Mammoney - Your Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance & Investing

Global Trends in Family Governance: What’s Changing in 2026? Introduction Family governance, traditionally viewed as the framework for managing wealth, relationships, and decision-making within affluent families and their enterprises, is undergoing a profound transformation in 2026 amid accelerating generational shifts, technological advancements, and global economic uncertainties. As high-net-worth families navigate the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history—estimated at over $84 trillion in the U.S. alone over the coming decades—the need for robust governance structures has never been more pressing. This evolution is driven by the rise of next-generation leaders who prioritize purpose-driven strategies, digital integration, and resilience over mere wealth accumulation, reshaping how family offices and businesses operate on a global scale. The relevance of these changes cannot be overstated: effective family governance not only mitigates risks like internal conflicts a...

Inside Brazil’s Wealthiest Families: How Protocols Sustain Legacy and Power Introduction Brazil, as one of the world's largest economies, has long been shaped by the influence of its wealthiest families, whose fortunes often trace back to industries like banking, commodities, media, and manufacturing. These dynasties, including the Safra family in banking, the Lemann family in investments and beverages, the Moreira Salles family in finance, and historical powerhouses like the Matarazzo family in industry, control vast assets that not only drive economic growth but also wield significant social and political power. In a nation marked by stark wealth inequality, where the top 1% holds a disproportionate share of resources, understanding how these families maintain their legacies is crucial. Family protocols—formal agreements akin to constitutions—play a pivotal role in this sustenance, outlining rules for governance, succession, and wealth management to prevent the common pitfalls ...

How Rich Families Stay Rich: The Role of Governance and Legacy Planning Introduction In an era where immense fortunes are amassed through entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic investments, the perpetuation of wealth across generations remains a profound challenge for affluent families. Historical patterns reveal that wealth accumulation is often fleeting; studies indicate that approximately 70% of wealthy families lose their fortunes by the second generation, escalating to 90% by the third, primarily due to a lack of structured mechanisms to manage and transfer assets effectively. This phenomenon, often encapsulated in the proverb "shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations," underscores the vulnerability of family fortunes to dissipation through poor decision-making, internal conflicts, or inadequate preparation. Family governance and legacy planning emerge as critical safeguards, providing formalized frameworks that align family members' interests, preserve...