The FOCIS Fall Forum 2025 brought together an exclusive group of more than 100 family office principals, chief investment officers, and C-suite executives for a day of dynamic discussion and collaboration. Hosted by McDermott Will & Schulte’s Family Office Capital & Investment Strategies (FOCIS) Group, this year’s program offered a deep dive into the latest investment trends, innovative strategies, and emerging opportunities shaping the family office landscape.

Discussion topics featured:

• Distressed deals and challenged investments – As volatility creates new risks and opportunities, this session explored the art of acquiring distressed assets through Chapter 11 and other insolvency processes. The panelists shared practical strategies for spotting warning signs, resolving conflicts, and protecting value when investments go off course, turning challenged situations into opportunities for long-term value creation and/or downside mitigation. Moderated by Darren Azman and Patrick J. McCurry.
• The current administration’s impact on investment and business – Legislative and regulatory initiatives are reshaping the family office investment and business landscape. Panelists discussed macroeconomic trends and sector-specific implications in areas such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and real estate. Key topics included the administration’s focus on US-based investment and manufacturing, evolving trade policies and tariffs, the sweeping effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and potential future developments. Moderated by Thomas P. Ward.
• Investing through private placement life insurance – As family offices seek innovative ways to maximize after-tax returns, private placement life insurance (PPLI) has emerged as an increasingly powerful tool. This panel brought together market leaders to share practical insights on tailoring PPLI to family office strategies, highlighting real-world applications, benefits, and key considerations for long-term wealth preservation and growth. Moderated by Scott A. Bowman.
• Investing in the space industry – Private investment in the space ecosystem is accelerating as breakthrough technologies and bold innovation create solutions to address both space-based and terrestrial challenges. This panel featured three visionary founders/operators exploring the next wave of opportunities in the rapidly expanding space economy. Moderated by Patrick J. McCurry.
• FOCIS on Sports – Thomas P. Conaghan and Greg C. Berson were available for informal conversations about the forces shaping today’s sports market. From headline-making transactions to emerging trends in investment and ownership, they shared timely perspectives and practical takeaways.