Stunning spring sunshine greeted guests at the sixth private banking kongress meeting in Munich. But despite the sweet outdoor temptations of the warm temperatures, all participants could think about was staying indoors. Why? Because of the outstanding speakers and the high-profile attendees. Pirate hunter Christopher Schramm took his listeners on an adventurous journey through his everyday work. Dr Klaus Pilny gave his audience a glimpse at the storm rolling in from east Asia. And with low interest rates on everyone’s mind, bond market alternatives, real estate investments and benchmark-free equities solutions were hot topics, as were asset management and estate tax reform.

With over 180 guests from family offices, private banking, foundations and pension funds in attendance, this mix of topics was clearly right on the money.