Children born with the proverbial silver spoon pose a unique set of challenges for their wealthy parents. Private banks are focusing their attention on issues surrounding the "next generation" of clients. One resource that banks can tap into is the Business Families Institute (BFI) under the auspices of SMU. BFI’s Academic Director Associate Professor Annie Koh said the centre is a "neutral platform" to advance the study of business families in Asia. To date, its activities include research and education, not just for banks and wealth managers, but also their families. The institute has 14 founding families with businesses in various sectors and provide resources and strategic advice. Associate Prof Koh said: "For many families, the biggest worry is the curse of being rich. The first generation built the business from nothing, and they had a strong sense of having to work hard. While they want the kids to be stewards, they also want them to be stewards of value, not just of wealth. The children, even if they are not in the business, should recognise that with all the good that has come to them, they have to do good and do it well.''