A compact, yolk-coloured hardback by Alexander Hoare, a 40-year partner at C Hoare & Co, offers insights into sustaining generational wealth through character over financial acumen. The bank, established in 1672, emphasizes avoiding high-risk clients like potentates and oligarchs to preserve long-term stability. Hoare’s book, *Impact Banker: An eleventh generation view from the partners’ room* (2026), blends business wisdom with personal anecdotes, stressing the importance of enduring family bonds amid turmoil.

Hoare highlights the pitfalls of pursuing flashy opportunities, citing the Epstein scandal as a cautionary tale. He advocates for disciplined decision-making, drawing on Christian principles like "hate the sin but love the sinner" to navigate familial conflicts. A pivotal example is the 11th generation’s resilience after being unfairly blamed for pension losses, underscoring the need to protect family harmony over individual pride.

Philanthropy is framed as a strategic tool, not just altruism. Hoare critiques microfinance’s limitations but notes parallels between lending to a stallholder and a hedge fund manager: character matters. His family’s Golden Bottle Trust allocates annual funds for 3,000 cousins to support causes they care about, blending personal involvement with systemic impact. A senior philanthropy expert at a private bank confirms this trend, noting increased professionalization in family charitable efforts.

The book also revisits the 7th generation’s financial missteps, including illicit borrowing and speculative ventures that eroded $500 million in assets. These historical failures illustrate the recurring challenges of generational wealth management. Hoare’s blend of pragmatism and empathy offers a roadmap for families navigating similar trials, proving that longevity in wealth and relationships hinges on steadfast values.