How Global Trends are Reshaping Private Client Services and Why JTC is Ahead of the Game

Welcome to the first edition of JTC Perspectives, a monthly article in which our JTC colleagues share their insights on the latest developments in the private client space.

Times are Changing: Private Client Services in a New Era

The world, politics and economies are evolving at breakneck speed. For private client service providers, keeping up with changes is essential to be able to help individuals and families administer their wealth across borders and generations. The landscape is being reshaped by powerful global trends: digitalisation, fast-changing regulations and generational shifts. Clients are worried about volatility, inflation, political uncertainty and other macro factors. And with global private wealth projected to surpass $124 trillion by 2048, families are facing both new opportunities and growing complexity in managing their affairs.

In this article, we take a closer look at how these forces are reshaping both JTC’s internal operations and the services we deliver across key regions. Members of our global team including Mark Woodford, Senior Director Jersey, Tim Rimmer, Manager, JTC Guernsey, Victoria Pastore, Director JTC Miami and Helena Storjohann, Director JTC Geneva, share their perspectives on how JTC is proactively adapting by embracing innovative technology, fostering a values-driven culture, upskilling staff and tailoring solutions to match the ambitions of today’s new generations.

Regulation Rules the Roost

Stricter global regulations are driving significant change within firms. At JTC, we never underestimate the value of our expert compliance teams and the importance of investing in advanced digital tools to streamline cross-border processes and strengthen due diligence. For clients, this means more tailored guidance to navigate the increasingly complex international landscape, alongside greater transparency and enhanced reporting to build trust. Regulations in Jersey, for instance, continue to align with global standards and the pursuit of full transparency, emphasising the importance of robust governance and genuine substance. Mark Woodford comments: “As regulation evolves, we embrace these developments as an opportunity to live our core values of quality, consistency and professionalism, differentiating our client service as a true “hallmark of quality” and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner through integrity in delivery.”

Digital Transformation and Automation

Digital transformation is moving at lightning speed, and JTC is at the forefront, embracing automation to make processes more efficient and client experiences more seamless. Enhanced digital security is a top priority, ensuring client data is kept safe in today’s connected world. Virtual meetings and real-time interactions now bridge time zones effortlessly. As technology keeps evolving, we’re excited for the next wave of innovation and are asking: how will it continue to reshape the future of our industry?

According to a Capgemini report 2024-2025, 79% of global clients now expect fully digital real-time engagement with wealth planners and over half already use or plan to use AI-driven financial advice tools.

With wealth becoming increasingly global, JTC is expanding its international teams and networks, supporting clients wherever they are, whether relocating or managing assets across multiple continents. Clients are becoming increasingly more open to AI for financial planning, with potentially significant repercussions for current ways of working.

Mark adds: “Digital transformation is central to our client service and operational resilience. JTC continues to invest in secure, resilient digital platforms, with a strong emphasis on cyber security, data integrity and responsible adoption of AI. This commitment reflects our value of innovation, ensuring we leverage technology to deliver efficiencies, while always maintaining control, protecting our clients and building lasting confidence.”

Doing Good and Doing Well

Sustainability is much more than a buzzword. It’s a driving force behind how we work and invest. Wealthy families and individuals benefit from more opportunities to align their wealth with their values, whether through sustainable investments, impact-driven philanthropy or ethical governance. More families than ever want their legacy to be both financially and socially responsible, and at JTC, we believe you can do good and do well at the same time.  Our Jersey team notes that sustainability is becoming integral to how our clients approach long-term value creation and stewardship. Mark observes: We are committed to responsible business, long-term thinking and value-driven relationships, enabling clients to make positive, lasting decisions. Jersey clients increasingly seek succession planning that goes beyond the transactional element to reflect deeper purpose, values and generational ambitions.”

Succession with Substance

Wealth transfer is no longer just about passing assets from one generation to the next. Despite the importance they attach to inheritance planning, the 2025 EY Global Wealth report  suggests that 50% of clients feel underprepared for wealth transfers. What’s more, the role of the trustee is evolving rapidly, as families and individuals seek more than traditional structuring and administration. Today’s trustees are expected to offer proactive guidance, deeper involvement in succession planning and a robust understanding of cross-border regulations and family needs. Increasingly, clients value trustees who can blend technical expertise with empathy and discretion, understanding multi-generational relationships and long-term legacy strategies.

