EY serves high net worth individuals and families through a dedicated advisory practice that combines tax strategy, investment planning, and legacy governance. This overview outlines how EY structures its service model and value proposition for wealthy clients.
The following summary outlines core features, service lines, regulatory context, and typical client outcomes associated with EY high net worth programs.
| Focus Area | Key Services | Regulatory Context | Typical Client Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wealth Structuring | Trusts, foundations, cross-border arrangements | Anti-money laundering rules, tax transparency | Aligned governance and reduced compliance friction |
| Tax Strategy | International tax planning, residence optimization | Global reporting standards, CRS/FATCA | Compliant efficiency and risk mitigation |
| Investment Advisory | Portfolio construction, alternative allocations | MiFID II conduct rules, fiduciary duties | Risk-adjusted growth aligned with objectives |
| Family Governance | Family charters, education, conflict protocols | Data protection, board-level oversight | Coherent decision-making across generations |
Asset Protection And Risk Management
Liability Shielding Structures
EY designs layered structures that separate asset ownership from operational control, limiting exposure to commercial and personal liability. These structures are tailored to jurisdictional nuances and stress-tested against regulatory scrutiny.
Insurance And Transfer Strategies
Specialist programs coordinate insurance coverage with trusts and derivatives to address catastrophic risk. Scenario modeling helps clients understand trade-offs between protection breadth and cost efficiency.
Tax Optimization And Compliance
Global Reporting Alignment
Practitioners map tax positions against CRS, Common Reporting Standard, and local disclosure regimes, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. Proactive filing strategies reduce the likelihood of escalated inquiries.
Residency And Domicile Strategy
Analysis of physical presence, voting rights, and social ties supports informed choices on tax residence. Recommendations balance lifestyle preferences with compliance obligations and audit risk.
Investment Strategy And Fiduciary Oversight
Portfolio Construction
Asset allocation incorporates liquidity tiers, concentration limits, and mandate boundaries tailored to each family’s risk profile. Multi-asset class approaches integrate direct and fund-based investments.
Manager Selection And Governance
Committee-based manager review applies consistent due diligence, fee benchmarking, and performance attribution. Documentation standards align with fiduciary expectations and regulatory expectations around best execution.
Family Governance And Succession Planning
Family Charter Development
Facilitated workshops translate family values into written principles guiding philanthropy, employment, and capital deployment. Governance rules clarify voting thresholds, information rights, and escalation paths.
Next Generation Education
Structured programs introduce financial literacy, risk awareness, and stewardship expectations. Simulated decision exercises prepare heirs for board roles and informed oversight.
Key Takeaways For High Net Worth Clients
- Align asset protection, tax, and governance under a single integrated framework
- Embed regulatory awareness into structure design to reduce future friction
- Balance control, flexibility, and cost when selecting entities and service partners
- Implement ongoing review rituals to adapt plans to changing personal and regulatory conditions
- Clarify roles and documentation standards for seamless collaboration with banks and family offices
FAQ
Reader questions
How does EY determine suitable structures for high net worth clients?
EY conducts a fact-find covering assets, residency, business interests, and risk tolerance, then models options against regulatory and cost criteria, presenting scenarios with clear trade-offs.
What ongoing compliance obligations should I expect after implementation?
Clients typically manage annual filings, reporting thresholds, and governance reviews, supported by EY playbooks that outline timelines, document standards, and escalation procedures.
Can EY coordinate with my existing family office or bank relationships?
Yes, engagement terms define roles, data-sharing protocols, and reporting lines, with clear documentation ensuring that fiduciary duties, confidentiality, and service continuity are preserved.
How does EY handle changes in personal or business circumstances over time?
Annual reviews and trigger-based reassessments update recommendations in response to life events, regulatory changes, or market shifts, maintaining alignment with long-term objectives.