To be a knowledge leader in business family research and education in the areas of family, ownership, business and governance that facilitates FOUNDING FAMILIES AS THOUGHT LEADERS helping business families in Asia to develop, harness and leverage their FAMILY and FINANCIAL CAPITAL across generations. SMU established BFI @ SMU to be Southeast Asia’s pioneer regional business family-centric institute focused on addressing the needs of business families in the region.  BFI @ SMU serves as an EDUCATIONAL, ENGAGEMENT and RESEARCH platform to bring business families together, drawing on the university’s experience to offer insights on issues such as business succession and family ownership.