Family offices turn to third parties for specialist expertise to overcome new challenges and go global

• 77% say their use of third-party support will increase across the board in the next three years

• The most important factor for family offices when looking for third-party support is their ability to operate across multiple regions

Family offices are increasingly turning to specialist third parties for sophisticated, specialist services in order to overcome new challenges and expand internationally, 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 and senior family office employees responsible for a total wealth of $119.37 billion found that advice on illiquid investments (55%) and cyber security (49%) is currently most received from third parties, closely followed by advice on personal finances (48%).

At the other end of the spectrum, only 3% of family offices surveyed say they currently receive third-party support on extended family services, such as concierge needs, global insurance programmes and extended family financial support.

However, demand is set to rise, with over three-quarters (77%) of respondents citing that their use of third-party support for key services will increase across the board over the next three years, with just 21% saying it will stay the same as it is today. The main reason given is a desire for more sophisticated services (74%), followed by a lack of expertise in-house as family offices grow (62%) and the realisation that third parties are more cost-effective (55%).

More specifically, 70% said they plan to increase third-party support for extended family services as their needs and requirements change and they are faced with new, emerging challenges. More than two-thirds (68%) said their use of outsourcing around wealth planning will increase in the next three years.

The study in 16 countries or territories, including the UK, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius and Bahrain found that when looking to appoint third party specialists, the most important factor cited by 62% of family offices is the capability to operate across multiple regions followed by the ability to establish a strong, trusted relationship (58%). This is followed by their technology and reporting proficiency (53%) and then cost (52%).

Lana So Wan Yuen, Head of Private Clients – Mauritius, at Ocorian, said: “Family offices are facing new challenges as they grow and become increasingly international. That means they are looking for third-party specialist expertise which can not only support them with the skills they need but also operate across multiple jurisdictions. In addition to still needing support with core services, our research findings also point towards family offices increasingly looking for support with extended services as they grow, such as concierge needs and global insurance programmes.”

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.

Please note that this press release is intended to provide a very general overview of the matters to which it relates and is provided for your convenience. It is not intended as legal or investment advice and should not be relied on as such.

*In February 2026, Ocorian commissioned independent research company PureProfile to interview 200 people in the family office sector, including family members and full-time employees of family offices. The total value of wealth managed or owned by the families was $119.37 billion and respondents were based in the UK, Switzerland, Mauritius, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, US, Jersey, Guernsey, Bermuda and Cayman.

About Ocorian

Ocorian is a global leader in fund services, corporate and trust services, capital markets, and regulatory and compliance support.

Unlocking new value for its clients across jurisdictions and service lines is Ocorian’s priority; it manages over 20,000 structures on behalf of 9,000+ clients including financial institutions, large-scale international organisations, and high-net-worth individuals.

Ocorian provides fully compliant, tailored solutions that are individual to clients’ needs, no matter where in the world they hold financial interests, or however they are structured.

The group offers a full suite of corporate, fund and private client services across a network of offices spanning all the world’s financial hubs. Locations include Bermuda, BVI, Cayman, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, UAE, the UK, and the U.S. 

To find out more about Ocorian and its services, including regulatory information, visit www.ocorian.com