Family Office Risk Management: Why It Matters

Video transcript

Family office risk management. While most single family offices are founded to provide investment and concierge services for a family, perhaps the most important role of the family office is to monitor and manage risk. With all investments and related activities managed by a single team, the family office is in a better position than any individual family member, advisor, or external service provider to measure risk systematically and plan for possible future contingencies. Risk has many dimensions including but not limited to insurance, legal, travel, physical, cyber security, and reputation management, just to name a few. Even multinational corporations with billion-dollar budgets struggle to manage all the various risks and threats to their organization. A family office with a small but dedicated team of professionals must work with great care and diligence to properly prepare for and manage the risks that threaten their organization. According to a 2022 survey of family offices conducted by Dentons, a global law firm, a poor riskmanagement mindset was the greatest threat facing family offices. The second and third greatest risks included cyber security, digital fraud, and data leaks. In all of these cases, individual bias and human error are typically the common denominator for poor risk management. We have access to great systems and security tools, but a system is only as strong as its weakest link. Unfortunately, human error and neglect will often undermine even the world's most sophisticated security systems. We often forget to think fully about potential risks because the consequences can be dire and we often only have a narrow view of possible contingencies. Therefore, it's important to research the various types of risk and possible responses and to consider how similar organizations have managed similar risks. Risk management is a hot topic in the world of family office and there is a wealth of resources and information to help you develop an effective plan. TFOA's white paper on risk management is available for free on our website and provides a highle overview of how families can build systemic solutions for their riskmanagement needs. When it comes to cyber security, family offices often focus on building secure data systems, but don't pay close enough attention to highquality training for users. Most cyber security breaches occur when employees are fooled by some type of cyber attack or fishing exercise. Establishing clear control processes, thoroughly training all employees on common tactics of fraud, and regular scenario testing will help ensure that your team operates at a high level of risk awareness and preparedness. Whatever the risk, a family office should implement a general process for identification, analysis, evaluation, and ongoing monitoring, and review of the most pressing threats. Policies and procedures that broadly anticipate a wide range of global events like supply chain shortages, pandemics, or unexpected international incidents will ensure that no matter what happens, you can be prepared. Thank you. Please visit our website to learn more at tfoa.info.