Journal
Thought leadership and industry insights from our community and our partners.
AYU events, lifestyle, adventure and membership perks.
AYU Spotlight: Kelley Megale of Canoe Intelligence, Head of Wealth Management & Multi Family office, EMEA
This interview with Kelley Megale explores her journey to Canoe Intelligence and her work expanding Canoe’s presence across Europe. From starting her career in the US to making the pivotal move to London, Kelley reflects on the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her path. We also discuss her perspective on the evolving family office landscape and the future of private markets.
AYU Family Office Advisors' Lunch: Tax and Legal for global families
We recently held two private dining lunches in Miami and New York, bringing together a select group of family office advisors and decision-makers for thoughtful discussion and connection.
Hosted with the support of Jersey Finance, the intimate gatherings focused on the evolving tax and legal considerations facing global families in today’s increasingly complex international landscape.
AI for Family Offices
An insightful brunch recently hosted to continue our AI in Investment Management series, bringing together family office professionals and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of investment management.
The conversation explored a range of topics, from how firms can collaborate on AI initiatives rather than operating in silos, to the growing importance of security, governance, and trusted partnerships when implementing AI solutions within family offices.
The Illiquidity Crisis: Democratized and Distressed
Matthias Keingesser of PLEXUS Research, looking at the “Illiquidity Crisis,” highlights how private credit is shifting from perceived stability to visible stress as redemption gates, PIK heavy earnings, and opaque valuations converge. What was once deferred through structural tools like extensions and mark-to-myth pricing is now surfacing in real time, revealing a system where liquidity risk, not just credit risk, is becoming the central pressure point.
Understanding Crypto Hedge Fund Returns: Why they are high and why they make sense
3iQ harnesses the inefficiencies of a young, fragmented crypto market to deliver exceptional hedge fund returns - capturing early-stage opportunities that have historically defined every major asset class.
AI as Both Attacker and Defender — Why I Think This Is a Reality Financial Services Shouldn't Ignore
George Ralph from RFA looks at AI as both attacker and defender arguing this is a reality financial services cannot afford to ignore as increasingly sophisticated threats like deepfake fraud and hyper personalized phishing outpace traditional defenses, forcing firms to adopt AI-driven security while carefully managing the new risks the technology itself introduces.
AYU Ski 2026
AYU Ski brought together an exceptional group of 45 guests from leading family offices and the alternatives industry across the globe for an intimate, energising and distinctly fun alpine experience in Gstaad.
AI Risk: What Firms Should Worry About vs What They Shouldn’t
George Ralph of RFA explores how firms should assess and manage real AI risks, while avoiding over-prioritising less critical concerns that can hinder adoption.
The AYU Family Office Summit Switzerland
On March 5th 2026, the AYU Family Office Summit Switzerland brought together an exceptional group of family offices, investors and founders in the heart of the Swiss Alps for a day of focused investment dialogue, collaboration and new opportunity.
Dealing With The Rising Burden of Cyber Rules on Financial Services
George Ralph of RFA details why cybersecurity regulations continue to evolve, and shares practical strategies that financial firms can use to stay compliant, reduce risk, and turn compliance into a long-term advantage.
How Financial Firms Can Choose the Right AI Provider
George Ralph of RFA outlines the key considerations financial firms should weigh when selecting an AI provider, from security and compliance to scalability, transparency, and vendor risk.
Forecasting IPO Momentum and Deal Activity Beyond 2025
AlphaSense explores the 2025 IPO and deal boom, drawing on research and expert insights to assess momentum into 2026, and includes a guide to streamline deal-screening workflows.
AYU Drinks Tasting, powered by CoreBev
On December 1st, AYU hosted a Drinks Tasting with CoreBev, bringing together a select group of family offices and investors for an evening of insight, flavour, and networking.
Held at Molyvos, a restaurant renowned for its warm Greek hospitality and island-inspired cuisine, guests enjoyed a curated tasting of CoreBev’s award-winning Connecticut Distilling portfolio paired with Mediterranean small plates and cocktails.
AYU Family Office Principals’ Retreat with ÀNI Private Resorts
There are destinations that offer a beautiful backdrop, and then there are rare places that manage to create a genuine shift in how people feel, connect, and engage with each other. Our recent family office retreat at ÀNI Private Resort Thailand delivered exactly that: the kind of experience that not only resets the body and mind, but also strengthens the relationships that sit at the heart of successful private markets.
Building a Secure Cloud Foundation for Regulated Industries
George Ralph of RFA highlights the importance of strong cloud security practices for organisations in highly regulated industries, with a focus on shared responsibility and risk management.
AYU Members’ Drinks with AlphaSense
AYU members from across the alternative funds and family office community gathered on 20th November in the heart of Mayfair for our monthly drinks event. The evening provided a relaxed and welcoming setting for guests to reconnect with peers, forge new relationships, and exchange perspectives on the evolving alternatives landscape. Conversation flowed naturally as professionals from a broad range of strategies and backgrounds came together in an informal environment, further strengthening connections within the AYU community.
A huge thank you to our friends at AlphaSense for sponsoring this event.
Where Cybersecurity Budgets Go to Waste - and How to Fix It
George Ralph of RFA discusses how financial firms can avoid wasting money by taking a smarter, more strategic approach to cybersecurity spending.
Dubai Cocktails, powered by AlphaSense
AYU Dubai Cocktails, powered by AlphaSense, took place last week at The Ritz-Carlton, coinciding with the SuperReturn Middle East. The evening brought together AYU members, guests, and new connections from Dubai and the wider region for an elegant networking experience.
We are grateful to AlphaSense for sponsoring this event.
AI for Family Offices: How to harness it for return and efficiency
On November 4th, we hosted an exclusive members-only brunch in London with a focus on how family offices are harnessing AI. Guests enjoyed a relaxed brunch setting designed to foster meaningful peer-to-peer connections and candid conversations around the practical applications of AI in the financial world. The event featured a panel discussion exploring how AI is shaping the future of investment management.
Top AI Use Cases for Investment Firms
AlphaSense discusses how investment managers are increasingly adopting domain-specific AI tools, outlining key use cases and strategic approaches to integrate AI into workflows to drive efficiency and generate alpha.