Introduction

In South African family governance, trusts play a critical role in structuring wealth, protecting assets, and ensuring smooth intergenerational transitions. Two common types used by family offices are Discretionary Trusts and Inter Vivos Trusts (also known as living trusts). Each has distinct implications for control, flexibility, tax efficiency, and family governance procedures. This comparison will help families determine which structure […]

The Role of a Family Constitution in Family Governance

Introduction

Family governance refers to the structures and processes that families use to manage their wealth, relationships, and legacy across generations. A Family Constitution is a key document in family governance, serving as a formal agreement that outlines the family’s values, vision, and rules for decision-making. It helps prevent conflicts, ensures smooth transitions, […]

In the great tradition of Aristotle, Montesquieu, and John Locke, we are taught from an early age about the importance of compacts—social contracts, family agreements, and negotiated deals that bind individuals together for mutual benefit. These philosophical foundations shape our understanding of governance, relationships, and even wealth management. Yet, while we learn the mechanics of compacts, we often overlook their […]

Trust has long been a cornerstone of British liberty and governance. From the Magna Carta’s assertion of mutual obligations between ruler and subject to the unwritten constitutional conventions that uphold modern democracy, Britain’s legal and cultural heritage places a premium on trust as the foundation of stable institutions. This principle extends naturally to the private sphere—particularly in the stewardship of […]