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 GovernanceGenerational TransitionNext Generation
Making Room for Third or Fourth Generation? Getting Started With the Next Generation Strategy
You have successfully transitioned the ownership from the founder to the next generation. Relationships within the ownership group of parents and siblings are strong. You know each other well and respect each other’s different personalities and strengths. Everything feels settled and in balance…
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 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 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 GovernanceNext Generation
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 GovernanceNext Generation
Lost in Translation: How to Improve Communication Within Family Ownership
The 'Greatest Wealth Transfer in History' is in full swing globally, leaving Baby Boomers and Generation X facing perhaps the greatest communication challenge of their lives.
Family GovernanceNext Generation
Part 1: Why We Should Talk Much More About Ambassadorship…
Ambassadorship in family ownership is a shared understanding of what concrete expectations we have of one another as owners - not just toward the next generation, but also toward older generations, partners, and teenagers in the family.
Next Generation
Preparing the Next Generation of the Family Business
Preparing the next generation to take over the family business can be a complex issue for both the family and the family office: When does it start? Should it be done individually or jointly? What needs to be clarified before the next generation gets involved?
Family GovernanceNext Generation
Have You Talked to Your Child (About the Wealth) Today?
One of the educational slogans of the 1980s was: Have you talked to your child today? As a parent of one or more children who will become wealthy, there are several conversations to be had. It can be difficult to decide when and how best to start preparing the next generation for the obligations and privileges ahead. That's why this article looks at how to talk to your child about their wealth – today and every day.