What is FOA?
The Family Office Association (FOA) is a global membership organization exclusive to single family offices and families of wealth. FOA is designed for the benefit of its members; membership dues and underwriting provided by the Resource Council are its sole means of support. We provide many events throughout the year and are about to roll out the only secure, encrypted online member network of its kind.

FOA is the advocate for establishing and sustaining a single family office (SFO) to meet the challenges of maintaining vigorous multi-generational wealth. We also strive to integrate the single family office into the larger world of peers and experts to further the preservation of their wealth, the fostering of stewardship in the next generation, and the expansion of their philanthropic legacy.

Who are the members of FOA?
The Family Office Association was started by the entreaty and with the guidance of a handful of single family offices in Greenwich, Connecticut, who wished to have a regular and safe place to meet others with single family offices. Most of our membership is in Fairfield County, Connecticut; and Westchester and New York Counties. We also have members all over the United States, Canada, England, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, South Africa and Italy.

How do you join FOA?
Membership is by invitation only and is open to single family offices and families of wealth who have the capability to start a single family office. The definition of a single family office is at the sole discretion of FOA, but is generally an investment office dedicated to the affairs of one family. Prospective members may inquire about consideration for an invitation and meet with the membership committee. The charter membership fee for 2010 is fifteen hundred dollars.

What are the FOA events?
The Family Office Association has a very active calendar.

Monthly Roundtables. We meet once a month in Greenwich for breakfast featuring an expert session on the markets followed by a closed door peer to peer session on a topic of the members choosing.

Summits. We host three seasonal Summits in Greenwich in the Spring, Summer and Fall where we bring together a gathering of members and experts from the Resource Council to hear speakers and panels composed of thought leaders in wealth management as well as prominent keynote speakers. FOA keynotes have featured Nassim Taleb, Mark Lasry and Bill Ackman.

Special Luncheons. FOA hosts special private luncheons with legends of investing. Past intimate luncheons have featured John Paulson, Izzy Englander and David Einhorn.

What is the Resource Council?
We believe strongly that the single family office world is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the best of the wealth management industry and the finest of the advisory community. These thought leaders and astute experts bring both experience and fresh perspectives to enhance the already robust conversation around investing, family issues and philanthropy. We encourage the beneficial involvement of informed industry participants who share our values and have intellectual capital to bring to our events. We believe in being well rounded and well advised.

Does FOA manage money?
The Family Office Association is proud of its transparency. FOA does not sell, refer, or recommend any investments, funds, or services of any kind. FOA is not a consultant or an advisor. FOA does not collect any revenue outside of member dues and Resource Council underwriting fees. In addition, our membership list is absolutely confidential and is never shared or published.

The Family Office Association does not provide tax, financial or legal advice and individuals are strongly urged to consult with their tax, financial or legal advisors regarding any potential decision regarding their investments and or their philanthropy.

We strongly feel that there is no substitute for doing your own homework and due diligence.

What is the FOA Protocol?
The Family Office Association is a relationship-focused organization that prizes the trust developed in the privacy of a solicitation-free setting. Solicitation is strictly prohibited between members, and between advisors and members. All discussions shall be kept confidential to encourage openness and sharing of experience. FOA reserves the right to dismiss members and advisors if there is any violation of this policy.