2026: setting the foundations for the year ahead
9th January 2026
The start of a new year always invites reflection, but more importantly it is a useful point to take stock of where we are and how we intend to navigate the months ahead. As we begin 2026, markets remain as complex and fast-moving as ever, but the underlying principles that guide our approach at Brigantia remain unchanged.
This blog marks the first of our weekly Friday updates for the year, alongside occasional longer-form articles where a topic warrants deeper analysis. Our aim, as always, is not to provide predictions for their own sake, but to give context, clarity, and a steady framework for decision-making in an environment that can often feel noisy and uncertain.
From a market perspective, we enter 2026 with valuations still elevated in certain areas, lingering questions around inflation and interest rates, and a continued concentration of returns in a relatively small number of global equities. None of this is new, and none of it is inherently problematic if approached with discipline.
From a market perspective, we enter 2026 with valuations still elevated in certain areas, lingering questions around inflation and interest rates, and a continued concentration of returns in a relatively small number of global equities. None of this is new, and none of it is inherently problematic if approached with discipline.
Markets rarely move in straight lines, and the temptation at turning points like this is to overreact to short-term narratives. Headlines will continue to rotate between optimism and pessimism, often with little regard for longer-term fundamentals. Our role is not to chase those narratives, but to filter them. Portfolio construction remains focused on diversification, cost control, and aligning investment strategy with clearly defined client goals rather than market forecasts.
From a business perspective, Brigantia enters 2026 in a strong position. Over the past year we have continued to refine our advice process, deepen our relationships with clients, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports both investment and insurance advice. The priority this year is execution rather than reinvention. That means continuing to deliver consistent outcomes, improving efficiency where possible, and ensuring that every recommendation remains grounded in evidence rather than hype.
A key part of that process is staying connected to the wider investment world. As in previous years, we will be attending a number of institutional-level events across Asia, including forums with capital allocators from sovereign wealth funds, pension schemes and family offices. These events are not about copying institutional portfolios, but about ensuring our thinking remains current, informed, and challenged by the best research and debate available. Portfolio theory evolves, markets adapt, and staying intellectually engaged is essential if we are to continue acting in our clients’ best interests.
From a business perspective, Brigantia enters 2026 in a strong position. Over the past year we have continued to refine our advice process, deepen our relationships with clients, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports both investment and insurance advice. The priority this year is execution rather than reinvention. That means continuing to deliver consistent outcomes, improving efficiency where possible, and ensuring that every recommendation remains grounded in evidence rather than hype.
A key part of that process is staying connected to the wider investment world. As in previous years, we will be attending a number of institutional-level events across Asia, including forums with capital allocators from sovereign wealth funds, pension schemes and family offices. These events are not about copying institutional portfolios, but about ensuring our thinking remains current, informed, and challenged by the best research and debate available. Portfolio theory evolves, markets adapt, and staying intellectually engaged is essential if we are to continue acting in our clients’ best interests.
Alongside this, 2026 will see an increased focus on client-facing activity. We believe strongly that good advice is built on relationships, trust, and shared understanding, not just reports and spreadsheets. We have several events in the early stages of planning, including the potential for a client golf day in Bangkok later in the year. While still at a preliminary stage, these events are intended to be informal, enjoyable, and an opportunity to connect outside the usual review cycle.
In terms of what clients should expect from us this year, consistency remains the key word. We will continue to provide regular reviews, disciplined portfolio management, and clear communication during both calm and volatile periods. Where markets present opportunities or risks that warrant action, we will address them thoughtfully and transparently. Where doing nothing is the right decision, we will be equally clear about why.
Our weekly blogs will continue every Friday, focusing on current market themes, common planning issues for internationally mobile clients, and occasional myth-busting where we think it is needed. From time to time, we will also publish longer articles when a subject deserves more detailed treatment. The objective is not volume, but relevance.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the year to come, not because we expect markets to be easy, but because we believe our process is robust. Financial planning is not about predicting the future. It is about preparing for it. That mindset has served us well, and it will continue to guide everything we do in 2026.
We look forward to another year of working closely with our clients, staying engaged with global markets, and continuing to build Brigantia with the same focus on clarity, discipline, and long-term thinking that has defined our approach from the outset.
In terms of what clients should expect from us this year, consistency remains the key word. We will continue to provide regular reviews, disciplined portfolio management, and clear communication during both calm and volatile periods. Where markets present opportunities or risks that warrant action, we will address them thoughtfully and transparently. Where doing nothing is the right decision, we will be equally clear about why.
Our weekly blogs will continue every Friday, focusing on current market themes, common planning issues for internationally mobile clients, and occasional myth-busting where we think it is needed. From time to time, we will also publish longer articles when a subject deserves more detailed treatment. The objective is not volume, but relevance.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the year to come, not because we expect markets to be easy, but because we believe our process is robust. Financial planning is not about predicting the future. It is about preparing for it. That mindset has served us well, and it will continue to guide everything we do in 2026.
We look forward to another year of working closely with our clients, staying engaged with global markets, and continuing to build Brigantia with the same focus on clarity, discipline, and long-term thinking that has defined our approach from the outset.
