Cross-border wealth and estate planning have become increasingly important among high-net-worth families in the APAC region, particularly those with ties to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States, as well as ties to offshore structures in the British Virgin Islands. Often families will find themselves involved in complex interactions between civil law (China) and common law (Hong Kong, US and BVI) systems, differing inheritance rules, tax regimes, and enforcement challenges.
In view of this, on 16 April 2026, Seyfarth Shaw's private wealth practice group hosted a focused seminar in Shanghai, in collaboration with the Hawaii Tax Institute, on the importance of estate planning. The event took place at The Langham Hotel, Xintiandi, Shanghai and brought together more than 30 high-net-worth individuals, family office representatives, local service providers, bankers, and other professionals.
The seminar welcomed participants and speakers from Hong Kong (Ms. Ann Cooley and Mr. Jonathan Bok), the USA (Mr. Kurt Kawafuchi), and Shanghai (Ms. Yvonne Wang and Ms. Tina Geng), creating a rich, multinational dialogue on the complexities of managing and protecting wealth across borders, together with Seyfarth's private wealth practitioners Wan Li and Karen Lam (Hong Kong) and Alan Yoshitake (Los Angeles).
Key Topics Explored
The speakers delivered practical and timely insights on several critical areas, including:
- Cross-border estate planning – navigating the unique challenges faced by families with assets and connections in multiple jurisdictions.
- Family office collaboration – how family offices can work effectively with advisors to align long-term goals and resolving disputes if arisen.
- The importance of proactive estate planning – why high-net-worth families should act now rather than later to protect their legacy, especially with the implementation of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) for the sharing of financial information between tax authorities of different countries.
- Dispute prevention and resolution – strategies to minimize and manage family or beneficiary conflicts.
- Private wealth investment considerations – current trends and considerations in structuring and managing investments in a volatile global environment.
The discussions were well-received, with attendees engaging actively and exchanging valuable perspectives throughout the day. The combination of international expertise and local market knowledge made the sessions particularly relevant for those with assets or interests spanning across Asia and the United States.
This event reflects Seyfarth Shaw's ongoing commitment to supporting clients in the private wealth space with practical, cross-jurisdictional advice. As global tax rules, regulatory requirements, and family dynamics continue to evolve, such forums play an important role in helping families and their advisors stay ahead.
We would like to thank all speakers, our collaborating partners at the Hawaii Tax Institute, and every guest who joined us in Shanghai. We look forward to hosting more opportunities for meaningful dialogue in the future.