Family office strategies are shifting fast – here’s why it matters
There’s a clear shift underway in family offices globally, and it’s being driven by the next generation.
Ginny Goh, Director of Private Clients in Singapore, explores the key findings from our latest global family office research and what they mean for how investment strategies, priorities and succession are evolving.
Our latest global research, covering family offices with a combined wealth of over $119 billion, shows that younger family members are no longer waiting in the wings. They’re actively shaping investment strategy, bringing new perspectives, priorities and, in some cases, tensions.
A generational reset in investment thinking
79% of respondents say younger generations are now more involved in developing and reviewing investment strategies and almost all (97%) agree their priorities differ from those of founders.
This isn’t just a natural evolution. It’s a meaningful shift in how capital is viewed, deployed and managed.
Where founders may have prioritised capital preservation and traditional asset classes, the next generation is pushing for:
- Greater exposure to private markets
- Increased interest in digital assets
- More focus on tangible assets like real estate and lifestyle investments
- A higher overall tolerance for risk
At the same time, differences are emerging on broader issues too – including geopolitical outlooks and even where family offices should be based.
But succession planning isn’t keeping pace
Despite this shift, succession planning remains a weak point for many family offices.
- 1 in 8 say they are not seeing a natural succession in wealth and leadership
- 98% believe more needs to be done to strengthen succession planning
In other words, while the next generation is stepping up, the structures to support that transition often aren’t fully in place.
Why this matters now
As wealth becomes more complex, international and diversified, the risk of misalignment increases.
Without clear governance and forward planning, differences in approach can slow decision-making, create friction and ultimately impact the long-term sustainability of the family office.
Succession planning, therefore, needs to be treated as a current priority. As family offices grow and mature, differing perspectives between generations are inevitable – but as wealth expands and priorities diversify, having a structured, forward-looking framework in place becomes essential to managing that complexity effectively.
Supporting families through change
At Ocorian, we work closely with family offices at every stage of their evolution, helping them navigate complexity, manage transitions and build structures that stand the test of time.
From governance and succession planning to administration, lifestyle asset support and global structuring, our approach is built around understanding what matters most to each family and supporting them for the long term.
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