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The Things That Matter

Issue 6: September 2025

The Things That Matter

Editor's note

Simon Chadwick

Welcome to The Things That Matter, keeping you up to date with the newest developments and insights in the constantly changing family office and private client sector.  Learn more about The Things That Matter.

In this issue, we have explored a range of topics including the importance of reputational resilience for ultra-high-net-worth families to protect their legacy, how arbitration can offer an alternative to court proceedings for resolving family business disputes and the Law Commission’s proposed reforms to modernise wills law in England.

We took an in-depth look at the English country house market in 2025, the abolition of the Shareholder Rule, the new "failure to prevent fraud" offence, and how politically motivated prosecutions can threaten high-profile individuals, and how the UK asylum system offers protection in such cases. We also examined the key legal, ethical, and practical steps collectors should take to responsibly future-proof art and cultural collections ahead of the upcoming inter-generational wealth transfer. 

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Abstract staircase

Beyond wealth – the importance of reputational resilience

In this article, we look at the growing importance of reputational resilience for ultra-high-net-worth families and family offices. With increasing scrutiny, digital risks, and complex family dynamics, reputation is as vital as wealth preservation. We explore practical strategies for building resilience through planning, communication, and governance, emphasising the need for crisis preparation and unified messaging to protect both legacy and future prosperity.

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UK House in rural location

The long read: the country house market in H1 2025

We provide an in-depth analysis of the shifting landscape of the English country house market in 2025, based on insights from leading agents, exploring current market trends, challenges, and buyer behaviour, with a focus on pricing trends, regional trends, energy efficiency, planning and renovation issues plus more.

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Last will form with gavel. Decision, financial close up

The will for change

In this article, we discuss three of the key proposals in the Law Commission's Modernising Wills Law Project, including the proposals for a single capacity test, abolishing automatic will revocation upon marriage, and allowing 16-year-olds to make wills, as well as considering concerns around implementation of the proposals.

News
Family office - old boardroom

Arbitration – a suitable means of resolving family business disputes?

Our experts examine how family business disputes require a tailored approach, with arbitration offering a private, flexible, and often quicker alternative to court proceedings. We look at the benefits of confidentiality, the ability to preserve family relationships and business interests, and the range of remedies available.

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abstract architecture

Failure to prevent fraud

Our specialists study the new "failure to prevent fraud" offence, which from September 2025 will require large organisations to have effective anti-fraud measures or face prosecution. We highlight what this means for private clients with complex business interests, and why early action to review structures and ensure compliance is now essential.

News
a painting on the wall

Future-proofing your collections ahead of the inter-generational wealth transfer

In this article, our art experts look at the key considerations for collectors ahead of the coming inter-generational wealth transfer, focusing on art and cultural objects. We explore the importance of collection management, provenance research, and due diligence, as well as the legal, ethical, and tax implications of passing assets to the next generation.

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abstract white building

The abolition of the Shareholder Rule: What next for family businesses?

Our experts look at how the abolition of the Shareholder Rule changes the way family businesses handle legal privilege and information sharing. Shareholders can no longer access privileged company documents in litigation, making it vital for family firms to review governance and manage expectations around transparency.

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When politics and prosecution collide: Protection for prominent individuals

We consider how high-profile and high-net-worth individuals can face politically motivated criminal allegations, even in seemingly stable jurisdictions. Using the recent UK asylum case of Lee Hsien Yang as an example, we explore how asylum can offer vital protection, and highlight the importance of early planning, asset protection, and coordinated legal strategies for those at risk of political persecution.

Event
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The transatlantic move

Book now

Join us for a panel event where speakers from across Mishcon Private will delve into a case study based on the 'transatlantic move' which will span a wide array of private client issues that people may face when relocating from the US to the UK.

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