Reflections from Cannes: Protecting Distinguished Families, Preserving Reputation, and Adding Lasting Value at the Global Family Office Investment Summit.

This week, I had the privilege of attending the Global Family Office Investment Summit in Cannes, an event that has rightly become one of the world’s most respected gatherings for ultra-high-net-worth families, royal households, family offices, and their most trusted advisors.

The summit, led with passion and precision by Anthony Ritossa, was not just another meeting of minds. It was a place where legacies were discussed, responsibilities acknowledged, and new opportunities explored. The calibre of those in the room — families whose decisions shape industries, economies, and futures — was matched by the quality of the conversations that unfolded.

Speaking to a Distinguished Audience

It was both an honour and a responsibility to address such a distinguished audience. My message was clear: protecting families of wealth is not only about security — it is about preserving reputation, safeguarding legacy, and ensuring that every layer of support truly adds value.

Throughout my career, spanning more than 20 years across over 100 countries, I have witnessed firsthand that the most successful families are not those who simply react to challenges, but those who prepare for them. Preparation, discretion, and trust are the true foundations of lasting protection.

I shared with the audience that the essence of protection is not only about ensuring safety in the present, but about creating confidence for the future. It is about giving families the freedom to focus on their purpose and pursuits, knowing that their reputation, continuity, and wellbeing are being looked after with the highest standards of care.

Adding Value Beyond Protection

Another point I emphasised was that true protection must always add value. It should not be an additional burden or a visible shadow, but a seamless layer of support that enhances a family’s ability to live, travel, host, and operate with confidence.

Whether in residences, during travel, or at events, value is added when protective measures are discreet, culturally aware, and aligned with the lifestyle and reputation of the families they serve. The right structures do not limit — they enable. They allow families to enjoy their lives and sustain their legacies without interruption or compromise.

Gratitude and Continuity

I am deeply grateful to Anthony Ritossa and his exceptional team for orchestrating a summit that continues to raise the bar for meaningful global dialogue. Their dedication and vision create an environment where families and advisors can come together, exchange insights, and look ahead with clarity.

For me, the summit was also a reminder that while wealth may open doors, it also invites challenges. And in those challenges lies the opportunity for advisors like us to deliver real value — by protecting not just people, but the reputation and continuity that underpin everything they have built.

The conversations we began in Cannes will continue, and I look forward to building on them at future summits.

Because true protection is never just about the present moment. It is about safeguarding the future, ensuring that reputation and legacy endure — quietly, confidently, and without compromise.

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Glen Burton

Chief Executive Officer

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Ascot Privé is a global advisory firm built around four integrated pillars — Risk Consulting & Advisory, Protective Support & Integration, Training & Readiness, and Stress Testing & Assessments. We deliver discreet, expert led support across residence, travel, and business, and remain trusted for our oversight at high-level events worldwide.