The next generation is reshaping the family office investment model

The next generation of family office leaders is not rejecting the family office model. They are modernising it. Ocorian’s findings show a clear shift towards more active participation, with private markets topping the list of differing priorities at 51%, followed by digital assets at 42% and ownership of physical assets at 39%.

Given the growing influence of family offices in global capital flows, this shift has implications for how capital is sourced, structured and deployed across private markets.

Commenting on the findings, Robin Harris, Regional Head of APAC at Ocorian, said this reflects a desire for control, visibility and relevance rather than a reckless appetite for risk.

“Next Gen investors aren’t rebelling against the family office model; they are professionalising it. They want a more active seat at the table and direct exposure to value creation, rather than to inherit capital and preserve it.

Private markets offer the thematic exposure many younger family members are drawn to, including AI, infrastructure and the energy transition. They can feel closer to the story, the strategy and the impact of the investment. Public markets can feel more distant and backwards-looking by comparison.

The increased focus on digital assets is also important. They are no longer seen as fringe or speculative investments and, for many Next Gen investors, tokenisation, blockchain-enabled funds and digital custody are part of the future infrastructure of markets. 

What is interesting is that this does not mean ESG or impact has disappeared. It has become more practical. The next generation is less patient with vague ESG narratives and more focused on measurable impact, clear investment theses and transparent trade-offs between values and returns.

For advisers and family office professionals, the message is clear: this is evolution, not disruption for disruption’s sake. The next generation wants visibility, influence and decision-making power. Family offices that create the right governance structures to support that will be better placed to preserve wealth, deploy it intelligently and keep the family aligned across generations.”

Ocorian's Global Family Office Report 2026  explores the themes of global growth, changing family priorities, technology, geopolitics and the role of specialist providers in supporting family offices as they evolve in today’s private client landscape.