UHNW Institute

UHNW Institute Sets Groundbreaking Wealth Industry Standards

Editorial Staff May 28, 2025

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.

Register for FamilyWealthReport today

Gain access to regular and exclusive research on the global wealth management sector along with the opportunity to attend industry events such as exclusive invites to Breakfast Briefings and Summits in the major wealth management centres and industry leading awards programmes