UHNW Institute
UHNW Institute Sets Groundbreaking Wealth Industry Standards

The UHNW Institute continues to develop new methodologies and ways of thinking about how advice for wealthy families should be delivered.
The UHNW Institute, an independent nonprofit think tank with which Family Wealth Report is exclusive media partner, says it is putting a stake in the ground with the launch of a new crop of standards and frameworks guiding how advisors in the sector serve clients.
With the rollout of a series of resources – including the "Wealthesaurus", the AIM Framework and more – the UHNW Institute says it is delivering on its mission to empower UHNW families, educate advisors and drive meaningful change across the industry. The Institute says it offers unbiased guidance and practical tools to elevate the way professionals serve clients and families make informed decisions across generations.
“The Institute’s development and promotion of standards for managing family wealth will help families and firms identify service solutions that effectively align with each family’s unique needs and goals,” the organization said in a statement today.
Standardizing wealth management language
Among the Institute’s most significant milestones is the debut of
its Wealthesaurus, the first-ever standardized glossary of UHNW
wealth management terms, the Institute says. By offering clear,
consistent definitions across disciplines – from tax and law
to philanthropy and family governance – the Wealthesaurus lays
the groundwork for stronger communication and alignment between
professionals and clients.
“This is about establishing the first industry-wide standards,” said Steve Prostano, co-founder, chairman and CEO of The UHNW Institute. “Without shared language and frameworks, even the most experienced teams struggle to deliver truly integrated wealth management. We're changing that – starting now.”
The AIM Framework
The Institute is also launching its AIM Framework
– shorthand for the Assessment, Implementation, and
Monitoring Framework – the first standardized model for
delivering integrated wealth management. This framework provides
guidelines for how professionals across disciplines can deliver
consistent, high-quality advisory services, whether the
professionals are independent specialists or part of a
multidisciplinary team. It outlines how to structure the advisory
process from start to finish, offering a scalable, repeatable
approach that elevates services, improves collaboration and
allows firms to grow more strategically.
What’s Next: A pipeline of industry-changing
tools
The Institute said it will continue rolling out additional
groundbreaking tools and resources throughout the coming year.
Each is designed to increase industry standardization, enhance
transparency, and improve alignment between advisors and the
families they serve. The Institute says these will demonstrate
its commitment to driving meaningful change.
Membership
Professionals and firms can gain early access to these tools and
help shape the future of the profession by becoming members of
The UHNW Institute, it said. Membership includes exclusive access
to research, thought leadership, peer collaboration, an extensive
resource library, and guidance on putting the Institute’s
frameworks into practice. (See the organization's website for more details.)
“We’re building something bigger than any one firm or discipline,” said Prostano. “Our members are part of an industry-wide movement to define what excellence truly looks like in serving ultra-high net worth families.”
In November last year, the Institute unveiled its Wealthesaurus glossary.
About the Ultra High Net Worth Institute
The Ultra High Net Worth Institute is an independent, nonprofit
think tank and learning exchange dedicated to advancing the
practice of wealth management for ultra-high net worth
individuals and families. By promoting objectivity, collaboration
and innovation, the Institute empowers families and professionals
with the frameworks, resources and research needed to make
informed decisions and deliver exceptional service across
generations. Learn more at www.uhnwinstitute.org.