“We are witnessing a paradigm shift in how high-net-worth individuals view mobility, legacy planning, and global diversification,” said Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, during the firm's announcement of its latest expansion in Asia. “This is not just about citizenship or residency anymore; it is about building resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.”
Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, has solidified its presence in Asia with the acquisition of a boutique advisory firm specializing in family office services and cross-border wealth structuring. The deal, finalized earlier this month, underscores the firm's commitment to catering to the growing demand for tailored international solutions among Asia’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and family offices. While the name of the acquired entity has yet to be disclosed, industry insiders note its strong reputation for advising some of the region’s most prominent business families.
The acquisition comes at a time when Asia’s wealthy are diversifying their holdings and prioritizing mobility. This trend has been accelerated by geopolitical uncertainties, tightening tax regimes, and the lingering economic aftershocks of the pandemic. According to Henley & Partners’ annual Wealth Migration Report, Asia has become a crucial market for residence-by-investment programs, with clients seeking not only visa-free travel but also stable jurisdictions for wealth preservation and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Founded in 1997, Henley & Partners has built its brand as the definitive authority on investment migration and has advised governments on designing some of the most successful programs globally. The firm's expansion into family office services marks a deliberate pivot toward addressing the comprehensive needs of UHNWIs, who are increasingly demanding holistic solutions that go beyond traditional residence and citizenship planning.
“Our clients are sophisticated and globally minded,” explained Dr. Steffen. “They are looking for platforms that can integrate financial structures, succession planning, and lifestyle considerations into a seamless strategy.” The newly acquired firm will bolster Henley & Partners’ capacity in these areas, offering services such as offshore trust setup, tax efficiency optimization, and next-generation wealth education.
With Asia now accounting for over a quarter of the world’s billionaires, competition in the wealth management industry has intensified. Yet Henley & Partners’ unique positioning as a pioneer of investment migration gives it a distinct edge. By incorporating family office services into its portfolio, the company is not only diversifying its revenue streams but also reinforcing its commitment to being a one-stop solution for the global elite.
The acquisition also highlights the increasing intersection of wealth management and mobility planning. As governments worldwide tighten their tax policies, an increasing number of UHNWIs are leveraging residence and citizenship programs to unlock favorable tax jurisdictions. Henley & Partners’ expanded offerings will allow clients to align their personal mobility strategies with their corporate and family wealth objectives.
In the words of Dr. Steffen, “The future of wealth management lies in integration. We are no longer in an era where financial planning and mobility planning can exist in silos. The ability to provide a comprehensive, strategic solution is what will define industry leaders in the decades to come.”
As Henley & Partners deepens its footprint in Asia, the implications for the region’s wealthy are significant. Beyond the immediate access to new services, clients stand to benefit from the firm’s global network, policy expertise, and a legacy of innovation in investment migration.
With this move, Henley & Partners has not only expanded its operational scope but also reaffirmed its role as a trusted advisor to the world’s elite. In an age where adaptability is key to enduring prosperity, the firm’s vision appears well-aligned with the evolving priorities of its clientele.
(Editors: admin)