Interview directed by IMGW News Editor Ray de Bono in collaboration with IMGW News Reporter Coryse Borg.
Following the success of the 17th annual event in Dubai, Henley & Partners will be hosting the 18th Global Citizenship Conference, one of the most prominent and influential global conferences in the investment migration sector worldwide.
For your diary:
| Event Title: | 18th Global Citizenship Conference |
| Dates: | 27–29 November 2024 |
| Venue: | Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore |
| Bookings: | Booking Information |
“In Singapore, the high-calibre audience and exclusive venue will enhance these opportunities, making it an ideal environment for meaningful connections.” – Dominic Volek
This exclusive event will explore the key dynamics shaping the mobility of wealthy families, including legal frameworks, economic impacts, and societal trends. Esteemed panellists will discuss the latest developments in investment migration, regulatory changes, and the evolving concept of being a global citizen.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into optimising global investment strategies, navigating complex legal landscapes, and leveraging global mobility, particularly in conjunction with international education. They will be able to network with industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to foster connections that drive personal and professional growth.
To provide a glimpse of what to expect at the 18th Global Citizenship Conference in Singapore, I spoke with Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners and a member of the Executive Committee.
Dominic is a respected authority in residence and citizenship planning. Originally from South Africa, he now divides his time between Henley & Partners’ global offices across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals on mobility, security, privacy, tax efficiency, and estate planning through strategic investments.
“Singapore has recently overtaken London as the world’s fourth wealthiest city. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 projects that 128,000 millionaires will relocate globally this year, with Singapore ranking third, attracting approximately 3,500 of them.” – Dominic Volek
Here is the IMGW.News Q&A session with Dominic Volek:
Q1: Reflecting on the Success of the 17th Conference and City Rankings
🎙️ Following the 17th Global Citizenship Conference in Dubai, what key lessons or trends emerged that you believe will influence discussions at this year’s event in Singapore? Given that Singapore is one of the foremost magnets for millionaires, as highlighted in the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024, where it ranks fourth in the Top 50 Cities for Millionaires, how does the city-state’s importance among ultra-high-net-worth individuals enhance the relevance of these discussions and the choice of venue?
💬 Dominic Volek: Our Global Citizenship Conferences have always been flagship events in the industry, and the 17th conference in Dubai was no exception. A key takeaway from Dubai was the recognition of the increasing complexity in investment migration. This year, Singapore’s prominence as a hub for ultra-high-net-worth individuals brings significant relevance to our discussions.
Singapore has recently overtaken London as the world’s fourth wealthiest city. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024 projects that 128,000 millionaires will relocate globally this year, with Singapore ranking third, attracting approximately 3,500 of them. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, high-net-worth individuals are increasingly seeking safer havens. Singapore’s booming real estate market and the growing number of family offices further solidify its status as a global financial hub and a safe haven for wealth preservation.
The discussions in Singapore will be enriched by the city’s dynamic environment and appeal to the rich, which will provide a backdrop that enhances the relevance of our themes.
Q2: Navigating Regulatory Changes in Investment Migration
🎙️ With the investment migration landscape constantly evolving, particularly in response to global political and economic shifts, what regulatory changes should attendees be most aware of in 2024? How can these changes impact the mobility and investment strategies of wealthy families?
💬 Dominic Volek: Regulatory changes are indeed a significant focus for 2024. We’ve seen notable shifts, especially in regions like the Caribbean, where there has been a move towards unification and harmonisation of programmes to ensure sustainability and integrity. These changes, along with potential adjustments in Europe and elsewhere, will impact how wealthy families plan their mobility and investments. Attendees should be aware that regulation is becoming tighter, with an emphasis on due diligence. This can affect the speed and ease with which families can move their investments and secure residence or citizenship, making it crucial for them to stay informed and adaptable.
Q3: The Role of Global Mobility in Family and Education Planning
🎙️ Global mobility is increasingly being integrated with family and education planning among high-net-worth individuals. Could you elaborate on how international education options are influencing citizenship and residence decisions and what insights will be shared on this topic during the conference?
💬 Dominic Volek: Education has always been a key driver for families considering residence and citizenship by investment. Historically, we’ve seen strong interest from Asia, where families prioritise top-tier education in the US, UK, and Europe. What’s changing is how these families are integrating their education plans with long-term residence and citizenship strategies. For instance, securing a student visa might not be enough for those who wish to establish a more permanent presence in a country.
Our conference will delve into how combining education with investment migration can offer dual benefits, such as securing a green card alongside a degree. We’ll also discuss cost arbitrage opportunities, where obtaining residence can significantly reduce tuition fees, offsetting the investment required for residence or citizenship.
