Participate in the Family Council Canvas Study

Thank you for your interest in the study exploring the role of structured family discussions in wealth management and governance.

Since the initial research phase, testing of the Family Council Canvas application has now been completed, and we are excited to invite participants to explore its impact.

Background & Purpose of the Study

Advising wealthy families over the years has repeatedly revealed a common challenge: a lack of a clear plan or guiding vision for why a family should remain united. While financial strategies are well-documented, the deeper questions—about family dynamics, trust, communication, and shared purpose—often remain unaddressed.

This realisation led to the development of a structured framework to help families assess what they aim to achieve, where they are making progress, and where challenges arise. What began as a practical tool in advising families evolved into a more comprehensive research project—one that explores whether structured conversations can strengthen family cohesion and improve advisory relationships.

How the Family Council Canvas Helps

The Family Council Canvas provides a structured approach to facilitating meaningful discussions between families and their advisors. The study aims to assess whether such a tool can:

✔ Enhance advisor-client relationships through deeper insights into family goals.

✔ Encourage open and productive conversations within families.

✔ Create a safe space for discussing aspirations, values, and governance.

✔ Lead to stronger family bonds and increased client retention in advisory services.

Join the Study

Financial advisors and professionals working with families of wealth are invited to take part in this study to explore how structured discussions can elevate the advisory experience.

How It Works – Step by Step

Step 1: Register as an Advisor

  • Sign up here to gain access to your personal dashboard.
  • You can add colleagues to the application to collaborate.

Step 2: Complete the First Questionnaire

  • Upon registration, you will receive the first of two short questionnaires (approx. 5 minutes) focusing on general questions about your practice.

Step 3: Invite Your Clients

  • Within the app, you can invite selected clients to participate in the study.
    Your client will receive an automated invitation to register for the Family Council Canvas.

Step 4: Clients Complete the Canvas

  • Clients can add family members to their Canvas.
    Each family member inputs their answers directly in the application.
    Clients control what is visible to their advisor within the app.

Step 5: Complete a Brief Questionnaire for Each Invited Client

  • After each client invitation, you will receive a separate short questionnaire (approx. 5 minutes) related to that specific client.

Step 6: Clients Receive Their Own Questionnaires

  • Clients will receive a separate email with a link to their first questionnaire.
  • If not completed within a week, a reminder email will be sent.
  • Four to six months later, the second set of questionnaires will be sent to measure any changes.

FAQs & Tips

We understand that participating in a study like this may raise some questions. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions, practical tips, and key steps to help you make the most of your participation in the study.

“I’m not sure yet. Can I try it myself first?”

Absolutely! Test it out by registering as an advisor and sending an invitation to your own personal email. This allows you to explore the process from both the advisor and client perspectives.

“I’m ready to invite clients. How many should I invite?”

  1. More than twenty clients is ideal. A small sample size won’t provide reliable data.
  2. The application and invitations are completely free.
  3. As an early adopter, you will receive lifetime free access to the application.
  4. The only thing requested in return is your feedback.

“Do my clients need to pay anything?”

No. Clients also receive lifetime free access.

“How is my clients’ data protected? (GDPR, security, confidentiality)”

  • Data Encryption: All data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
  • No Tracking Cookies, except for authentication purposes.
  • EU-Based Processing: All data is processed within the EU.
  • Full Data Control: Participants can request full data deletion at any time via hello@thececilygroup.com.
  • Privacy Guarantee: No names, emails, or personal identifiers are included in the study.
  • No Marketing or Third-Party Sharing: Email addresses will not be used for marketing or shared.

“I’ve sent the invitations. Do I need to guide clients through the process?”

Not necessarily. The application is designed to be self-explanatory. A quick guide to the main functions is provided upon registration.
In some cases, having an advisor present can inhibit family discussions, so we recommend letting clients complete their Canvas independently before reviewing their answers together.

“Does it matter how affluent my clients are?”

No. The study aims to measure whether the tool is equally valuable across different wealth brackets (e.g., affluent vs. high-net-worth families). The hypothesis is that differences will be marginal.

“I know another advisor who might be interested. Can they join?”

Yes! Simply email us, and we’ll send them an invitation to participate.

“Something isn’t working, or I have additional questions.”

Just drop us a line at hello@thececilygroup.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Using the Family Council Canvas in Your Advisory Practice

“The client has completed their Canvas, and I can see it in my dashboard. What now?”

There is no strict guideline for how to proceed, but here’s how we recommend using the insights:

Step 1: Review Client Responses

✔ Identify actionable points before the next meeting.

✔ Consider how their answers align with their existing plan.

✔ Ensure you understand the roles and responsibilities of all involved.

Step 2: Hold a Dedicated Review Meeting

During this session, discuss their answers and consider:

✔ What was already known?

✔ What was new or surprising?

✔ How do these insights impact their current plan?

✔ Are there gaps that need to be addressed?

✔ Which responses indicate areas for improvement?

Step 3: Identify Quick Wins for the Client

Providing small, tangible improvements early in the process builds trust and engagement.

Join the Study and Get Started Today

To help advisors introduce the study to their clients before sending the official app invitation, we have prepared a suggested email template.

Sign up now to gain access to your personal dashboard.

For any questions, reach out to hello@thececilygroup.com.