizenship/residency planning, and asset relocation strategies.