Q4: The Impact of Economic and Societal Shifts on Citizenship
🎙️ As economic and societal shifts continue to shape the world, how do you see these factors influencing the concept of citizenship? What new trends or challenges are emerging for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and how will these be addressed at the conference?
💬 Dominic Volek:Economic and societal shifts are deeply influencing the concept of citizenship. We’re seeing a growing concern around political stability, taxation changes, and even conscription risks, which are prompting more high-net-worth individuals to seek alternative citizenship.
Countries like the US and the UK have seen increased demand for investment migration due to these uncertainties. This year’s conference will address these trends, offering insights into how individuals can navigate these challenges and explore the strategic importance of holding multiple citizenships as a hedge against global uncertainties.
Q5: Leveraging Henley & Partners’ Expertise
🎙️ Henley & Partners has been at the forefront of the investment migration sector for many years. How does the firm’s extensive experience and global reach influence the content and quality of discussions at the Global Citizenship Conference? What can attendees expect to gain from this unique expertise?
💬 Dominic Volek: Henley & Partners’ long-standing experience and global reach are instrumental in shaping the depth and quality of our discussions. Our conferences are known for their sophisticated agendas that go beyond basic programme details to address complex issues like compliance, wealth management, and geopolitical risks. Attendees can expect to gain unique insights from leading experts across various fields, including private wealth advisory, legal scholarship, and government policy.
Our ability to bring together diverse perspectives from around the world ensures that the content is not only current but also forward-looking, preparing attendees for the future of investment migration.
Q6:Strategic Networking Opportunities at the Conference
🎙️ Networking is a significant component of the Global Citizenship Conference. What opportunities will attendees have to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and experts? How can these interactions contribute to both personal and professional growth? What makes this event in Singapore a valuable opportunity for professionals and operators in the investment migration sector, and what can they expect to gain from attending?
💬 Dominic Volek: Networking is undoubtedly one of the most valuable aspects of our conferences. Attendees will have ample opportunities to engage with industry leaders, government officials, and top-tier experts. These interactions are crucial for personal and professional growth, offering insights that can shape strategic decisions and partnerships.
In Singapore, the high-calibre audience and exclusive venue will enhance these opportunities, making it an ideal environment for meaningful connections. Professionals in the investment migration sector will find that the event not only provides the latest industry updates but also offers the chance to build relationships that can drive future success.
Q7: The Future of Investment Migration Programmes
🎙️ As a member of Henley & Partners’ Government Advisory practice, you provide strategic advice on the design and promotion of investment migration programmes. What future trends do you foresee in the development of these programmes, and how might they adapt to the changing needs of wealthy individuals and their families?
💬 Dominic Volek: The future of investment migration programmes will likely see a shift away from traditional real estate-based investments towards more innovative financing options, such as funds that can be directed into strategic projects. Governments are increasingly recognising the value these programmes bring, not just in terms of immediate economic benefits but also in achieving long-term strategic goals.
We’ll likely see more countries, especially in regions like the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia, launching their own programmes. These will be tailored to meet the evolving needs of wealthy families, focusing on flexibility, security, and long-term benefits that align with their global mobility and investment strategies.
This concludes the Q&A interview with Dominic Volek.
Biography
Dominic Volek, CA(SA), FIMC
Group Head of Private Clients, Henley & Partners
Dominic Volek is a global leader in residence and citizenship planning, serving as the Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners and a member of the Executive Committee. Originally from South Africa, Dominic now splits his time between Henley & Partners’ offices across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a deep understanding of the needs of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, he advises clients on securing mobility, security, privacy, tax efficiency, estate planning, and lifestyle enhancements through strategic global investments.
Dominic is not only a private client specialist but also a trusted adviser to governments around the world. As part of Henley & Partners’ Government Advisory practice, he provides strategic counsel on the design, implementation, and promotion of investment migration programmes that attract top-tier investors.
A certified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting with Honours and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication, Dominic is also a Fellow of the Investment Migration Council. Before joining Henley & Partners, he enjoyed a successful career with one of the big four accounting and advisory firms, working in senior management roles across Singapore, South Africa, and the USA.
Dominic is a highly sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of global mobility. He regularly shares his insights on residence and citizenship planning and is frequently featured in top-tier media outlets such as the BBC, CNN, the Financial Times, Quartz, and Bloomberg. His expertise and leadership make him a key figure in helping clients and governments navigate the complex landscape of global citizenship and investment migration.
