The Julius Baer Family Barometer Report 2025, in collaboration with PwC Switzerland, highlights a significant shift among Asia’s ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families. The report, which surveyed nearly 2,500 experts globally, reveals that these families are increasingly prioritising legacy building over traditional succession planning amidst geopolitical turbulence and digitalisation.
The findings underscore a generational change, with families integrating wealth, governance, and educational planning across borders. This shift is facilitated by the rise of family offices, particularly single-family offices, which have surged in popularity in Singapore and Hong Kong. Over 2,000 family offices were established in Singapore by 2024, marking a 43% increase year-on-year, whilst Hong Kong hosts more than 2,700.
Key family-related topics in Asia now include succession planning, individual and family growth opportunities, and building a family legacy. Investment priorities focus on geopolitical diversification, inflation protection, and real estate. Societal concerns such as taxation, intergenerational wealth transfer, and political stability also rank highly.
The report notes that cost and complexity remain barriers to establishing dedicated family offices, prompting interest in hybrid models. Additionally, Asia leads globally in outsourcing cybersecurity, with 48% of families opting for external solutions.
As Singapore and Hong Kong continue to attract UHNW individuals with their robust infrastructure and regulatory clarity, the region’s wealthy families are redefining their priorities to ensure their wealth strategies are resilient and aligned with shared values. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards professionalisation and strategic continuity in wealth management.
