Citywealth Forum 2026 Speaker spotlight: Magali Jacquet Lagrèze, Member of AMAF (Monaco Association for Financial Activities)
Magali Jacquet Lagrèze framed Monaco’s appeal through a client example, rather than abstract positioning.
At the Citywealth Forum, Magali Jacquet‑Lagrèze focused on Monaco’s positioning as a stable, high-quality financial centre, highlighting its long-standing regulatory strength, international appeal and increasing emphasis on sustainability and family office services.
Magali Jacquet‑Lagrèze framed Monaco’s appeal through a client example, rather than abstract positioning.
She described an internationally mobile entrepreneur who had moved between major financial centres before choosing Monaco, not purely for financial reasons, but for stability, community and long-term alignment with family priorities.
The emphasis was less on short-term tax advantage and more on where families feel confident placing their future.
A compact but globally connected market
She acknowledged Monaco’s scale openly.
It is small, both geographically and in population, but operates as a concentrated financial centre with a strong international mix of residents and clients.
The point she made was that size works in its favour. The concentration of expertise, institutions and decision-makers allows for a more connected and responsive environment than larger markets.
Growth in assets and institutions
Jacquet‑Lagrèze pointed to continued expansion in the financial sector.
Assets under management have grown significantly, alongside an increasing number of financial institutions and specialist firms.
She noted the development of family office services as part of that broader evolution, reflecting demand from internationally mobile wealth.
Regulation and access
A key theme in her remarks was the balance between strong regulation and accessibility.
Monaco operates under high regulatory standards, with oversight aligned to European frameworks, but retains a degree of flexibility through close dialogue between industry and regulators.
The proximity of stakeholders, she suggested, allows for more direct communication and quicker decisions than in larger jurisdictions.
Sustainability as a long-term focus
She also emphasised Monaco’s growing focus on sustainability.
The financial centre is positioning itself around responsible investment, with initiatives designed to bring together investors, policymakers and industry leaders.
This is intended not as a niche offering, but as part of its broader long-term strategy.
Attractiveness beyond finance
While finance remains central, Jacquet‑Lagrèze made clear that lifestyle continues to play a role.
Security, education and quality of life all contribute to Monaco’s appeal, particularly for families considering relocation or multi-jurisdictional living.
These factors support the financial proposition rather than replace it.
Responding to global uncertainty
She linked Monaco’s current position to wider global conditions.
As uncertainty increases, there has been a noticeable rise in interest from families looking for stability and predictability.
Monaco’s political neutrality and long-standing institutional framework continue to attract that demand.
A consistent positioning
Her overall message was one of consistency.
Monaco is not repositioning itself dramatically, but building on established strengths — stability, regulation and international appeal — while adapting to evolving client expectations around sustainability and family wealth structures.
Key Quotes
“What impressed was Monaco’s security and reliability.”
“It was also its commitment to sustainability, innovation and quality of life.”
“Monaco is very small, but very international.”
“There are close to 100 financial institutions in the principality.”
“Sustainability is at the core of Monaco’s financial strategy.”
“The country offers direct dialogue with regulators.”
“We have seen a noticeable increase in interest from international families.”
“People are looking for stability and predictability.”
Moderator:
James Penny, Barclays Private Bank
Speakers:
Connie Smith, Business Barbados
Daisy Ip, Invest Hong Kong
Magali Jacquet-Lagrèze, Monaco For Finance, AMAF (Association Monégasque des Activités Financières)
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