In times of economic uncertainty, the world needs its finest thought leaders, game-changing entrepreneurs, wealthiest individuals and family dynasties to work together to create a fruitful future – and His Excellency Sir Anthony Ritossa’s Global Family Office Investment Summit allows exactly that.
Under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, leading investors and astute business professionals convened at the two-day summit in Monaco.
Hosted at the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel, the 15th iteration welcomed more than 400 family offices across 30 countries representing some US$4.5 trillion in collective wealth.
Sir Anthony was also presented the Grand Cross from the Royal Order of Banu Assaf by His Highness Prince Mahmoud Salah Al Din Assaf where Sir Anthony was bestowed with the title of His Excellency.
“The pandemic proved that individuals of great wealth must work together for a better tomorrow.” – HE Sir Anthony Ritossa
Described as the most influential gathering of family wealth, sheikhs, private investors, prestigious family offices and royal families came together at a time when the world may be restricted but “family office investing is not quarantined”.
“In Monaco, the Global Family Office Investment Summit proved once again to be the foremost global gathering of elite family offices and high-profile private investors,” Ritossa says. “Meeting in person, exchanging rich thought leadership, ensuring safe investing, legacy building and making the world a better place is a conscious power families possess.
“The pandemic proved that individuals of great wealth must work together for a better tomorrow.”
Artificial intelligence in the investment industry, technology, co-investment opportunities, future of work, fintech, philanthropy, energy and global inclusion were among the topics discussed by participants, which included a record number of attendees from the UAE, Saudi Arabi and Bahrain.
Following the pandemic, trust, commitment, respect and transformation are seen as the most pressing themes for the world’s elite.
Experiencing the interesting panel discussions and superb networking opportunities were a number of esteemed delegates including Markus Lehner, Chairman of the 15th Global Family Office Investment Summit, Principal of the Markus Lehner Organisation and Founder of Lehner Investments, Monaco; Grand Ambassador HRH Prince Michel de Yougoslavie, grandson of King Umberto of Italy and Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, Monaco; Mohamed Al Ali, CEO and Advisor of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum International Investments Enterprise, UAE; Frédéric C Geerts, Managing Director of Rothschild Martin Maurer, Monaco; Dana Al Salem, CEO of Merit Capital and Co-Founder of Yahoo Europe, UK; Sidney Wheatley, CIO, Private Office of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Kingdom of Bahrain; HRH Prince Juan Jorge de Bagration-Mukhrani, Georgia; Nick Spanos, Bitcoin Pioneer, Chairman of Blockchain Center, Miami, and Founder of Bitcoin Center, New York; Mika Häkkinen, Former Multiple Formula 1 World Champion (Lotus and McLaren); Ahmad AR BinDawood, CEO, Danube & BinDawood, BinDawood Holding, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Majed M Al Tahan, CEO and Co-Founder of Danube online and CEO and Founder of AYM Commerce, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Xavier de Sarrau, General Partner, Gordon S Blair Offices, Switzerland and Monaco; Hervé Ordioni, President of the Monaco Financial Sector Promotion Commission within the Monaco Association for Financial Activities (AMAF) and CEO of Edmond de Rothschild; and H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It’s this web of expertise that forms the future of the global community as a whole.
With some of the planet’s brightest minds in one room, discussions about investing with confidence during global transformation were held to uncover the best ways to invest in a rich legacy and leave a positive impact on humanity.
One of the core topics discussed was Monaco’s world-famous US$140 billion international marketplace, which is thriving despite the pandemic. It is even believed to be an emerging Wall Street of Europe.
While it is the second-best time to invest in bitcoin, AI and machine-based learning are also playing crucial roles in shaping the future. Seen as essential applications for sectors including ecommerce and manufacturing, AI provides new ways to make predictions on large data sets.
There was also a large focus on multi-generational success. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving away from its dependence on oil and gas in favour of new sectors including food security, vertical farming and technology. Sharing his expertise on the topic was Sheikh Obeid Wahib Binzagr, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who is a G4 member of Beit Binzagr – one of the oldest trading companies in Saudi Arabia. The aggressive investor ventures into progressive industries such as subscription-based ecommerce, end-to-end logistics solutions and smart parking, as well as traditional avenues.
Many individuals are beginning to focus on preparing for the next generation of success by teaching their children about new opportunities. These NextGen leaders will educate their children in order for the dynasties to prosper.