In a world roiled by economic, technological, and geopolitical disruption, the financial landscape for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families has become a maze of complexity. Addressing these challenges isn’t just a professional endeavor for me; it’s a mission built on decades of leadership and deep financial expertise.
From my tenure as CEO of Andersen Worldwide to more than a decade of transformational work at the global consulting firm known as Alvarez & Marsal, and now as a leader at Alvarez & Marsal Private Wealth Partners (AMPWP), my journey has been guided by a singular commitment: to empower clients with solutions that preserve and enhance their wealth while navigating the profound transitions that wealth inevitably entails.
The A&M Advantage: Turning Complexity into Opportunity
Navigating the intricate financial needs of UHNW families requires a unique blend of expertise, innovation, and access to distinct resources.
While AMPWP and Alvarez & Marsal operate as separate businesses, their association affords clients access, when necessary and appropriate, to expert resources and insights within Alvarez & Marsal’s global consulting network, encompassing over 10,000 professionals. We believe this affiliation provides depth and perspective beyond what a traditional Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) can offer.
The A&M difference is grounded in their founders’ heritage. A vision that has always been centered on solving the most complex problems with a practical, results-driven approach. This philosophy, which has made Alvarez & Marsal a transformational force in global business, also underpins AMPWP’s value proposition. AMPWP’s mission is to deliver far more than traditional advisory services—we can help offer practical wealth management solutions and support that spans investment management, tax optimization, business advisory, and intergenerational planning to help drive optimal results for our clients in every situation.
A Vision Rooted in Change
The founding of AMPWP reflects a clear understanding of the shifting priorities of UHNW families. The coming decades promise one of the largest wealth transfers in history—$84.4 trillion between 2021 and 2045, according to Cerulli Associates.i As younger generations assume stewardship of family fortunes, their priorities diverge sharply from those of their predecessors. Wealth preservation alone is no longer enough; today’s heirs demand strategies that align wealth with purpose, impact, and innovation.
AMPWP meets these demands with a holistic framework that integrates investment management, tax strategy, and estate planning. AMPWP helps navigate this evolving landscape with confidence, offering clients unparalleled expertise across disciplines.
A Client-Centric by Design
At AMPWP, we believe wealth management should begin “from the inside out.” This means centering every decision on the client’s unique aspirations. Wealth is deeply personal, and effective advisory demands a nuanced understanding of family dynamics, emotional complexities, and the unspoken tensions that can accompany generational transitions.
Our role is not to sell but to solve. Whether it’s mediating disagreements, aligning divergent visions, or crafting enduring solutions, we approach each challenge with empathy and an unrelenting focus on results.
A Market Transformed: Opportunities in Private Markets
Few trends have reshaped the investment landscape as dramatically as the contraction of public companies, which have dwindled from 7,300 companies in 1996 to less around 4,300 today.ii For UHNW families, private markets are no longer a choice—they are a necessity.
At AMPWP, private market expertise is in our DNA. Every day, we work alongside top private equity firms, leveraging our extensive deal flow to identify opportunities that align with our clients’ long-term goals. These investments aren’t merely about returns; they’re about positioning families to thrive.
Preparing for Generational Wealth Transfers
Generational wealth transfer represents not just a financial shift but a seismic cultural moment for the wealth management industry. By 2045, $84.4 trillion will have changed hands, with $72.6 trillion going directly to heirs and $11.9 trillion earmarked for philanthropy. By 2032, annual wealth transfers will exceed $1 trillion.iii
This transition presents unique challenges and opportunities. Generation X, with a total addressable market of $14.2 trillion, is entering its prime wealth accumulation years.iv These investors demand a hybrid approach, combining digital tools with sophisticated personalized advice. To meet these needs, AMPWP emphasizes innovative strategies tailored to each generation’s financial goals.
Access to Integrated Solutions for the Most Complex Challenges
When AMPWP professionals and clients take advantage of both our wealth management offerings and the expertise of Alvarez & Marsal’s consulting firm, it enables us to address challenges that few other wealth management firms can tackle. For example:
- Business Advisory: A&M Consulting’s operational expertise supports business-owning families’ efforts to maximize the value of their enterprises, from strategic planning to operational improvements.
- Tax Strategies: Our access to A&M Tax professionals ensures that clients receive comprehensive advice tailored to complex, multi-jurisdictional needs.
This integrated approach ensures that our clients receive not just advice but a roadmap—crafted to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
Building a Legacy That Endures
At AMPWP, we are committed to equipping families with the tools and frameworks necessary to make enduring decisions. Our approach goes beyond wealth preservation to empower clients with strategies that adapt to an ever-evolving financial and social landscape. From fostering intergenerational communication to creating actionable succession plans, we address both the tangible and intangible aspects of legacy building.
We aim to cultivate resilience by combining personalized advice with cutting-edge financial solutions. This means integrating innovations in technology, impact investing, and philanthropy to ensure that families leave not only financial security but also meaningful contributions to the world. By engaging deeply with our clients’ values and long-term goals, we help craft legacies that resonate across generations.
Redefining Wealth Advisory for a Disrupted World
AMPWP represents a bold reimagining of the wealth advisory model. We don’t just react to market changes—we anticipate them, preparing our clients to capitalize on emerging opportunities and weather unexpected challenges. Our team continually refines its strategies with access to insights from Alvarez & Marsal’s global consulting network and the latest advancements in financial services.
By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, we are shaping the future of wealth management. AMPWP’s commitment to holistic, results-oriented advisory ensures that UHNW families receive not only expertise but a partner who stands beside them through every stage of their journey. Together, we are building a framework that empowers families to turn disruption into opportunity and secure a prosperous, enduring future.