Latest news with #FamilyOfficeSummit
Gulf Business
02-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Family Office Summit's Obediah Ayton on trends impacting generational wealth transfer
Image: Supplied At the recent Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi, global investors managing over $500bn in assets gathered to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and chart the future of wealth. From next-gen leadership and gender diversity to wealth tech and sustainability, the summit reflected a key shift in how family offices are evolving — both globally and in the UAE. In this interview with Gulf Business , the summit's chairman Obediah Ayton unpacks the most significant takeaways and explain why Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the world's most influential platform for private capital. The Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi brought together global investors and family offices. What were the key takeaways from this year's summit that signal a shift in how family offices are positioning themselves globally — and particularly within the UAE? Key takeaways from our summit in May held in Abu Dhabi were that the interest in the buzzword 'family office' is definitely there, in addition to the UAE being the most central platform on the globe today, with the progressive regulatory environment, recent banking credibility, and immense human capital concentration. The summit highlighted the growing role of next-generation and female leaders in reshaping family offices. How is this demographic transformation influencing governance, investment strategies, and the long-term legacy vision of these entities in the region? We currently live in a world of quick money wins with tech stocks, crypto and geopolitical profits. The young leaders are driving future-ready investment strategies, with bold allocations into venture capital, digital innovation, sustainability, and private equity. They are embedding technology, such as AI, into decision-making processes and building more agile governance structures that ensure long-term growth and resilience. Women per se are helping family offices adopt more forward-looking investment approaches, embrace innovation, and strengthen legacy planning. They tend to prioritise impact, sustainability, and long-term outcomes, areas that are gaining traction globally. Traditional roles are evolving. In family businesses and offices, daughters are increasingly being given equal or even leading responsibilities in managing wealth, investments, and governance. Digital innovation and tech-driven investing emerged as dominant themes. With 79 per cent of next-gen investors in the Middle East seeing high potential in the tech sector, how are family offices adapting their models to be more innovation- and sustainability-focused? Wealth tech is continuing to steal the show at our summits. One Swiss wealth tech firm recently signed one of UKs biggest multifamily offices, to progress the digitisation of portfolio management and real time asset value. Imagine a bank account that shows a live value of your house, your car, your stocks, your currencies all in one place. Presenting reports to principals with a nice UX design which makes even challenging months far easier to navigate than traditional Excel spreadsheets. How is Abu Dhabi's rise as a hub for private capital, venture investment, and wealth dialogue reshaping regional and global capital flows? What makes the emirate a compelling base for new-generation family offices and sovereign capital alike? Abu Dhabi is home to the biggest sovereign funds on the planet, which can be intimidating for many in the private sector or overseas families, as not everyone invests billions or hundreds of millions. On the positive side, sovereign funds can now help de-risk investments by guiding families into new industries, leading investment rounds, and managing DD. This support is especially valuable for family offices, as many do not have massive teams. From cryptocurrency businesses to green energy and healthcare, family offices are increasingly diversifying through alternative assets. What role do evolving regulatory frameworks, such as those introduced by the UAE's VARA, play in building trust and long-term value in these sectors? Regulation is the future of the UAE. With the introduction of corporate tax, financial disclosure and transparent bookkeeping have become mandatory — a move that is set to attract increased foreign direct investment (FDI) from credible international jurisdictions. As the Financial Times recently reported, Swiss family offices are relocating to the UAE, while US investors are acquiring land in Dubai to develop villas and golf courses. Why? Because the UAE now offers a high level of financial transparency, with audited accounts and internationally compliant structures under ADGM and DIFC jurisdictions. These highly regulated vehicles, operating under international law, give investors confidence and long-term security. FDI will continue to pour in for years ahead. The establishment of the UAE Ministry of Investment just over a year ago is a clear signal — the country is preparing for this next phase of global capital inflows. Looking ahead, what are your projections for the evolution of the family office landscape in the Middle East over the next five years — particularly in terms of intergenerational wealth transfer, technology adoption, and global collaboration? The Family Office Summit is an organic platform that is taking the long approach on event building. Our focus isn't on maximising attendance or stacking sponsor lists; instead, we prioritise meaningful connections, because ultimately, people invest in people and with time, the real value of these summits will emerge naturally.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi emerges as regional epicenter for global wealth dialogue at Family Office Summit 2025
