With the expected rise in the global total of ultra-wealthy individuals, and the trillions of dollars and family businesses predicted to change hands over the next two decades, the considerable challenges involved in managing and transitioning ‘surplus' wealth are set to multiply rapidly, affecting a much larger number of families and family members.

Family governance, which refers to the structures and processes families use to organise themselves and guide their relationship with their wealth, is a key tool in the transition of ownership and wealth between the generations, but it is neither well understood nor explained, particularly in the context of surplus wealth.

Family Governance and Surplus Wealth: Sustaining Family Fortunes, written by Russell Prior, an experienced consultant and adviser in Family Governance, Family Enterprise Succession and Philanthropy, de-mystifies the topic and shows advisers and families how governance can assist with the challenges of managing and transitioning surplus wealth.

It covers the characteristics and challenges of surplus wealth, why wealthy families need family governance and how family governance can help families with the successful transition of surplus wealth between the generations.

Key takeaways include:

Understand the need for a sense of shared purpose between the generations for surplus wealth and family enterprises, so it can succeed into future generations;

Determine ownership and leadership succession within the family enterprise;

Manage the balance of power and decision-making in and between the generations;

Prepare the younger generation for their role in a family with surplus wealth;

Prepare the older generation to let go of some responsibilities but show them how to take up new reins within the family;

Balance the interests of family members managing the family wealth or enterprise with those who do not, and with non-family members involved in the management of the wealth of business; and

Understand how major decisions can be taken within a complex family wealth structure or a family enterprise.

This title will be important reading and reference for all practitioners advising ultra-wealthy individuals and business families, including family business advisers, private bankers, lawyers, accountants, and financial advisers. It will also be of significant interest to ultra-wealthy family members and family office leaders.