Wealth Managers Now Offer Emergency Evacuations for Ultra-Rich Clients

Wealth managers are playing an increasingly active role in evacuating high-net-worth clients from conflict zones. Since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, firms like Cresset and Alpen Partners have stepped in to secure safe exits for their clients. Their services now extend beyond financial advice to include emergency travel, security, and relocation support.

The Iran conflict has pushed many wealthy individuals and families to seek urgent evacuation. Cresset, managing over $237 billion in assets, has helped clients leave the United Arab Emirates and other high-risk areas. In one case, the firm secured seats on a private plane out of Dubai for a group of clients.

Global Guardian, a security and logistics company, has assisted more than 4,200 people in leaving the Middle East since strikes on Iran began. Around 40% of these evacuations were arranged through family offices and wealth managers. While exact figures for high-net-worth evacuations remain undisclosed, reports highlight large-scale displacements, including over 30,000 stranded German tourists and more than a million people displaced across Lebanon, Iran, Gulf states, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Alpen Partners has also supported around 30 clients in leaving Dubai and Israel, with roughly 80% of them being European. The firm has gone further by helping clients relocate to Switzerland, arranging housing and school placements for families. This shift in services reflects a broader trend. Nearly a third of advisers to wealthy clients now provide concierge and lifestyle support, rising to 58% for those serving the ultra-rich. Many are looking for streamlined access to security, travel, and relocation—all managed at the touch of a button. The demand for safe passage has boosted business for international travel and logistics firms. Cresset's past interventions, such as during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the October 2023 attacks in Israel, have reinforced its reputation for handling emergencies. Now, as conflicts persist, more clients are turning to their wealth managers for protection beyond financial planning.

The growing need for evacuation services has reshaped the role of wealth managers. Firms like Cresset, Alpen Partners, and Global Guardian are now integral to securing safe exits for clients in crisis zones. With conflicts driving demand, the collaboration between financial advisers and logistics providers looks set to continue.