UAE – The Family Office Summit 2025 concluded with resounding success at the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, uniting leading family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investors representing over $500 billion in assets under management. This year's Abu Dhabi edition further solidified the UAE's position as a global powerhouse in wealth management, venture capital, and private capital deployment. Following the momentum of past editions in Dubai, the summit marked a defining moment in Abu Dhabi's rise as a central hub for wealth leadership and innovation. The event welcomed a capped audience of 235 high-level participants, including 61 family offices, 82 family holdings, 29 buy-side mid-market firms, 5 sovereign wealth and pension funds, and 9 strategic summit partners. 'The Family Office Summit has become a cornerstone event for global investors seeking deep dialogue and curated networking,' said Obediah Ayton, Chairman of the Family Office Summit. ' The summit offered the perfect backdrop for transformative conversations with 11 panel discussions unpacked covering topics about wealth, governance, and the future of legacy.' One of the key panelists (Family Office 2.0), Vaidotas Melynavicius (Chief Investment Officer, Santocedrus Capital), Amer Al Osh (Chief Development Officer, Gewan Holding), Julien Tizot (Chief Investment Officer, Aras Partners), and Biju Thomas (Senior Director, Private Banking, Mashreq), highlighted the significant changes unfolding in the family office space, particularly in Abu Dhabi. The discussion focused on the next generation taking charge of future-ready, tech-enabled family offices and the growing convergence of international and local families learning from one another. A significant highlight of the summit was the growing influence of the next generation of family office leaders, who are rewriting the rules of wealth management with bold investments in venture capital and digital innovation. There were some key young experts who contributed to a dynamic dialogue around how young family stewards are embedding sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurial thinking into their investment DNA. The young investors are playing a central role in shaping these digital strategies. According to the recent report, 79% of next-gen investors in the Middle East see high potential in digital and tech sectors, reflecting a broader generational shift toward innovation and sustainability. Discussions also focused on how family offices and institutional investors are actively capitalizing on private equity to diversify portfolios, boost returns, and drive long-term value. Many family offices are currently drawn to private equity investment especially green energy aligning well with UAE sustainability goals offering potential growth and wealth preservation. In a few dedicated sessions, experts spoke what it takes to build a resilient and future-ready family office structure. The discussion covered smart governance frameworks, proactive risk management, and aligning operations to future proof the office, mitigate long-term risk and ensure generational continuity. Obediah Ayton added 'The panels explored how family offices are strategically balancing financial returns with long-term impact, particularly through investments in high-potential sectors such as healthcare and real estate.' 'We discussed how next-generation and female leaders are playing pivotal roles in driving innovation by leveraging advanced technologies like AI to enhance decision-making, strengthen governance, and shape long-term legacy planning.' The evolving digital asset landscape was another key highlight, especially in light of the UAE's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) providing clarity and improved custody solutions. With maturing markets and stronger regulatory frameworks, many family offices especially led by 2nd and 3rd generations are now investing in cryptocurrency businesses, viewing them not as speculative gambles but as structured, strategic asset classes. The event's design prioritized organic engagement, with dynamic seating, private networking lounges, and a thoughtfully curated attendee list with 19 family offices attending for the first time in the UAE that encouraged meaningful conversations and tangible outcomes. Next generation of family office leaders, Female leadership, inclusive governance, were central themes, further reinforcing the UAE's progressive vision for wealth stewardship. With global participation spanning the GCC, Europe, the U.S., and Asia, the summit reaffirmed Abu Dhabi's growing status as a premier destination for financial innovation and strategic wealth dialogue. About: Obediah Ayton, Director, Dhabi Hold Co Obediah Ayton is a seasoned executive and visionary entrepreneur whose dynamic career spans the U.S., U.K., and UAE. Born in England and educated in New York at St. John's University with a degree in Accounting and Business Management, Obediah's unconventional journey began as a caddy for corporate leaders—an experience that sparked his entry into family office advisory, particularly in emerging sectors like esports, SaaS, biotech, and crypto. Since moving to the UAE in 2017, he has launched multiple ventures, raised capital alongside prominent partners such as Mark Bezos, and founded a UAE-regulated accounting firm. He is also the driving force behind a globally recognized event series for family office gatherings. Obediah is committed to positioning the UAE as a global hub for family wealth and collaboration through what he calls 'human liquidity'—a network built on trust, learning, and shared growth. About Sandstone Media: Sandstone Media is a forward-thinking PR, media solutions and communications agency based in the UAE that is committed to excellence and offers a spectrum of integrated services, including strategic communications, media solutions and digital innovation. Sandstone Media focuses on the transformative power of storytelling and dedicates its expert team to crafting narratives that resonate and captivate audiences. LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Zawya
27-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai strengthens position as global wealth hub at Family Office Summit 2025
Dubai – The Family Office Summit 2025 successfully brought together global visionaries, investors, and industry leaders managing over $1 trillion in assets at the Ritz Carlton Jumeirah Beach. The event reinforced Dubai's role as a premier hub for family office investments and wealth management, offering an exclusive platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and high-value networking. After four incredible summits in Abu Dhabi, this inaugural edition of the Family Office Summit in Dubai exceeded expectations, welcoming 287 distinguished guests, including 62 family offices, 73 family holdings, 3 sovereign wealth funds, 18 mid-market funds, and 10 summit partners. The diverse participation underscored the event's significance in shaping the future of global wealth management. This year's theme, 'Taking Money Out of Cash,' sparked insightful discussions on capital allocation, diversification, and strategic investment approaches. Key panels addressed leadership in century-old family businesses, cross-border investment opportunities, niche investments in private equity and credit, and the impact of emerging technologies on family office strategies. A major highlight of the summit was the focus on next-generation leadership and the rising influence of