At a time when wealth management and estate planning are becoming increasingly complex, Trent McCAMLEY, along with his son Will, has moved his successful wealth management business from Australia to Monaco. In this interview, Trent talks about his professional motivations, the unique advantages Monaco offers to UHNWIs, and the long-term vision guiding his family's future in the Principality.
What is your professional background?
I started my career in the financial markets in 1997 after spending a year in the United States. I discovered the financial markets there thanks to a family who founded Morgan Stanley. This experience not only introduced me to the profession, but also triggered a lasting passion for long-term human relationships.
I started out as a stockbroker in Australia in the late 90s before moving into wealth management and private banking in the early 2000s. From 2005 to 2008, I ran the wealth management division of Citigroup Australia. I then founded my own investment management company in Australia, which I ran until 2024. After 16 successful years, we decided to move our family and our business to Monaco, where we have been for the last six months.
Why did you choose Monaco for this relocation?
Our decision was based on both professional and personal reasons. Professionally, our choice was motivated by our clients. We manage the assets of two wealthy families who have moved to Europe from South Africa. As they get older, their focus is on passing on their wealth to the next generation and preparing their children for the challenges ahead. Being based in Monaco brings us closer to them and their heirs, while the Principality's legal and financial framework is ideal for managing these wealth transitions.
On a personal level, we had always wanted to live abroad. I discovered Monaco for the first time in 1996. I was fascinated by the place at the time, and 28 years later we are living here. Monaco's reputation as a centre of reference for high net worth individuals and its stability in terms of wealth management made it the perfect choice for us.
How do you find this professional environment?
We've only recently settled in and our business is entirely based on trust - a value that takes time. We were fortunate to work with Monaco Private Advisory MFO, who assisted us in obtaining our family residence and financial licence. Their service and advice were truly exemplary, and we continue to rely on them as a trusted partner as we develop our business. We've also established some promising banking partnerships, and there's no doubt that this relocation has opened up considerable opportunities for our customers.
What distinguishes your approach to wealth management?
Trust. All success - whether personal or professional - is based on trust, but at different levels. For us, it's much more than just business; it's personal. Our clients sometimes go through periods of uncertainty, change and unforeseen challenges. We share these moments with them and are proud that they turn to us when they need help. We are fully committed to being there when needed, and our customers can testify to that.
Your son Will has joined the company. How does this fit in with your plans for the future?
Will plays a key role in the business and is also studying at the International University of Monaco. He focuses on complementary skills to investment management, such as trust and estate structuring, tax strategies and succession planning. We are building for the long term, at a time when the largest transfer of wealth in world history is taking place. This is an exceptional time for our industry, requiring specialist knowledge and a commitment to support the next generation. Will is already trusted by our clients and has strong relationships with many of their children.
Monaco is part of a long-term commitment to our customers. We are excited about the future, and after some of our clients have spent time with us in Monaco, they too are considering applying for residency here.
Finally, how did you experience your personal move to Monaco?
We're still amazed at how quickly we've made some incredible friendships here. It's been a really nice surprise to see how welcoming and open people have been towards us. Our lives revolve around work, exercise and spending time with friends. Monaco offers all this like no other place we've lived before. We love the life we're building here.
