Nairobi Private Wealth Conference Digest

We were delighted to partner with Tarra Agility Africa for the inaugural Nairobi Private Wealth Conference. 

The conference highlighted both the enormous potential and unique challenges facing African wealth management – from the complexities of cross-border investment within Africa to currency volatility and the need for sophisticated platforms tailored to local market realities.

What struck attendees most was the recognition that African wealth management requires African solutions, adapted to local regulations, cultural contexts, and market dynamics. The energy and insights shared reinforced the importance of developing indigenous expertise and strategies that can unlock the continent's wealth management potential.

KEY CONFERENCE MOMENTS:

From the Investment World

Kariuki Ngari, CEO of Standard Chartered Kenya, shares his thoughts for 2025, emphasizing the importance of staying calm during market volatility and the power of proper diversification strategies.

Key Points:

• Why high net worth clients shouldn't panic over global market volatility 

• The importance of maintaining confidence during uncertain times 

• Strategic diversification across US, European, and Asian equities 

• Choosing the right wealth management partner 

• Beyond traditional options: treasury bills, bank rates, and land investments

From Family Law and Asset Protection

Olive Gathoni, Keystone Law's family wealth expert, discusses often-overlooked aspects of wealth protection, including marriage, divorce, and family law considerations. Learn why pre-nups and proper family planning are crucial for preserving generational wealth.

Key Points:

• Compliance with offshore structure rules 

• The importance of holistic legal advice 

• Pre-nups and post-nups for wealth protection 

• Risks of family wealth dilution through divorce 

• Getting comfortable with mortality and wealth planning conversations 

• Why family law is critical to wealth preservation

From Tax & Succession Planning

Beatrice Njeri and Marjorie Kivuva from Tarra Agility Partners discuss advanced tax planning strategies using offshore holding companies, particularly in low-tax jurisdictions like the UAE. This expert discussion reveals how proper structuring can result in significant capital gains tax and stamp duty savings on business exits.

Key Points: 

• Advantages of holding companies in low-tax jurisdictions 

• How UAE structures can eliminate capital gains tax on exits 

• Saving on stamp duty through proper structuring 

• The urgent need for African wealth holders to plan ahead 

• Creating governance structures that outlast the founder 

• Generational wealth transfer strategies

Didier Viney & Terry Antoinette from DTOS reveal why professional guidance is essential and how wealth can disappear quickly without the right strategies.

Key Points:

• The critical importance of professional advisors in wealth preservation 

• Why entrepreneurs shouldn't go it alone in financial planning 

• Building rapport and trust with your wealth management team 

• Face-to-face consultation benefits over virtual meetings 

• Access to best-in-class expertise across multiple fields

From Dubai Real Estate

Rohit Bachani Co-Founder of Merlin Real Estate reveals a fascinating shift in how African family offices approach Dubai real estate investment, from a status symbol to a primary strategic option.

Key Points:

• The fundamental human need for real estate investment 

• How Dubai has become the #1 choice for African family offices

• The evolution from status symbol to strategic investment 

• Why family offices now prioritize Dubai real estate 

• Building wealth through real estate from your first salary 

• The psychology behind real estate as a wealth foundation

From Citizenship & Residency Options

Jeremy Savory, CEO & Founder of Savory and Partners, explains why concentrating all your investments in one country is a critical mistake, especially in today's de-globalizing world. This powerful interview covers the importance of global exposure through assets, businesses, and even citizenship.

Key Points: 

• Why single-country investment strategies are dangerous 

• How Trump tariffs demonstrate the need for global diversification 

• The strategic value of UAE exposure and alternative passports 

• Why you need a second nationality BEFORE you need it 

• Separating risk across multiple jurisdictions