Day: 12 March 2025

In an exclusive interview with Monaco Life, Christian Buhlmann, the chairman of TrustConsult Group, shares his journey of building an independent, global advisory firm and how his company tackles modern security challenges for high-net-worth clients.

In an era where security and asset protection are increasingly under threat, particularly for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ensuring financial stability across jurisdictions has become a critical concern. Monaco Life sat down with Christian Buhlmann, the chairman of TrustConsult Group, to learn more about the evolution of his company, the values that guide its global operations and its upcoming Global Threats on You and Your Assets security conference at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on 20th March.

Entrepreneurial journey

Christian Buhlmann, who has lived in Monaco for six years, founded TrustConsult Group in 2002 from his home in the Luxembourg countryside. His background includes an education in economics from HEC in Belgium, accounting qualifications in Luxembourg and further finance studies in Brussels. However, it was his early professional experience that shaped his entrepreneurial vision.

“I started my career 25 years ago at Intertrust in Luxembourg. That’s where I gained a strong foundation in the business and where I first saw the gaps in service quality that later inspired me to start my venture,” says Buhlmann.

The launch of TrustConsult was a pivotal moment, coinciding with the birth of his daughter.

“Starting the company was both a personal and professional milestone. It gave me clarity about the values I wanted to uphold, like independence and direct client engagement,” he explains.

Maintaining a personal, family-oriented approach remains important to Buhlmann.

“It’s always been an ambition of mine to create something lasting that my children could one day be a part of,” he says. “That’s why I’ve kept the business personal and close to its roots.”

Despite approaches from competitors over the years, TrustConsult has fiercely protected its independence.

“There were moments when competitors wanted to buy us out, but we knew that would compromise our values. Our independence is non-negotiable—it’s what defines our relationship with clients and our integrity as a company,” Buhlmann tells Monaco Life.

This independence shapes Buhlmann’s approach, with a focus on hiring people who value responsiveness and internationality.

“Being available and able to communicate across jurisdictions is fundamental to how I operate,” he says.

A discreet and personalised approach

With offices in Monaco, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium and Hong Kong, TrustConsult Group specialises in creating, managing and administering both regulated and unregulated entities for private and institutional clients.

“Our mission is simple: to protect and grow the wealth of our clients while offering them a level of service that’s personal, discreet, and efficient,” says Buhlmann of the company’s philosophy of strategic advisory over volume, where building genuine relationships takes precedence. “Our clients know who they’re speaking to and trust that we understand their needs.”

As the landscape of wealth management evolves, so do the risks. According to Buhlmann, personal security has now overtaken tax as one of the most pressing concerns for wealthy clients.

“The increased transparency in financial dealings has made individuals more vulnerable to sophisticated threats,” he warns.

He recalls an example from his own experience that reflects the importance of providing honest and upfront advice, saying, “I once had a client question how we could safeguard their assets, and I had to be direct about the risks they were facing. Sometimes, that level of honesty is necessary, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

It is this evolving threat landscape that has shaped the theme of TrustConsult’s upcoming conference on 20th March at the Fairmont Monte Carlo: Global Threats on You and Your Assets.

“People often underestimate the seriousness of these risks. Corporate threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, as seen in the recent blackmail case involving Patek Philippe in Switzerland and crypto ransoms. It’s a clear example of how complex and dangerous these situations can be,” he explains.

Buhlmann also spotlights the importance of location when it comes to security and asset protection, pointing to Monaco’s appeal for investors.

“Monaco offers a great quality of life and a strong value proposition for investors with its security, stability and favourable taxation,” he notes.

However, he does acknowledge that there is room for growth: “There’s potential for Monaco’s financial services sector to further align with the responsiveness and expertise seen in hubs like Switzerland and Luxembourg.”

International clients, he says, expect consistent service standards across all jurisdictions.

The keys to lasting success

For Buhlmann, success is about long-term adaptability.

“It’s not about one milestone but continually reinventing to stay relevant,” he tells Monaco Life. “That’s what we’re doing with this upcoming conference—challenging ourselves and our understanding of security risks.”

TrustConsult’s small, long-standing board reflects this adaptability, enabling swift decisions.

“Agility is key. If something needs to be done, we can act overnight. Our clients expect us to move quickly and decisively,” says Buhlmann.

In a world that is becoming increasingly transparent, discretion is vital to TrustConsult’s operations.

“We maintain a minimal online presence and avoid cloud storage like iCloud, preferring old-fashioned methods to protect sensitive data,” he explains.

He also believes that lasting success comes from consistent effort and the ability to adapt.

“There’s a lot of talk today about how easy it is to make money with AI or social media, but I don’t believe in shortcuts. Success that lasts is always the result of hard work and constant evolution,” he says wisely.

Beyond business, Buhlmann sees personal success as finding satisfaction in the journey: “For me, success is about enjoying the process, facing challenges, and continuing to learn.”

Looking ahead

Among Buhlmann’s plans for the future is an expansion of TrustConsult’s services with the launch of TrustConsult Advisory in Switzerland, focusing on providing independent, tailored investment advice, a new development he shares exclusively with Monaco Life.

“Many of our clients aren’t receiving the advisory services they need, so we’re stepping in to offer solutions that go beyond what banks provide,” he says.

The expansion aligns with the themes of TrustConsult’s upcoming conference.

“We’ll begin by examining global security threats, then explore how individuals can protect their assets and personal safety. The third segment will cover structuring and holding assets, while the final part will focus on succession planning and involving the next generation,” explains Buhlmann.

For him, the conference is about more than business.

“Of course, we hope to generate new clients, but it’s also about raising awareness. People need to understand the risks they face and how to protect themselves. We want to contribute something meaningful and impactful,” he concludes.

 

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