Selected Engagements
How We Have Helped Families
Client identities are held in strict confidence. The following represent anonymized summaries of real engagements.
Case Study 1
Three-Generation Manufacturing Family — Succession Planning
A Southeast Asian manufacturing conglomerate, founded in the 1960s, faced a critical transition: the second-generation chairman was retiring, and three third-generation siblings — each with different visions — needed to agree on a governance structure. Tensions were high, and the business risked fragmentation.
Our approach: We conducted a six-month diagnostic, facilitated family governance workshops, and designed a family constitution that established clear roles, an independent board, and a phased leadership transition. We also structured a family investment office to manage wealth separately from the operating business.
Outcome: The governance framework was unanimously adopted. The third generation now operates under a clear mandate, and the family's unity — and business — remain intact.
Case Study 2
Islamic Estate Planning for a Multi-Jurisdictional Family
A Malaysian family with assets in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom needed a Shariah-compliant estate plan that also complied with the inheritance laws of each jurisdiction — a complex triangulation of Islamic law, civil law, and common law requirements.
Our approach: We coordinated legal counsel across all three jurisdictions, structured a combination of Wasiyyah (Islamic will), Hibah (gifts), and a Singapore trust to achieve the family's distribution objectives while remaining fully Shariah-compliant and legally enforceable in each country.
Outcome: A unified estate plan was implemented within nine months, reducing the family's estimated tax exposure by over 40% and providing clarity for all heirs.
Case Study 3
Single Family Office Setup for a First-Generation Entrepreneur
After the successful sale of his technology business, a first-generation entrepreneur needed to establish a single-family office to manage the liquidity event proceeds and create a lasting structure for his young family.
Our approach: We guided the family through our five-step process: Discovery revealed their priorities (capital preservation, children's education, philanthropy); Diagnostic identified jurisdictional and tax considerations; Design produced a comprehensive family office blueprint; Implementation covered incorporation, banking, investment policy, and trustee appointments; Stewardship continues with quarterly reviews.
Outcome: The family office was operational within five months, with full governance documentation, an investment policy statement, and a philanthropic foundation established.
Case Study 4
Sale of Company — Preparing a Family Business for Exit
A second-generation family business in the logistics sector received an unsolicited acquisition offer from a multinational competitor. The family needed to determine whether to sell, and if so, how to maximize value while protecting key employees and family relationships.
Our approach: We conducted a sell-side readiness assessment, identified value-enhancement opportunities, structured the family's negotiation strategy, and coordinated with legal and tax advisors to optimize the transaction structure. We also facilitated family discussions on post-sale wealth management.
Outcome: The business was sold at a 35% premium to the initial offer. Proceeds were transitioned into a family investment office structure within three months of closing.