ISFB Insight
Family Office: a comprehensive approach to family wealth management
February 17, 2026
On the occasion of the third consecutive session of the ISFB Family Officer Certificate, which will begin next May, Pierre Ricq, Program Director, shares the guidelines for this training course. Designed as a comprehensive course, the certificate meets future standards for wealth management. Fully in line with the andragogical approach that is the raison d'être of the ISFB, the program brings together leading lecturers who are active within member institutions or its ecosystem. Here is an overview of the program content.
Artificial intelligence is gradually becoming established in wealth management and raising many questions. It optimizes analysis, speeds up information processing, and enhances technical capabilities. However, it cannot replace a detailed understanding of family dynamics, relationships of trust, or the human dimensions that underpin any long-term strategy. For family officers, private bankers, and other asset management professionals, the job now involves taking a holistic view of wealth situations and coordinating multiple areas of expertise within a coherent framework.
It is precisely this evolution that the ISFB Family Officer Certificate aims to support. Under the direction of Pierre Ricq, the program has been designed to reflect best practices in the field and support a structured evolution of wealth management. It is based on an integrated approach, in which understanding human dynamics takes precedence over wealth engineering and forms the foundation of any sustainable strategy.
Understanding the family before structuring your estate
Any sustainable wealth management strategy begins with a thorough understanding of the family's DNA: history, values, decision-making processes, and long-term vision. The program therefore opens with the Family DNA, NextGen, and Family Governance modules, which lay the foundations for consistent and coherent support.
Monica Espinosa, ISFB lecturer and Head of Family Office Solutions at Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), highlights this fundamental step: "Family DNA is the frame of reference that underpins family governance, intergenerational transfer, and strategic decisions made by the family office." The challenges specific to new generations and family governance are explored in depth with Honora Ducatillon and Pauline Lemaire (Pictet). The Wealth Planning module , led by Claire Walle (Rothschild & Co), then links these human dimensions to rigorous wealth structuring, translating family intentions into concrete measures.
Providing a framework for investment decisions
Asset management is a natural extension of this comprehensive approach. The program places a central focus onasset governance, emphasizing the definition of clear, appropriate, and scalable frameworks.
Charles-Henry Monchau, CIO of SYZ Group and ISFB lecturer, emphasizes that "a structured plan is essential for navigating cycles, avoiding emotional decisions, and staying aligned with the family's objectives." Building on this foundation, the financial modules also enrich participants' knowledge: Sustainable Investment with Nicolas Barben (UBP), Hedge Funds with Sherban Tautu (Ten Edges), Private Markets with Aurélie Maillard (Indosuez), Real Estate with Yves Cachemaille (CBRE), and Credit Solutions with Yannis Eggert (Piguet Galland).
Maintain an overview and control risks
As assets become increasingly complex, the ability to maintain a consolidated overview becomes crucial. Legal, regulatory, technological, and operational issues are addressed with a clear objective: to enable effective supervision and informed decision-making. Legal and regulatory aspects are covered by Aline Fournier (Geneva Compliance Group). Global reporting is presented by Ludovic Regard (Lombard Odier), while cybersecurity issues are discussed by Frédéric Dommart (Bonhôte & Cie). The topic of provider supervision is addressed by Nicholas Hochstadter (Performance Watcher). Ludovic Regard summarizes this approach as follows: "Without a comprehensive and reliable view of the assets, complexity becomes a risk. The family officer plays a key role in coordination and supervision."
Integrate related dimensions
However, wealth is not limited to financial assets. Philanthropic and cultural dimensions are playing an increasingly important role in family strategies. The Philanthropy module , led by Étienne Eichenberger (Wize Philanthropy Advisors), explores philanthropy as a lever for family cohesion. A new component of this session, the Art Advisorymodule , led by Amélie Sarrado (Christie's), addresses issues related to art collections and their integration into an overall wealth management vision. Finally, Nicole Curti (Capital Y) highlightsthe role of the Private Office as a key structure for supporting families in the implementation of their long-term projects.
Comprehensive training for tomorrow's families
The program's ambition goes beyond simply imparting knowledge. It aims to develop comprehensive analytical skills. The ISFB Family Officer Certificate, which has a deliberately limited number of places, offers participants an approach based on best practices, rooted in the realities faced by families and their advisors.
In an unstable and unpredictable environment, families seek guidance, methodology, and discipline tailored to their needs.
