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J.P. Morgan's 2026 Global Family Office Report: Insights and Trends

On February 2, 2026, J.P. Morgan Private Bank unveiled its comprehensive 2026 Global Family Office Report, offering a vital look into the priorities and strategies driving the world's leading family offices. This in-depth study brings together insights from 333 family offices across 30 countries, with each family office possessing an average net worth of an impressive $1.6 billion.

Key Findings and Strategic Insights

Family Offices Focus on AI Investments

The report reveals a significant trend as 65% of family offices express intentions to prioritize investments in artificial intelligence. However, there remains a striking disconnect between ambition and action—more than 57% of these entities currently lack exposure to growth equity or venture capital, key components essential for fuelling innovations in the AI sector.

The Portfolio Allocation Paradox

This disparity highlights the portfolio allocation paradox faced by many family offices; while ambitious about technology investments, the actual investment framework needs to catch up. Furthermore, over 70% of respondents reported no investments in infrastructure—vital for supporting AI advancements—indicating a pressing need for family offices to reassess their investment strategies comprehensively.

As Christophe Aba, Head of International Investments & Advice at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, points out, “Investors should focus not just on major tech firms but also on the enablers driving supply chains of AI, including semiconductors and digital infrastructure.”

Geopolitical Risks and Market Strategy

Geopolitical tensions emerged as a primary concern, with 64% of family offices listing it as their biggest risk. Surprisingly, many are not balancing this risk with traditional hedges, as 72% do not invest in gold and 89% avoid cryptocurrencies. This reflects a cautious approach towards risk management, where family offices lean toward tangible assets instead.

Tackling Internal Challenges and Succession Planning

The findings also shed light on governance matters within family businesses. Approximately 48% of business-owning families have instituted formal governance structures, significantly higher than their non-business counterparts. However, internal conflicts remain a major threat, evidenced by 41% of family business leaders identifying it as a top risk.

Succession planning is another area of concern, with 53% of family-owning families classifying it as a top priority. The report emphasizes a troubling trend: 86% of all family offices lack a clear succession plan for key decision-makers. As generational shifts approach, this gap represents a critical area ripe for improvement.

Rising Costs and Outsourcing Necessities

Amid the complexities of managing family wealth, operational costs are rising. An average family office spends about $3 million annually, escalating to $6.6 million for offices holding over $1 billion in assets. Outsourcing has therefore become crucial, with 80% of family offices indicating they outsource portfolio management tasks. Legal services, trading, and cybersecurity are the most frequently outsourced areas, reflecting a shift towards more specialized skills in this competitive landscape.

As family offices confront the growing complexities of wealth management, strategic outsourcing is essential to maintaining their competitive edge.

Conclusion: A Call for Strategic Alignment

The J.P. Morgan 2026 Global Family Office Report serves as a critical resource for understanding the evolving landscape of family wealth management. With a clear vision for AI investments and the inherent geopolitical risks of today’s world, family offices have the opportunity to align their ambitious goals with actionable strategies. The call for fostering risk-aware investment frameworks and effective succession plans highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic foresight in navigating the challenges of the future.

For detailed insights and to access the full report, visit J.P. Morgan's official website.