Victoria Pastore comments: “In our Latin American offices, we see families moving away from purely transactional succession planning towards long-term, strategic frameworks that integrate governance, next-generation involvement and real economic substance. Heightened political and regulatory uncertainty across the region is accelerating asset diversification and family relocation, driving the need for cross-border structures that preserve control, continuity and flexibility across jurisdictions.”

Helena Storjohann adds: “Succession is far more than a mere transaction. It represents a transition of vision, values and responsibilities across generations, preceding the transfer of wealth and assets. In our role as trustees, we are committed to supporting clients through thoughtful guidance, taking into account their unique background, including the legal frameworks in which they operate and any potential restrictions such as forced heirship rules, as well as their core values and aspirations for the future.”

“Our approach is grounded in experience, foresight and transparent communication and a willingness to adapt and ensure that legacy evolves alongside changing circumstances. We prioritise listening to and understanding each individual and family’s circumstances, building trusted relationships and having a comprehensive understanding of the relevant legal environment and its implications. Ultimately, the execution of asset transfers is the culmination of a long-term, carefully considered process, designed to ensure continuity and lasting impact across generations.”

JTC is well-positioned to support these changing expectations, by providing a highly personalised service, access to global experts and tailored solutions that go beyond conventional trust administration.

Investing Outside the Box

Alternative assets and crypto are gaining popularity. The 2023 EY Global Wealth Research Report notes that traditional investment products remain vital, but 51% of clients now have some exposure to alternative investments. We’re implementing robust risk management frameworks to ensure accurate valuations and secure custody, always staying compliant with regulations and work with our extensive network of experts to reduce potential risks and vulnerabilities by managing, investing and preserving assets both in the short and the long-term. Mark says: “In Jersey, we are seeing a growing client interest in alternative assets, including emerging classes such as crypto. Jersey’s regulatory stability and JTC’s commitment to governance, transparency and oversight enable us to offer solutions that manage complexity responsibly, supporting our values of expertise, accountability and innovation in navigating change.” Victoria adds: “Latin American families are increasingly allocating capital to alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, private credit and digital assets as part of broader global diversification strategies. In an environment of market volatility and evolving regulation, these investments – including crypto, particularly driven by next-generation interest, require robust structuring, family governance and operational oversight to balance innovation with risk management and long-term capital preservation.”

The financial landscape is evolving at speed, and we recognise the impact these innovative investments will have on the future of wealth planning.

Day Jobs or Dynasties – Gen Z Challenges Tradition

Whether forging their own paths or stepping into family legacies, young people today want more than just money. They seek meaning, technology and impact.

This digital-first, tech-savvy generation expects streamlined systems, remote access, collaboration tools and automation. JTC is meeting the moment by investing in modern workplace technology, supporting flexible working models and offering digital upskilling programmes. Gen Z also values sustainability, diversity, inclusion and ethical business practices, and JTC is building a values-led culture that appeals to top talent. Their desire for career progression and meaningful work drives us to offer mentoring, transparency and opportunities for staff to contribute to impactful projects. Tim Rimmer notes: “Gen Z employees at JTC value diversity, inclusivity and meaningful work, seeking opportunities that align with their personal growth and social impact. JTC Guernsey attracts and empowers Gen Z talent by fostering an inclusive workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being and personal growth. Additionally, JTC Guernsey embeds flexibility in work arrangements to encourage work-life balance, including hybrid work options and wellness initiatives.”

Meanwhile, the next generation of young heirs is reshaping client expectations. Digital engagement, secure portals, instant reporting, virtual meetings have all become the norm. Purpose-driven advisory, ESG investing and structures to support activism and innovation are in high demand. Many young heirs are also seeking next-gen education in finance, investing and family governance. In response, JTC Private Office recently formed a partnership with SDA Bocconi School of Management to help families shape their legacies for the future.

The next generation, both as clients and colleagues, seek purpose, transparency and digitally enabled engagement. JTC is evolving culture and talent strategy to attract, develop and empower Gen Z, while preserving our hallmarks of professional excellence and integrity.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The content of this article is intended for general information purposes only. It does not constitute, should not be interpreted as constituting and cannot be relied upon as providing (i) legal, investment or tax advice or any other form of professional advice, (ii) an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any service or any other product or service regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this article. JTC has sought to ensure that the information provided in the article is adequate, accurate and complete as at the time of publication but offers no assertion or warranty as to its adequacy, accuracy or completeness either at the time of publication or thereafter. No responsibility or liability will be accepted for any losses resulting from reliance placed upon the content of this article.

For full details of those JTC Group entities that carry on regulated business and certain other JTC Group entities, please visit our website:

www.jtcgroup.com/legal-and-regulatory.

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