venture capital and co-investing within family offices. Experts explored how emerging leaders are redefining governance, adapting to digital assets like cryptocurrency, and integrating sustainability into long-term investment frameworks. With the rapid evolution of global markets, attendees gained valuable insights into risk management, compliance, and governance in the era of Family Office 2.0. Sessions also explored healthcare investments, real estate strategies, and the drive toward net-zero commitments, reflecting the growing emphasis on impact-driven wealth management. Networking played a pivotal role, with dynamic seating arrangements, dedicated lounge areas, and carefully curated interactions fostering meaningful connections. Obediah Ayton, Founder of Dhabi Hold Co. and Chairman of the Family Office Summit, emphasized the summit's commitment to inclusivity, particularly in empowering female leadership and promoting innovation within the wealth management sector. ' The Family Office Summit has once again demonstrated the importance of building a strong, connected community of investors and family office leaders. By fostering meaningful conversations and emphasizing next-generation leadership, we are shaping the future of global wealth management,' said Ayton. With the overwhelming success of this year's summit, anticipation is already building for the next Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi, promising even deeper discussions and expanded opportunities for the global family office community. About: Obediah Ayton, Director, Dhabi Hold Co Obediah Ayton is a seasoned executive with a distinctive path that has led him across continents and industries, ultimately rooting his journey in the UAE. Born in England, Obediah pursued his studies in the United States, earning a degree in Accounting and Business Management from St. John's University in New York. His career began with an unconventional start—working as a caddy for corporate leaders while balancing his education. This exposure quickly evolved into advisory roles with family offices, particularly through his unique insights into emerging sectors like ESports, sass, biotech and cryptocurrency. After a period of working across the USA and the UK, Obediah's journey took him to the UAE in 2017-2018, where he aimed to build a new life and contribute to the local business landscape. Within three months, he launched his first venture in the UAE, and from there, he has never looked back. Among his achievements, he has raised capital for private equity funds with high-profile partners like Mark Bezos, developed a UAE-regulated accounting firm, and built a renowned event series recognized globally for family office gatherings. A known talented golfer across the UAE competitive circuit, Obediah attributes much of his professional network to the relationships fostered on the golf course. His vision for the industry is deeply personal; he aims to create a legacy for his family, establishing a 'human liquidity' network that fosters collaboration, learning, and shared growth among family offices. His core drive is to make the UAE a central hub for family wealth and networking, promoting relationships and trust within the industry. Quote:"Success will follow loyalty, and ROI will flow from friendship" About Sandstone Media: Sandstone Media is a forward-thinking PR, media solutions and communications agency based in the UAE that is committed to excellence and offers a spectrum of integrated services, including strategic communications, media solutions and digital innovation. Sandstone Media focuses on the transformative power of storytelling and dedicates its expert team to crafting narratives that resonate and captivate audiences. LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Hi Dubai
27-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Strengthens Position as Global Wealth Hub at Family Office Summit 2025
The Family Office Summit 2025 successfully brought together global visionaries, investors, and industry leaders managing over $1 trillion in assets at the Ritz Carlton Jumeirah Beach . The event reinforced Dubai's role as a premier hub for family office investments and wealth management, offering an exclusive platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and high-value networking. After four incredible summits in Abu Dhabi, this inaugural edition of the Family Office Summit in Dubai exceeded expectations, welcoming 287 distinguished guests, including 62 family offices, 73 family holdings, 3 sovereign wealth funds, 18 mid-market funds, and 10 summit partners. The diverse participation underscored the event's significance in shaping the future of global wealth management. This year's theme, 'Taking Money Out of Cash,' sparked insightful discussions on capital allocation, diversification, and strategic investment approaches. Key panels addressed leadership in century-old family businesses, cross-border investment opportunities, niche investments in private equity and credit, and the impact of emerging technologies on family office strategies. A major highlight of the summit was the focus on next-generation leadership and the rising influence of venture capital and co-investing within family offices. Experts explored how emerging leaders are redefining governance, adapting to digital assets like cryptocurrency, and integrating sustainability into long-term investment frameworks. With the rapid evolution of global markets, attendees gained valuable insights into risk management, compliance, and governance in the era of Family Office 2.0. Sessions also explored healthcare investments, real estate strategies, and the drive toward net-zero commitments, reflecting the growing emphasis on impact-driven wealth management. Networking played a pivotal role, with dynamic seating arrangements, dedicated lounge areas, and carefully curated interactions fostering meaningful connections. Obediah Ayton, Founder of Dhabi Hold Co. and Chairman of the Family Office Summit, emphasized the summit's commitment to inclusivity, particularly in empowering female leadership and promoting innovation within the wealth management sector. 'The Family Office Summit has once again demonstrated the importance of building a strong, connected community of investors and family office leaders. By fostering meaningful conversations and emphasizing next-generation leadership, we are shaping the future of global wealth management,' said Ayton. With the overwhelming success of this year's summit, anticipation is already building for the next Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi, promising even deeper discussions and expanded opportunities for the global family office community. News Source: Sand Stone Media
