Morgan Stanley
  • Wealth Management
  • December 09, 2025

Key Insights from the WISE Australia – NextGen Wealth Education Program

Recently, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Australia hosted its inaugural Wealth Education Program, WISE Australia (Wealth, Impact, Stewardship, and Empowerment).

The event brought together industry leaders and the next generation of wealth custodians for two days of learning and connection. The program was designed to expose participants to a range of topics focused on growing and safeguarding family legacies, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving landscape of wealth management.

Day 1 Highlights: Leadership, Resilience, and Strategic Wealth Planning

The program began with welcome remarks from Rebecca Hill, CEO, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Australia, who emphasised the significance of the estimated $3.5 trillion wealth transfer expected in Australia over the next two decades.

Key sessions included:

  • Leadership and Personal Resilience: Mandell Crawley, Morgan Stanley’s Executive Vice President and Chief Client Officer, shared his inspiring career journey and offered practical advice on the importance of mindset, resilience and being open to growth.

  • Asset Protection and Family Legal Structures: A panel of legal experts explored trust structures, tax considerations, and governance frameworks essential for safeguarding family wealth.

  • Investment Themes and Innovation: Discussions spanned emerging investment opportunities in AI, digital assets, private markets, and even sports and media, underscoring the importance of diversification and long-term planning.

  • Philanthropy and Social Impact: Interactive sessions explained how families can have a tangible impact that lasts for generations, through philanthropic giving.

The day reinforced the importance of resilience, proactive risk management, and planning to preserve and grow wealth across generations.

 

 

Day 2 Highlights: Philanthropy in Action and Passion-Driven Investments

Day 2 shifted focus to hands-on experiences and lifestyle investments, blending purpose with passion.

  • Hands-On Philanthropy: Participants assembled prosthetic hands for recipients in developing countries - a powerful reminder of the impact of collective action. With over 3–4 million people worldwide in need, this initiative showcased how one hour of commitment can transform lives.

  • Passion-Driven Investments:
    • Luxury and Innovation: Discussions explored how heritage brands are embracing sustainability and technology, signalling a shift toward environmentally conscious luxury experiences.

    • Fine Wine: Collectible wines were showcased as both emotional and financial assets, with rare vintages and curated collections highlighted for their potential to appreciate in value over the long term.

    • Art and Collectibles: Record-breaking auction results underscored the enduring appeal of fine art and unique collectibles as alternative investment classes, offering portfolio diversification.

  • Succession Planning: Experts reinforced that successful wealth transfer is not just about financial structures but about communication and governance. The session covered:

    • Developing family charters that outline shared values, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution mechanisms.

    • Creating governance frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability across generations.

    • Engaging heirs early through education and mentorship, preparing them for stewardship roles and reducing the risk of breakdowns often caused by misaligned expectations.

The NextGen Wealth Education Program underscored that preparing for the future of wealth is not just about financial acumen - it’s about fostering resilience, purpose, and collaboration to ensure lasting impact across generations.

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