Family offices across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are striving to secure their wealth for future generations, yet many lack the necessary structures and plans, as revealed in the DBS Asian Family Office Almanac 2026. The report, based on surveys and interviews with over 200 family offices, highlights significant gaps in risk management and succession planning.
The report found that whilst nearly 80% of families aim to pass their wealth down at least two generations, only 1% of the next generation are actively leading wealth planning. A significant barrier is the founders’ reluctance to relinquish control, with one in three families citing this as a reason for delaying wealth transfers. Furthermore, more than 85% of family offices lack a formal business continuity plan, raising concerns about their ability to handle disruptions.
Lee Woon Shiu, Group Head of Wealth Planning at DBS Bank, emphasised the urgency of addressing these issues: “Family offices need to look beyond immediate obligations and identify weaknesses in succession arrangements, risk oversight, and technology before they become costly problems.”
The report also points out that whilst interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is high, 47% of family offices have yet to integrate digital tools or AI into their operations. Internal expertise gaps and data security concerns are the primary barriers.
DBS, a leader in family office services, supports wealth and legacy planning through various structures and partnerships. As the landscape evolves, addressing these gaps is crucial for families to protect and grow their wealth across generations.
