Two minutes with Johan van Niekerk, Head of Family Office US   

Johan van Niekerk,  August 21, 2024

Given the geopolitical circumstances around the world, , the international movement of wealthy people is picking up again. The main drivers of this trend, though, are changing. Previously, tax was a key consideration. Today, it is a lower priority as people migrate for education, opportunity and lifestyle, among other things. A tight family bond is increasingly important to our clients, many of whom are moving to be closer to their children and grandchildren. The result is greater collaboration across the generations.

The United States remain a hub for entrepreneurs and innovation. Although it is still a big drawing card to the economically active generations of our client families, we are seeing a shift away from the traditional venture capital centres to other areas. South Florida, in particular, continues to draw interest from within the US, Europe and Latin America.

Stonehage Fleming has a deep understanding of inter-generational, cross-border wealth. As a business, our roots were planted by entrepreneurial families and we have gone on to partner with internationally mobile families over many generations. This origin story appeals to entrepreneurial families seeking a like-minded partner. In the US, we are building out our Family Office offering to meet the requirements of our growing client base here.

Our offering is attractive in the market. With a sixth generation family at our core, we are an entirely independent international Family Office, meeting the needs of families with both domestic and international affairs. This unique profile has real appeal for many of our clients and we have been fortunate to serve many of the world’s foremost families over the years.

North America is in our DNA. Our founder, Robert Fleming, cemented his family’s future by investing in the US, then an emerging market. Today, the US is home to the largest ultra-high net worth population in the world whose specific requirements we are perfectly placed and ready to serve.

Johan is a Partner of the Stonehage Fleming Group and heads up our Family Office division in the US.

About Stonehage Fleming

Stonehage Fleming is adviser to many of the world’s leading families and wealth creators. It manages and protects their wealth, often across several geographies and generations.

Stonehage Fleming has been privileged to support its clients including the Fleming Family over several decades, in the process bringing together talented professionals to offer a range of skills and capabilities rarely found in one firm. Acting as a full-service Family Office, or working in conjunction with other trusted advisers, Stonehage Fleming is able to draw on over 40 years of practical experience helping discerning clients address the challenges of creating and preserving wealth.

Stonehage Fleming has been entrusted by its clients with the management, fiduciary oversight and administration of in excess of US$170bn.  It offers its services from 19 offices in 14 geographies.

Independently owned by management, staff and a publicly quoted family investment trust with a patient capital philosophy, its goals are precisely aligned with those of the clients they serve.

stonehagefleming.com