BDO Next Gen Program

Australia is experiencing the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, with more than $3.5 trillion expected to pass to the next generation over the coming decades. As this transition accelerates, families face increasingly complex challenges around governance, leadership, ownership and succession. The program has been designed to support emerging leaders as they navigate these responsibilities with clarity and confidence.

No. The BDO Next Gen Program is not designed for professional advisers to family enterprises (such as lawyers, accountants, bankers or consultants acting in an advisory capacity).

The program is intentionally focused on family members themselves, including those who may not currently be working in the family enterprise. We recognise that many next-generation family members play important roles as owners, stewards, shareholders, or future decision-makers, even if they pursue careers outside the family business or office.

The program is designed to be as inclusive as possible for family members at different stages of involvement, providing a safe and practical environment to build understanding of governance, wealth, ownership and family dynamics — regardless of whether participants hold a formal role within the family enterprise today.

Each module is delivered in person, in small groups of 10 to 15 participants, to encourage open discussion, trust, and peer learning. Sessions are highly interactive and focus on practical, real‑world insights rather than theory. A networking lunch is included with every session, providing dedicated time to build relationships with peers and presenters. 

Sessions are led by BDO Family Enterprise specialists with deep experience advising family businesses and family offices. Presenters bring practical insights drawn from real client scenarios and current market experience. Guest speakers on relevant topics will also present across the series.

The BDO Next Gen Program is differentiated by:

• A strong focus on family enterprise and stewardship, not just technical finance 
• Small cohort sizes (typically 10 to 15 participants) to maximise interaction and trust 
• Use of real‑life client examples, showcasing lived experiences and challenges 
• Integration with BDO’s broader Family Enterprise advisory expertise, providing depth and continuity beyond the classroom.

It is preferred that all sessions are attended as the program is designed as a cohesive, cumulative series and participants gain the greatest value by attending all seven sessions in person. Each session builds on previous discussions, insights and relationships formed within the cohort.

The program works best when attended in person as a complete series. In limited circumstances, alternative arrangements may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Pre‑reading may be provided for selected modules, depending on the topic, to help participants get the most out of each session. Following each module, attendees will receive summary notes and key takeaways to reinforce learning and support reflection between sessions.

All sessions operate under Chatham House Rules. This means participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of speakers or other participants may be revealed. This approach is critical to encouraging honest, high‑quality discussion grounded in real‑world experience.

Participants receive recognised learning and a BDO certificate of completion that acknowledges the skills and knowledge gained through the program.

Yes. Building a trusted peer network is a core element of the program. Small cohorts, facilitated discussion and shared lunches are designed to foster meaningful connections that often continue well beyond the program.

Yes. Cohort sizes are intentionally small, and places are limited. Early registration is recommended to secure a place.

Dates, locations and registration details are available at https://www.bdo.com.au/en-au/insights/business-services/bdo-next-gen-program. Contact details for the BDO events team are also provided on the program page.