Family Office Succession Tensions Rise as Young Heirs Reshape Investment Strategies

Family office succession dynamics are shifting as younger heirs take a more active role in shaping investment strategies, according to a global study by Ocorian.

The survey found that 79% of respondents reported increased next-generation involvement, while 97% said heirs’ priorities differ from founders.

Key areas of divergence include private markets, digital assets, physical assets, risk appetite, geopolitics and even office location.

The study covered 200 family office members and executives across 16 jurisdictions, representing USD119.37bn in wealth.

Ocorian Singapore’s Ginny Goh said structured planning is becoming more critical as family office succession evolves alongside expanding wealth and increasingly diverse priorities.

Wealth advisers added that geopolitical risks, including the Iran conflict, are accelerating moves toward multi-jurisdictional structures and portfolio rebalancing.