As private wealth continues to rise across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), affluent families are turning to more sophisticated structures to manage their fortunes. One model increasingly gaining traction is the Single Family Office (SFO)—a private entity created to oversee the financial, personal, and legacy-related affairs of a single wealthy family.
Once a fixture primarily in Western Europe and the US, SFOs are now finding fertile ground in CEE, driven by ultra-high-net-worth individuals who value discretion, control, and tailored solutions for long-term wealth planning.
The latest instalment of the Money in Motion report delves into this trend, combining proprietary survey data, expert interviews, and regional insights. The project is supported by ROCA Investments, Vertik Group, and a network of regional partners, including FBN chapters, VC groups, and private capital networks across Bulgaria, Hungary, and beyond.
Why Single Family Offices Are Gaining Ground
Although many of the region’s fortunes are relatively young—largely post-1989—they’re evolving quickly. Entrepreneurs who once focused on liquidity events are now turning their attention to legacy-building and multigenerational stewardship.
SFOs offer a centralised, flexible model for handling tax planning, investment strategy, succession, and philanthropy. Global trends mirror this momentum: the number of family offices worldwide has tripled since 2019, with more than 10,000 expected by 2030.
CEE family offices often take a leaner approach than their Western counterparts, with many managing portfolios below €250M. In fact, more than 30% of survey participants reported assets under management between €5M and €20M.
Redefining Wealth Management in the Region
CEE-based SFOs vary in structure but often blend family leadership with professional management. Nearly half follow a hybrid governance model, reflecting a gradual move towards institutional best practices.
While external advisors remain important—especially for specialist deals—families rely on a mix of in-house and outsourced expertise for due diligence.
Importantly, generational involvement is already underway: nearly 50% of SFOs in the region involve two or more generations in decision-making. As David Grammig of Grammig Advisory notes, “The region is facing a wave of succession, wealth transfer, and liquidity events—it’s time to prepare.”
Investment Trends and Pain Points
SFOs in CEE are taking a diversified, long-term view on investments. Survey highlights include:
- 92% invest in public markets
- 77% are active in real estate
- 69% allocate to venture capital
- 54% support private equity
While wealth accumulation remains a top goal, the emphasis on wealth preservation is growing in the face of global instability.
Challenges persist. Respondents cite tax complexity, scarce deal flow, and political risk as key friction points—indicating a broader need for tailored infrastructure and regional advisory capacity.
Succession: The Critical Next Step
Succession planning remains underdeveloped. While 41% of next-generation family members are already engaged in operations, just 31% of families have a formal plan in place—leaving many exposed as generational shifts occur.
Progress is being made. Legislative efforts, like Poland’s Family Foundation Act, are creating new frameworks for succession, while tax-friendly jurisdictions in Austria, the Baltics, and parts of the Visegrad group are helping to support future planning.
