BBJ: Why has family wealth planning become such a prominent issue in recent years?

László Czalbert: An increasing number of Hungarian family businesses established around the transition to a market economy and in the years that followed are now facing questions of retirement, succession and wealth transfer. While the focus used to be primarily on building wealth, more and more people are now also looking for ways to preserve, pass on, and grow that wealth over the long term.

This is why we considered it important to launch a family wealth planning service for MBH Group’s private banking clients. The service is supported professionally by MBH Bank Private Banking and is based on cooperation agreements between MBH Forrás Zrt., a member of MBH Group, and its partners.

BBJ: What exactly does family wealth planning involve?

LCz: Many people initially think of it purely as a financial matter, but it encompasses much more. Family wealth planning covers investments, property, the family business, inheritance, the roles of family members and future decision-making arrangements. Investment decisions are only one part of the process: it is also worth clarifying early on who will take on which roles, who will make the key decisions, and how potential conflicts can be prevented.

Cooperation within the banking group allows clients to access a broad network of experts needed for family wealth planning through a single point of contact. This includes strategic partners such as Apelso Consulting, Conclude Befektetési Zrt., Műtárgy.com, RSM Hungary Zrt., Jalsovszky Consulting, Global L és L Investment, B120 LifeTresor Kft., Otthon Centrum and Ocskay&Wildner. Together, these providers cover trust management, precious metals trading, legal and tax advice, coaching, property asset management, and home staging, combined with art advisory services. This model enables coordinated service delivery and provides clients with comprehensive, personalized solutions tailored to their individual needs.

BBJ: What challenges do families and business owners encounter most often?

LCz: In most cases, the challenges are human and organizational rather than financial. Many businesses are closely tied to their founders, who have played a central role in their operations for decades. This raises questions about whether a suitable successor exists, how to hand over responsibilities, and how to build a management team capable of running the company successfully without the founder’s active involvement. Whether family members share the same vision for the future is equally important.

BBJ: How can a private banking provider help with this?

LCz: Private banking goes far beyond investment advice. Our clients are increasingly seeking solutions to complex life situations, so we are building a network of experts who can provide support in areas beyond finance. Our goal is to give clients access to a trusted network of professionals and the services they need to preserve and pass on their wealth over the long term.

BBJ: The expansion of MBH Forrás’s partner network is part of this effort. What new partnerships are you planning?

LCz: MBH Forrás Zrt. further expanded its partner network this year by entering into an agreement with Wilag Kft., which is associated with Ocskay & Wildner. The cooperation covers succession, wealth planning, and organizational development. Support may include individual coaching on succession issues, drafting a family constitution, strategic advice on business succession and managing the human aspects of corporate acquisitions and disposals.

Wilag Kft. can also help assess key-person dependency and exposure, build management teams, select and develop managing directors, conduct HR and executive searches, support organizational development, and assess the feasibility and implementation of potential employee share ownership programs.

BBJ: Property also accounts for a significant share of family wealth. Are there any new developments in this area?

LCz: For many families, property is one of the most important components of their wealth, so we aim to provide comprehensive support in this area as well. To this end, MBH Forrás Zrt. also entered into a partnership with Otthon Centrum Franchising Kft., another member of the banking group, as part of the family wealth planning service.

This gives our clients access to property-related wealth management services, including brokerage, expert support with property transactions, and access to international property opportunities through the franchise network.

BBJ: What would you advise families who have not yet started addressing these questions?

LCz: Do not wait until the situation becomes urgent. Family wealth planning works best when you still have time to consider options, involve family members, and build the right framework. Building a successful business takes years of work; planning for its future deserves just as much attention. A thoughtful approach to family wealth planning helps preserve decades of built-up value, ensuring it continues to provide a solid foundation for the next generation.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely to provide general information for marketing purposes. It does not constitute the intermediation or presentation of the services referred to herein by MBH Forrás Zrt. or MBH Bank Nyrt. The services mentioned in this article are provided by partners cooperating with MBH Forrás Zrt., and the terms and conditions of those services are determined by the partners. MBH Bank Nyrt. acts as an intermediary for MBH Forrás Zrt. The information contained in this article is valid as at the date of publication.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 30, 2026.