Research shows that a majority (68%) of family businesses in the Gulf Region do not have a formal family council, and only 17% have a family protocol or constitution in place. The formalisation of these governance structures is necessary for the harmony of the relationship between the family and the firm, and the longevity of the business. 

The institutionalising of the family office is an increasingly prominent trend in the region, in order to manage intergenerational asset transfers. Family offices are also a vital function in bridging the family business with the wider vision and mission of the family. By expanding their remit beyond the growth of the businesses’ financial portfolio, family offices are well-positioned to centrally manage the family’s strategic activities, such as administering governance frameworks and improving generational transitions.

In conversation with family office representatives, this panel will broadly discuss how family offices can be leveraged to compliment the role of the board and shareholder assembly, whilst providing wider strategic guidance on strategies to ensure business continuity. 

The following topics will be covered: 

• Leveraging the role of the family office to improve governance,
• Approaches to institutionalising the family office or the engagement of family members within the business, and
• Strategies to maximise value of the family office beyond its financial remit.

The world was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the onset, many questions have
surfaced around how it could have been prevented, how it will be brought to an end, and how to
avoid the next global disaster.

In the context of life beyond COVID-19, governments are absorbed by the present – providing
resources to help communities survive, supporting healthcare and keeping peace. Private
businesses are largely distracted if not crippled. Most non-profits are stretched beyond their
limits. There now lies a tremendous opportunity for philanthropists to embrace their catalytic
potential and take the lead in ensuring that the global community can better prepare for the next
crisis, or ideally, avoid one altogether.

During this session, panellists will discuss how philanthropic endeavours are supporting disaster
preparedness and prevention. Panellists will also highlight the challenges they face and areas
where there is still much to be done to safeguard the future.

Session Objectives

• Provide an overview and insight into how philanthropists are supporting disaster preparedness and prevention.
• Help participants understand the challenges, gaps, and opportunities that exist for philanthropists to support preparedness and prevention.
• Support donors to implement a preparation and prevention lens to their giving.
• Support other donors to implement an ‘innovation lens’ to their giving.