Despite navigating a landscape defined by geopolitical instability and shifting interest rates, most surveyed offices opted for active management over wholesale portfolio liquidation. Nearly half of the respondents increased their exposure to listed equities this year, signaling a renewed appetite for public markets. This shift makes global developed equities the primary destination for new capital, even as private markets retain their status as a foundational strategic pillar.
Family Offices Pivot Back to Equities Amid Succession Pressure
Ninety percent of family offices tracked by Citi Wealth reported positive returns in 2026, yet the optimism is tempered by deep-seated anxiety over inflation and a looming leadership vacuum. With one-third of firms expecting management transitions within five years, the focus has shifted toward institutionalizing long-term stability.
Beyond asset allocation, the industry is undergoing a structural evolution. Professionalization has moved beyond investment mandates into operational planning and organizational development. The integration of artificial intelligence is now commonplace, utilized primarily for workflow automation and decision support. However, the most pressing hurdle remains the human element. Respondents identified unclear succession plans and a lack of readiness among the next generation as critical threats to their long-term viability, forcing many to prioritize internal alignment alongside their financial targets.
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