According to Julius Baer’s Family Barometer 2025, developed with PwC Switzerland, family offices have evolved from administrative entities into strategic centres of wealth management and governance. These private structures now oversee all aspects of affluent families’ financial affairs, including investments, taxation, philanthropy and education, enabling professionalized control of multigenerational wealth. Based on a global survey of 2,485 experts, the report finds that the world’s richest families are increasingly focusing on capital preservation, risk management and succession planning to ensure a long-term continuity.

The study notes that only 40% of ultra-wealthy families presently operate a family office, though adoption is rising rapidly, particularly in Asia with Singapore and Hong Kong as the key hubs. Despite high setup costs and regulatory complexity, many families are adopting hybrid models that outsource specific functions while retaining strategic control over investments and governance. Experts emphasize that the structure of a particular family office should align with each family’s wealth, complexity and long-term objectives.

The report highlights a growing shift from wealth management to family legacy preservation. Families are formalizing constitutions and governance frameworks to institutionalize their values and sustain cohesion across generations. Private markets, including real estate, private equity and venture capital, account for up to 35% of portfolios, underscoring a preference for long-term, illiquid assets. As family offices expand in sophistication and global reach, they are redefining modern wealth management, transforming into enduring instruments of continuity, influence, and legacy.

Secure your family’s wealth and legacy by setting up your own family office. Reach out to our experts today for a private consultation at +44 20 3974 1244 or at office@bensonformations.com.