Mourant Trusts and Private Wealth Forum 2026: Key themes from Jersey and Guernsey

Our 2026 Trusts and Private Wealth Forum brought together leading advisers, trustees, litigators and private wealth professionals in Jersey and Guernsey to explore one of the defining challenges facing wealthy families today: how to preserve and govern wealth successfully across generations.

Across the two forums, members of our teams were joined by expert speakers to examine the legal, regulatory and practical issues affecting family wealth structures. Discussions highlighted the latest developments in Channel Islands law, the evolving regulatory landscape for trustees, and the increasing complexity of managing fiduciary responsibilities in an environment of heightened transparency and scrutiny.

Panels considered the challenges of transferring control of wealth and businesses between generations, with speakers exploring governance structures, leadership development, ownership transitions and the risks that can arise when expectations are unclear.

The programmes also placed particular emphasis on the importance of family governance and navigating difficult conversations, recognising that interpersonal dynamics can be as significant as legal and tax considerations in determining a family’s long-term success.

Both forums also explored the impact of major life events, including divorce and death, on trusts, estates and family structures. Speakers shared perspectives on the legal risks these events can create and the strategies available to protect wealth and minimise conflict.

Looking beyond the Channel Islands, discussions turned to how global developments are influencing private wealth clients and advisers.

The events concluded with a keynote address from Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE, whose reflections on leadership, resilience and sustained success provided a fitting close to two days of discussion focused on continuity, stewardship and long-term achievement.

We were also delighted to invite members from Jersey Spartan Athletic Club and Guernsey Athletic Club to our events, where they got to meet and speak to Sally, hopefully inspiring similar stellar performances at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Together, the Jersey and Guernsey forums underscored the increasingly interconnected nature of legal, regulatory and family considerations in private wealth planning, while reinforcing the importance of governance, communication and forward-thinking leadership in safeguarding wealth for future generations.

We would like to thank all of our guests, speakers and sponsors, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year.

To find out more about any of the topics or themes covered in the events, please get in touch.