Family Office Stories

• Practical AI use cases for family offices 
• Getting more value from AI while amplifying your people 
• Closing the gap between AI capabilities and everyday use 
• Data security and the choice of enterprise-grade AI tools 
• A look at how AI could develop over the next five years 

Key topics we discuss include: 

• Why understanding the principal's objectives is the starting point for effective reporting 

• The importance of transparency and visibility over costs, spending and net worth 

• Common challenges in collecting and consolidating data across banks, private equity investments and real estate holdings 

• How often family offices should report and why different reporting frequencies serve different purposes 

• The risks of maintaining multiple versions of reports for different stakeholders 

• Whether technology, data consolidation platforms and AI can help improve reporting quality and decision-making 

Key topics we discuss include:

Key topics we discuss include:

Key topics we discuss include:

Key topics we discuss include:

In this episode of our Family Office Podcast, Lisa Cornwell speaks with Hugh Obbard, founder of London-based advisory firm Obbard, which has helped global families navigate Prime Central London real estate for more than 30 years – a market that has long been a preferred destination for internationally mobile families seeking stability and long‑term value.

They discuss how the market has shifted over the past decade – from tax changes and political uncertainty to new patterns of international mobility – and why these dynamics have created meaningful buying opportunities. The conversation explores the breadth of global demand, the appeal of London even for families who have moved abroad and who have traditionally viewed Prime Central London as a safe and familiar base, and the role that strategic refurbishment plays in creating long-term value. Hugh also shares practical insights into managing UK property from overseas and what “absentee ownership” really requires in today’s environment.

In this episode of our Family Office Podcast, Lisa Cornwell chats with Danielle Valkner, who heads our US family office practice and guides some of the world's most influential families.

They explore how US family offices are evolving—transforming into efficient, business-like entities by integrating the right talent, processes, controls, and technology. The discussion delves into what it means to use AI responsibly, moves onto governance and engaging the next generation and touches on investment trends being seen in the Family Office space.

In this episode of our “Family Business Stories” podcast Lisa Cornwell, who leads our private clients and Family Offices team, engages with philanthropy consultant Diego Estrada to explore how private foundations and grant-makers can boost their impact sustainably. They discuss enhancing operations and governance, fostering trust-based partnerships, and why Switzerland stands out as a hub for innovation and talent. Diego shares insights on trends, common challenges like due diligence and oversight, and practical ways to measure results. His advice: work together, avoid reinventing the wheel—and act swiftly.

In episode 24 of our Family Business Stories Podcast, PwC’s Lisa Cornwell talks to Gilles Erulin, a longstanding family office practitioner and founder of Westwick Melrose & Cromwell (WMC), a hands-on consulting firm that supports families with family offices in managing extraordinary situations. Among other things, they look at Gilles’s learnings from decades at Financiere Pinault, the family office of billionaire businessman Francois Pinault and his children – including family office mergers and acquisitions and the challenges of succession in a wealthy business-owning family.

A lot of family offices are well equipped to run their ordinary business. It’s when something suddenly pops up or starts nagging the family that they may not have the team in place to deal with the situation. In these circumstances, WMC can provide valuable expertise, such as supporting the family in navigating a merger or acquisition in an unfamiliar jurisdiction, or facilitating the transition from the first to the second generation.  Gilles also talks about the challenges of ensuring proper corporate governance in family offices without detracting from the uniqueness of the family itself – in other words, preserving the family’s right to be different.
Is your family office faced with a major transition or an extraordinary situation? Check out the podcast to find out how experienced practitioners can help you negotiate circumstances that depart from daily business.