The “old guard” is handing over the keys, and the new drivers have a very different roadmap. According to a recent study by Ocorian and PureProfile, family offices are undergoing a massive strategic overhaul as younger heirs step into leadership roles.
The New Playbook
The survey, which covered firms managing nearly $120 billion, reveals that a staggering 97% of family offices see a clear divide between the investment goals of founders and their successors. The younger cohort isn’t just sitting on the sidelines; 79% are actively reshaping how capital is deployed.
Where the Money is Moving
The shift is characterized by a move away from traditional portfolios toward more “tangible” and “modern” assets:
- Alternative & Digital Assets: Over half (51%) of the next generation are eyeing private markets, while 42% are pushing for digital asset integration.
- Physical Wealth: There is a growing appetite for “hard” assets—think luxury real estate and private aviation (39%).
- Higher Risk: Nearly a third of these younger leaders are comfortable with a more aggressive risk profile compared to their predecessors.
The “Succession Gap”
While the investment strategies are evolving quickly, the logistics of the handoff are lagging. Although 98% of respondents admit that succession planning is vital, 12% confess their firms currently have no formal plan for transferring leadership or wealth. Experts suggest that as priorities diversify and geopolitical views shift between generations, a structured framework isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for survival.
