Diversification boosts family office exposure to alternative assets

Global study shows family office fund managers plan to increase allocations to major alternative asset classes over next two years Infrastructure likely to see biggest increases in allocation but all asset classes will benefit

The need to diversify investment holdings is driving increased exposure to alternative assets among family offices, new global research* from Ocorian, the specialist global provider of services to high-net-worth individuals and family offices, financial institutions, asset managers and corporates, shows. 

Ocorian’s study among family members, senior family office employees and intermediaries working for family offices with total wealth of $68.26 billion found fund managers plan to increase their exposure to all major alternative asset classes with none planning to reduce their exposure.

Infrastructure is likely to see the biggest increases in allocations over the next two years – almost two-thirds (64%) of family office investment managers expect to increase allocations by between 25% and 50% over the next two years. Just over a fifth (22%) plan similar increases in real estate while a third (32%) expect to boost allocations to private debt by a similar range. Around 21% expect to do the same for private equity.

The diversification benefits of alternative assets was identified as the key reason for increasing allocations ahead of the increased transparency of the asset class. The ability of some alternative assets classes, such as infrastructure, to provide an income was rated the third most important benefit of investing in alternatives.

Recent strong performance was ranked fourth in the attractions of investing in alternatives for family office fund managers, ahead of greater choice in the sector which was ranked fifth and the ability of some alternative asset classes to provide protection against inflation at sixth.

The table below shows planned increases in allocations to alternative asset classes by family office fund managers questioned as part of the study in 13 countries or territories including the UK, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius and Bahrain.

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Simona Watkis – Head of Private Client – Cayman: “We’re seeing a clear acceleration in the shift toward alternative investments across both mature and emerging family office markets. In the Caribbean and Latin America, family offices are increasingly adopting global diversification strategies while still anchored in regional opportunities. The Cayman Islands, long regarded as a premier jurisdiction for sophisticated family office structuring, continues to attract families looking for stability, innovation, and cross-border solutions. Likewise, our clients in Asia are seeking greater transparency, control, and performance all of which alternative assets are well-positioned to deliver.”

Vince Calcagno, Head of US Growth for Ocorian, said: "Family offices, as they’ve matured over the past two decades, are behaving more like institutional investors than ever before — seeking data-driven, operationally efficient ways to gain exposure to and track alternatives. As the complexity of these investments increases, so too does the need for sophisticated solutions, especially outsourced CFO, that can offer the financial clarity and control families require. Whether it's infrastructure, private credit, or real estate, the key is supporting families with the right technology and knowledge to evaluate performance, manage risk, and plan strategically across generations."

Ocorian’s award winning dedicated family office team provides a seamless and holistic approach to the challenges and opportunities families face. Its service is built on long-term personal relationships that are founded on a deep understanding of what matters to family office clients. Its global presence means Ocorian can provide bespoke structures and services for international families no matter where they live.

Key services include formation and administration of family offices, HR support services, support with lifestyle and luxury assets, family governance, resident and relocation services and specialist support with immigration, visas, payroll, marine and aircraft crew management and financial reporting.

* In June 2025 Ocorian commissioned independent research company PureProfile to interview 200 people in the family office sector including family members, full-time employees of family offices and specialist intermediaries such as lawyers, wealth managers, private bankers and tax advisers working for family offices of UHNW family businesses. The total value of wealth managed or owned by the families was $68.26 billion and respondents were based in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Bahrain, Bermuda, Cayman, British Virgin Islands and Jersey.

 About Ocorian

Ocorian is a global leader in fund services, corporate and trust services, capital markets, and regulatory and compliance support. Ocorian has more than 30 years of experience in fund administration, accounting, investor services and regulated AIFM and depositary solutions and supports managers across all major asset classes of private markets such as private equity, real estate, infrastructure, debt and venture capital. Ocorian manages over 17,000 structures on behalf of 8,000+ clients, including financial institutions, large-scale international organisations, and high-net-worth individuals. To find out more, please visit www.ocorian.com.