The greatest intergenerational wealth transfer in history is underway. Research firm Cerulli Associates estimates $124 trillion will be passed down between 2018 and 2048 as Baby Boomers and Generation X transfer their amassed fortunes to younger generations. This monumental shift is far more than a financial transaction; it is a transformational event that will reshape economic power, family dynamics and social frameworks for decades to come.  

For Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) families, wealth management is uniquely complex. It goes beyond liquid assets, spanning business interests, real estate portfolios, diverse investments and intangible elements such as family values and institutional knowledge that define a legacy. Managing such complexity requires advanced planning and proactive strategies to ensure precise execution.  

What’s the Importance of a Wealth Transfer Plan?

Without strategic planning, wealth preservation across generations is uncertain, and family fortunes are at risk of gradual decline. While traditional risks remain, modern challenges demand a more comprehensive framework for planning.  

Threats of Inadequate Planning  

Family wealth is vulnerable to a different set of risks. Tax burdens and poor investment decisions by heirs who may lack preparation can erode financial assets, while weak governance structures can leave families without shared, longterm direction. At the same time, disputes and poor communication further threaten family relationships and compromise financial objectives. These external and internal pressures underscore the importance of a holistic approach that blends proactive planning and strong family governance to protect wealth for future generations.  

Addressing the Threats 

Today’s wealth transfer is more complex than ever and goes far beyond simply reducing tax liabilities. Asset protection is one of the most effective strategies families must prioritise to safeguard wealth from external threats, such as creditors and litigation. Moreover, addressing global diversification across multiple jurisdictions demands careful navigation of conflicting international laws and tax regimes. Equally important risk is the psychological and emotional impact of inherited wealth. Without open communication, conflicts can escalate and jeopardise both family relationships and the legacy itself.  

The Bolder Silver Lining Service to Preserve Your Legacy

With $124 trillion in wealth changing hands, UHNW families face a defining moment that presents immense opportunity but also exposes them to risks that can undermine their legacy. The absence of specialised and integrated planning, taxation, family conflict and weak governance can diminish the legacy that has been carefully built over time.  

Bolder Group recognises the unprecedented scale and complexity of the future of family wealth, which is why we developed The Silver Lining Service—a bespoke, holistic solution designed specifically for families to navigate the modern systemic risks of inadequate wealth transfer planning.  

Effective wealth transfer requires deep technical expertise combined with an understanding of family dynamics. We believe every legacy is unique, which is why we design and implement strategies to reflect that individuality rather than relying on generic, one-size-fits-all approaches. This includes careful consideration of your family structure and relationship dynamics, continuity plans for your business interests, long-term philanthropic objectives and all cross-border and jurisdictional factors that shape your legacy.  

As your partner, we want to ensure your wealth, your values and your vision endure for generations to come. Let’s design your personalised Silver Lining Service wealth transfer plan today. Contact our Bolder team to get started.  

Bolder Group does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained herein is meant for general information purposes only. We strongly recommend that before acting on any of the information contained herein, readers should consult with their professional advisers. The Bolder Group accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information, or the consequences resulting from any action taken by a reader based on the information provided herein.

Bolder Group refers to the global network of independent subsidiaries of Bolder Group Holding BV. Bolder Group Holding BV provides no client services. Such services are provided solely by the independent companies within the Bolder Group which are each legally distinct and separate entities and have no authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind Bolder Group Holding BV in any manner whatsoever. The operations of the Bolder Group are conducted independently and have no affiliation with third party financial, tax or legal advisory firms or corporations.