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2026 Family Offices Report: A Shift Towards Optimism

As conveyed by the latest RBC and Campden Wealth Report, North American family offices are experiencing a significant shift in sentiment from caution to optimism. This change comes at a pivotal moment of generational wealth transfer alongside the rapid development of new wealth and the evolution of technology. The report underscores the challenges and opportunities that ultra-high-net-worth families face as they refine their investment strategies to address both short- and long-term market performance, as well as ensuring effective succession plans.

Key Findings

The report highlights several critical findings that reflect the current state and future expectations of family offices:

• - Approximately 23% of family offices have witnessed a generational transfer in the last five years, yet half lack a clear succession strategy.
• - One-fifth of family offices were established in the past six years, indicating a rise of new wealth creators amidst the ongoing transfer of existing fortunes.
• - The optimism is reflected in performance expectations, with 84% of family offices anticipating that their direct private equity investments will either meet or exceed the previous year's results, and 74% expecting similar positive outcomes for private equity funds within the next 2-5 years.
• - Liquidity remains a central theme, as families emphasize the necessity of maintaining adequate reserves for immediate cash needs while ensuring patient capital is available for strategic investments.

Moreover, over 65% of family offices are engaged in philanthropic endeavors, integrating their family's values directly into their charitable activities rather than allocating funds separately.

Investing in AI and Emphasizing Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as the top investment choice for family offices over the next 12 months, with a striking 85% indicating its priority. This technological approach seeks to enhance efficiencies and amplify value for their respective families.
Conversely, cybersecurity and the risk of data breaches have risen to the forefront of operational concerns, cited by 59% of respondents—an increase from just 16% the previous year. This highlights an acute awareness of the risks associated with digital transformation, necessitating a balanced approach to innovation and security.

An Optimistic Outlook

Last year's cautious expectations of a mere 5% average annual return have shifted dramatically due to strong performance across asset classes in 2025. The sentiment among family offices differs significantly from previous apprehensions; they now acknowledge positive forward-looking indicators based on recent successes.
Adam Ratner, a director of research at Campden Wealth, notes that this is not just a cautious group regaining optimism but a reflection of a revised understanding of their position within the market cycle; the fear of missing out is influencing even those with a patient capital approach.

As traditional families focus on transferring both wealth and values to succeeding generations, a concurrent rise in the establishment of new family offices illustrates the rapid creation of wealth dynamics; both need strategic planning to harmonize core values and purpose effectively.

Operational Needs and Philanthropic Evolution

Half of family offices report that incorporating AI into their workflows is critical. Conversely, 73% still grapple with the manual nature of investment reporting, a concern that has persisted for several years. A significant jump in reported phishing attempts—now at 59%—marks an urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures as long-term risks become more pronounced.
The report reveals that while about 65% of family offices engage in philanthropy, fewer have classified these activities as responsible investing, showing a drop from 25% in 2025 to 19% this year. However, the integration of family values into asset allocation without distinct labels indicates a more sophisticated approach to charitable contributions.

Conclusion

The insights from the 2026 North America Family Office Report illustrate a noteworthy transformation among family offices across the continent. As they navigate the intricacies of wealth transition amidst new wealth creation and technological advancements, their focus remains on strategically aligning values with objectives, ultimately preparing them for the financial transitions that lie ahead. The full report elucidates these trends and offers guidance for navigating an evolving landscape of wealth management.

For more details, the complete 2026 North America Family Office Report is available from RBC and Campden Wealth.