Rise in Cross-Border Wealth, Purpose-Driven Next Gen Engagement: Report
Family offices are not only expanding globally but are also deepening their strategic sophistication around purpose, talent, and structure to prepare for future generational transitions, according to a report by wealth manager AlTi Global, Inc.
The findings, revealed in its 2025 Family Office Operational Excellence Report in partnership with Campden Wealth, highlighted that cross‑border wealth is increasing, with 57% of single-family offices reporting at least one family member residing outside the primary jurisdiction, especially in Europe (76%) and Asia-Pacific (67%).
In addition, the findings showed that purpose drives engagement from the next generation. The leading educational focus for younger generations is understanding the broader purpose of family wealth—not just capital growth—with only one-third of families having fully articulated usage plans.
The report also identified talent as the key to success, with 89% viewing experienced investment professionals as critical, and 79% outsourcing some investment management. Access to top alternative asset managers depends heavily on team size and networks. Yet, talent is the largest cost center—C‑suite salaries make up 39% to 72% of expenses—and 79% of offices struggle to hire, with over half concerned about retaining key staff.
Despite rising cyber threats, technology spending by family offices remains modest, the report noted. Most allocate between $100,000 and $500,000 annually to tech infrastructure, and 42% continue to rely on spreadsheets. Meanwhile, cybersecurity concerns are escalating, with 70% of family offices now citing it as their top operational risk, up from 59% the year prior, and 60% have experienced at least one cyberattack.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key area of focus, with family offices in Asia leading adoption—nearly 50% report using AI across various functions.
“As families become more global and their needs more complex, many family offices are recognizing the benefits of outsourcing as they seek to deliver value for their families, including increasing global capabilities, next gen engagement and keeping up with fast-evolving technology,” said Erik Christoffersen, head of family office practice, AlTi Tiedemann Global.
The survey was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, collecting responses from 146 family offices across key regions—82 in North America, 42 in Europe, and 22 in Asia Pacific. Respondents were categorized by assets under management into three tiers: small (under $250 million), medium ($250 million to $1 billion), and large (over $1 billion).