Younger Heirs Reshape Family Office Philanthropy Strategy as Wealth Transfer Accelerates

Family office philanthropy strategy is evolving as wealth passes to younger generations who are embedding structured giving more deeply into governance frameworks.

Swiss private bank Pictet estimates about 17,000 family offices worldwide control more than USD10tr in assets, with nearly three‑quarters managing families’ philanthropy and impact ambitions.

The shift is being reinforced by the great wealth transfer projected to reach USD70tr by 2045, with Cerulli Associates estimating around USD18tr could flow to philanthropic causes by 2048.

Pictet said younger heirs are formalising giving through tools such as family constitutions, charters and specialist advisers to govern and measure outcomes, accelerating the development of strategic family office philanthropy strategy.