Read About Family Governance
At Harbour Family Governance, we regularly publish articles on the many nuances of family governance. Read more on this page or sign up to our newsletter. Do not hesitate to let us know, if you have ideas for subjects, which we should write about.
In 2023, Anne-Sofie van den Born Rehfeld and Søren Brandi, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Harbour Family Governance, published the book Generational Ownership: Family, Fortune and Family Office. The book provides insights and specific advice to families, family offices and advisers interested in family ownership and development of family offices. Generational Ownership: Family, Fortune and Family Office can be found here.
Published articles
Family GovernanceNext Generation
How to Thrive in your Ownership Role
There are many fundamentally positive aspects to carrying a legacy forward and being part of something larger than yourself. As a member of the next generation, you may experience a sense of pride in your family, a strong sense of purpose in your role, and satisfaction in acting as a capable steward of the family’s legacy, wealth and reputation on behalf of future generations. At the same time, it is equally natural to feel that the path has been mapped out before you have had the chance to define it yourself.
Family GovernanceGenerational Transition
Have you Discussed Main Character vs. Supporting Roles Within your Family Ownership?
In major Hollywood productions, casting directors receive far too little recognition for their work. Could you imagine anyone other than Al Pacino playing Don Corleone in The Godfather? Or anyone but Julia Roberts as Vivian in Pretty Woman?
Family GovernanceNext Generation
‘Goodbye, and Thanks for Everything’: De-escalating Family Conflicts
In late 2025, the Danish broadcaster DR launched a new television series titled Thanks for Nothing (Danish: Tak for ingenting). The story centres on a wealthy mother who threatens to transfer her entire fortune to a foundation, including the proceeds from selling her children’s flats and cars. Chaos unfolds during what is meant to be a celebratory birthday weekend. Her threat to establish the foundation is a final attempt to force her children to grow up and take responsibility. It may be a victory for philanthropy and the public good, but it represents a defeat for family ownership.
Family GovernanceGenerational Transition
Part 2: The Three Phases of a Strategic Generational Transition
Once you have made the decision to begin thinking about your generational transition, the real process begins. A successful transition is not only about what will happen, but about how the family approaches the task. It is the ongoing conversations, the careful planning and the step-by-step handover that gradually shape the future ownership.
Family GovernanceGenerational Transition
Part 1: Strategic Generational Transition Planning in Family Ownerships Starts Early
Generational transition planning in a family ownership goes beyond transferring shares or appointing a new CEO. It is one of the most pivotal moments in family ownership – for the family, for the business, and for the communities that rely on it.
Family GovernanceFamily Office
Bringing Your Ownership Strategy into Everyday Practice
In previous articles, we have emphasised the value of working with an ownership strategy and how to initiate the process. The intent of this article is to outline what you can do to ensure that your strategy becomes an embedded part of the day-to-day priorities and actions.
Family GovernanceNext Generation
On Being Young in a World Obsessed with Wealth
The “old money” style is trending on Instagram. At Tuxedo Society, you can pay to experience being wealthy, while “nepo babies” are eagerly followed on social media, where their closets, vacation and shopping habits are put on display. And if that’s not enough drama, there are always series like Succession, Billions and Secrets We Keep (Reservatet), where “the rich” are portrayed in less flattering ways.
Family Governance
Part 2: How to Actively Develop Family Ambassadorship
In the previous article - Part 1: Why We Should Talk Much More About Ambassadorship - we explored why ambassadorship deserves greater attention in the context of family collaboration, whether in a business, in wealth management, or within a foundation.
Family Governance
Legacy Creation: A Look at the Past, for the Sake of the Future
“Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations” - so goes Andrew Carnegie’s famous prediction for family fortunes. Fortunately, more and more wealthy families are now focusing on involving the next generation early on to provide them with a clear understanding of where the wealth came from and who worked hard to build it.
Family GovernanceGenerational Transition
Drop Retirement and Become a Next Stage Gen
The development of the next generation is a key focus area within family governance, family offices, banks, and among advisers. However, interest in the development of the current/experienced/older generation often ends once succession has taken place—or when the final full stop is written into the will.