A company that presents forums for the family office industry in cities around the world has just hosted a two-day retreat at The Loren Residence in Bermuda, sponsored by the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

Prestel and Partner was sufficiently pleased with the outcome that the firm has announced it will return to Bermuda in October 2027 for a second forum.

A family office is a private company that manages the wealth, investments, and personal affairs of a single wealthy family, aiming to preserve and grow wealth across generations.

Unlike typical financial institutions, it manages philanthropy, estate planning and lifestyle in addition to investments for an ultra-high-net-worth family.

Katja Mülheim and Tobias Prestel, founding partners and joint managing directors, label their firm, Prestel and Partner, as the “global leader in family office forum conferences”.

The firm’s website says: “As hosts, our focus is an environment dedicated to private single family office principals, their senior executive decision makers, and wealth owners/investors.”

The BDA said the retreat followed an ongoing relationship between the agency and Tobias Prestel and his team and it brought together family office principals, family members and invited experts for two days of discussions on family wealth, governance and wellbeing.

A statement said: “It brought that international engagement to Bermuda, giving guests time to meet local professionals and experience the island while exchanging perspectives with their peers.”

David Parker, head of business development, BDA, said: “Long-term confidence in a place is built through experience as well as information. Our overseas work helps us understand people’s priorities and build relationships.

“When those relationships bring people to Bermuda, they can meet the people behind our expertise and get a feel for life here. The retreat gave us time to listen to the questions families are asking about their future, while allowing them to discover the island on their own terms.”

The BDA said the programme connected the practical responsibilities of managing family wealth with the personal considerations that accompany them.

The statement continued: “Interactive discussions explored estate and succession planning across borders, with Claire van Overdijk KC of Appleby, and the relationship between governance arrangements and family life, with Martin Bertels of Textor Capital.

“Andy Mielczarek, executive chair and CEO of Bermuda Commercial Bank, brought clarity to complex banking and trust arrangements, helping participants understand the challenges involved in managing personal affairs, assets and businesses internationally.

“Richard Emanuel MBE, cofounder of Brain Health Network, moderated a discussion on longevity, wellbeing and what it means to be fit and healthy.

“Oliver Neubert, founder and chairman of Neoviva, addressed wealth, addiction and mental health, including the importance of talking about difficult subjects.

“A separate BDA session explored common perceptions of Bermuda and some of its lesser known aspects, giving guests an opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the island.

“The private retreat was designed around participation and peer exchange. The programme paired moderated discussions with shared meals on The Loren lawn, allowing time for conversations to continue between sessions.”

Mr Prestel was quoted: “Many from our network came to Bermuda for the first time. We were all enchanted by the island’s beauty, the possibilities for private wealth, the BDA’s hospitality and the support of our partners.

“The decision to do this again in 2027 was easy and unanimous. We will be back.”