As part of our ongoing partnership with The Refinery, this year’s Refinery Dialogues opened with two compelling sessions that sparked thoughtful discussion among members and guests in the evolving worlds of wealth management and cybersecurity, respectively.
January: The Rise of the Family Office with DAX Advisors
The 2026 series began on 29 January with "The Rise of the Family Office", featuring Daniel Xystus, CEO of DAX Advisors.
With more than 30 years of experience managing global hedge funds and public market strategies, Daniel offered timely insights into how family offices are transforming from private administrative structures into professional, institutional-grade investment organisations.
Daniel's conversation focused on three defining trends shaping this evolution:
- The Greater China Pivot: why a growing majority of experts expect capital flows into the region;
- Tech Integration: how AI and digital assets are reshaping modern investment portfolios; and
- Professionalisation: the move towards engaging external expertise for governance and strategic rigour.
Designed for family office leaders, investors, and financial professionals, the session provided practical perspectives on balancing opportunity, technology, and stewardship in today’s dynamic markets.
February: Negotiating with Shadows with S-RM
On Thursday, 26 February 2026, the Dialogue series turned its attention to the cyber landscape with "Negotiating with Shadows" and achieved the largest audience yet.
Hosted by Lester Lim, Head of Cyber, and Kyle Schwaeble, Head of Incident Response at S-RM, the session immersed attendees, many from the insurance sector, in a simulated ransomware negotiation based on a real-world case involving a known threat actor.
Using live audience voting, participants shaped the negotiation in real time, deciding when and whether to pay, and weighing the tactical judgment behind developing and responding to offers and counteroffers.
The experience offered a rare, practical glimpse into the pressure and complexity of cyber decision‑making at critical moments and blended threat intelligence with fast-moving negotiation strategy.
A Platform for Insight and Exchange
The Refinery Dialogues highlight diverse perspectives and create space for meaningful exchange; from finance to technology and beyond.
About Eight PR
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