On Tuesday 24 February 2026, the Mishcon de Reya Private team hosted the third edition of its flagship Private Perspectives Conference, which this year addressed a wide range of issues and topics centred around trust.
The conference comprised a panel session featuring leading experts from different practice areas, as well as interactive workshops covering a broad range of themes and topics.
Watch the highlights
Why is trust considered more valuable - and more fragile - than ever today?
We are surrounded by more information than at any point in history, yet many feel less anchored, less certain, and less confident in the institutions designed to protect them. Opinions present themselves as facts, facts become distorted, and clients struggle to know who and what to believe. Trust becomes incredibly valuable in that environment – precious but easily lost.
Takeaway: Slow the pace and cut through the noise. Clients need clarity, honesty and calm judgement more than ever.
How do misinformation and information overload undermine modern trust?
The blurring of lines between journalism, opinion and misinformation makes modern decision-making challenging Synthetic media, deepfakes and AI generated content undermine traditional verification, making “seeing is believing” redundant. The press can compound the problem, selectively framing information or chasing sensationalism. For some clients, this results in panic, confusion or reluctance to act.
Takeaway: Encourage clients to pause, verify and rely on independently grounded information. Advisers must challenge inaccuracies and provide the context clients struggle to find elsewhere.
Why do trusted human relationships still matter in a technology-driven world?
Despite rapid technological change, trust is still built on human connection. Clients turn to advisers for clear thinking, candid advice and support through moments where the stakes feel high. Silence or avoidance erodes trust quickly; candour—even when difficult—strengthens it. Understanding what clients truly need, not just what they ask for, remains central to good advice.
Takeaway: Prioritise open communication and honest challenge. Human judgement and empathy remain irreplaceable.
What role do communication, governance, and transparency play in maintaining trust?
When relationships fracture - between spouses, trustees and beneficiaries, or within families - disputes can escalate quickly. Clients often perceive the family courts as opaque or unpredictable, especially given the discretionary nature of English family law. This can fuel fear at moments when individuals already feel vulnerable. Similarly, within trusts or charitable structures, unclear governance, silence or conflicting duties can allow tensions to grow unchecked.
Takeaway: Communicate early, explain processes clearly and put governance frameworks in place that manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings from taking root.
Why is trust in systems - legal, political, regulatory - under mounting pressure?
Many clients come from jurisdictions with limited trust in government or the rule of law, and historically viewed the UK as a safe harbour. But sudden policy shifts, geopolitical instability and perceived inconsistency across Western democracies have led clients to ask more searching questions about where their families and wealth will be safest. They want advisers who can think beyond the here and now, offering perspective on what the world might look like in five or ten years.
Takeaway: Offer long-term perspective without fuelling anxiety. Help clients understand what they can control, engage constructively with policymakers, and focus on stable, well reasoned planning.
Why are privacy and reputation becoming central to modern trust discussions?
Many clients fear loss of privacy, whether through court proceedings, the press accessing sensitive information, or online scrutiny. The rise of NDAs alongside family settlements reflects this concern. At the same time, reputational crises can escalate rapidly if not managed well. Being unprepared leaves clients exposed; silence creates a vacuum that others will fill.
Takeaway: Encourage clients to maintain digital hygiene, monitor their online footprint and have a response plan in place before issues arise. Speed, authenticity and preparation are essential.