Family offices show growing appetite for direct investing

BNY Wealth’s latest global survey of 282 professionals at single-family offices shows growing appetite for direct investing, with 64% expecting to make six or more deals in the next year, up from 54% previously. However, resource constraints, particularly understaffing, are prompting many to co-invest or rely on external advisors. Interest in private equity also climbed, with 69% of large family offices planning to increase exposure. AI is gaining traction, with 52% using it for investment decisions, while 74% are active or interested in digital assets. Luxury and sports assets are gaining favour as inflation hedges. Most respondents manage USD250m to USD5bn, with 63% based in the Americas. Alignment of interests remains key in pursuing long-term direct deals.