COVID-19

Wealthy families, foundations and individuals with an estimated total net worth of $328 billion are accelerating their interests in sustainable and impact investing to an unprecedented level, propelled by the Covid-19 pandemic and climate crisis.

An overwhelming majority surveyed by Campden Wealth in 2021 said the transition to net-zero emission was the “greatest commercial opportunity of our age”. Investors were aligning their portfolios with their climate-conscious commitments and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

In the space of one year, social awareness has escalated and brought the world together in dealing with the health, financial and commercial impact of Covid-19. The way businesses work has changed. How they engage with other people has changed. Their expectations of the companies with whom they choose to do business have grown and intensified.

This has energised businesses of many types to reflect on their purpose and values, their capability to deliver what really matters and to do so in a financially, environmentally and socially responsible way.

Marc Puig Guasch, third-generation principal of the global $1.8 billion Spanish family-owned fashion and fragrance business Puig, hails his father as a “titan with a human touch” who led by listening and brought out the best in people.

The chief executive and president of Puig went on to tell CampdenFB why the family is determined to retain control and grow the enterprise but discourage its fourth generation from management.

Much has been written about "The Great Wealth Transfer" that is expected to happen over the coming years as Baby Boomers pass their wealth to next generations. Both the estimates of what value is to pass, by inheritance or gift, and the timeline over which this is to happen vary widely.