FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a PWFO?
A "Private Wealth & Family Office" (PWFO) is an individual or firm which provides independent, financial & non-financial services to (typically High & Ultra High Net Worth) individuals, families and organisations.
What specifically does a PWFO do?
The core objective of a PWFO is to support the provisions of a holistic independent accounting service that supports clients’ wealth related decisions in:
- Creation
- Safe-guarding
- Risk-return Performance
- Succession Planning
They never provide Financial Advice on investments, instead the role of a PWFO is to oversee their clients' personal wealth management.
This may involve working with investment advisers, custodians, and lawyers to ensure that the client has the most suitable products and services for their lifetime objectives
What is the PWFO Association?
The Private Wealth & Family Office (PWFO) Association is a community of members joining forces to become protectors of private clients and families by providing services that incorporate Swiss Standard and United Nations Sustainable Goals in wealth creation, protection, growth and succession planning.
The aim of the Association is to take a successful business model pioneered by Swiss Private Wealth & Family Office experts and pass it on to professionals who are keen to develop their client base or network, to expand into more lucrative business areas and to develop their reputation as trusted advisors.
What services does the PWFO Association provide to its members?
The PWFO Association provides a range of services that support, promote, form and train qualified professionals to provide Private Wealth and Family Office solutions. These include:
- Online courses
- Classes & Workshops
- Private Coaching
- Webinars
- Office solutions
- International Networking Opportunities
- Marketing & Branding
- Conference Support
- Professional Sales Support
Why should professionals join the Association?
Due to competition from artificial intelligence and the global economy; professionals are under ever increasing pressure to find new sources of business. For that, new tools and ideas are required.
As individuals and families continue to lose trust in the traditional Financial Services, 'Family Offices' as well as the Family Office Market will continue to grow.
Specifically because of their professionalism and experience, professionals are in a unique position to service this market.
The PWFO association provides a tried and tested vehicle to allow professionals to use their skills to move into and profit in and from this rapidly growing market.
How can professionals become members of the PWFO Association as a PWFO?
There are currently 2 categories of PWFO membership.
- PWFO Associate Member - These are qualified professionals who have not yet been granted Fellow Member status yet.
- PWFO Fellow Member - These are qualified professionals who have been granted permission to practice as a PWFO - Swiss Certified.
Permission can be obtained through the PWFO Association Governing Body either by successful completion of the 12-Step PWFO Course or by demonstration of professional competence in the field of Private Wealth & Family Office Services.
What courses does the PWFO Association currently offer?
As well as the live Career Enhancement Workshop; the PWFO Association has developed the flagship course “Qualify as a Swiss Certified Private Wealth & Family Office Practitioner in 12 practical step by step lessons” (the 12 Step PWFO Course).
How much does it cost to take the 12-step PWFO Course?
$2,400
How long does the 12-step PWFO Course take to complete and is there an examination to take?
The course is comprised of 12 chapters which requires approximately 3-5 hours of study each.
Following each chapter there is a quick multiple-choice assessment which should be completed before progressing to the next chapter. At the end of the 12 chapters a candidate will be required to complete an examination and a case study.
