The 13 Gold Standards
What drives a family business forward.
Designed and built with families
Each of the 13 was designed and built, informed by families. They also draw on international and regional practice.
Why they matter
This assessment helps family businesses understand the levers that support continuity, clearer decision-making, and stronger alignment. It is designed to reduce uncertainty and risk by showing where key governance practices are already strong and where focused attention may help.
The 13 sit under seven foundations. Each one opens its guides in the Library.
Foundation 1: Purpose and family capital
Purpose and family values
Family values and shared purpose sustaining unity, cohesion and a multi-generational path.
Guides on Purpose and family valuesPhilanthropy and social impact
Structured philanthropic initiatives channelling family values into community impact.
Guides on Philanthropy and social impact
Foundation 2: Ownership
Ownership, benefits and control set-up
Durable structures such as HoldCos and trusts, with clear voting rights and ownership governance.
Guides on Ownership, benefits and control set-upExit liquidity mechanisms
Exit options for shareholders, such as valuation and internal markets, without destabilising control.
Guides on Exit liquidity mechanisms
Foundation 3: Governance
Conflicts and dispute prevention and resolution
Defined frameworks for dispute prevention and resolution, protecting business continuity.
Guides on Conflicts and dispute prevention and resolutionFamily governance mechanisms
Formal family bodies such as a Family Council and committees for family-related decisions.
Guides on Family governance mechanismsBusiness governance mechanisms
A structured Board with independent directors and defined professional management access criteria.
Guides on Business governance mechanisms
Foundation 4: Professionalisation and leadership
Professional talent management
Structured programmes ensuring professional talent growth and leadership development.
Guides on Professional talent management
Foundation 5: Succession
Next-gen development
Defined pathways for next-gen education, mentoring and professional development.
Guides on Next-gen developmentFamily succession planning
Defined criteria, triggers and plans for family and ownership succession.
Guides on Family succession planningBusiness succession planning
A structured plan with clear requirements for governance and management leadership transitions.
Guides on Business succession planning
Foundation 6: Strategy and portfolio growth
Strategy setting, review and innovation
A clear long-term vision and recurring strategy process, including an AI and digital disruption agenda.
Guides on Strategy setting, review and innovation
Foundation 7: Family Office and stewardship
Stewardship, wealth preservation and expansion
A professional Family Office managing investments and wealth, institutionalising stewardship.
Guides on Stewardship, wealth preservation and expansion
Educational only, not legal advice