North American Family Offices Raise Investment Expectations as Wealth Transfer Accelerates

North American family offices are raising investment expectations following strong 2025 performance while simultaneously preparing for generational wealth transfers, new wealth creation and rapid technology adoption, according to RBC and Campden Wealth.

Their 2026 report, based on 155 family offices, found 84% expect direct private equity to match or outperform its 2025 performance.

Artificial intelligence is another major focus, with 85% identifying AI as a leading investment theme for the next 12 months.

Succession remains a significant challenge. Some 23% of respondents experienced a generational wealth transfer during the past five years, while half had incomplete succession plans or none at all.

Cybersecurity and data breaches were the leading near-term operational concern, cited by 59%, up from 16% a year earlier.

Private markets remain central to portfolios, with 86% investing in the asset class and direct investments accounting for an average 45% of their allocations.