What are the next-generation heirs in ultra-high-net-worth families thinking?

炒年糕的貓貓
Nov 20, 2025
2 min read

Standard Chartered Bank and the Financial Times conducted a joint survey between May and June, interviewing more than 300 ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families and their advisors across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Dubai, and other regions. All participating families have at least USD 500 million in investable assets.

Key Findings

The survey reveals that UHNW families are facing three major challenges:

1. Geopolitical Uncertainty (48%)

Driving families to seek more stable and neutral jurisdictions.

2. Inflation (41%)

Eroding purchasing power remains a core concern.

3. Anticipated Future Risks

Families likely to relocate within the next 12 months believe that over the next 3–5 years:

Market volatility (25%)
Tariff changes (23%)
Regulatory shifts (20%)

will significantly intensify.

To counter these uncertainties, more than half (54%) of surveyed families are considering relocating their family office within the next 12 months. They view relocation not merely as defensive action, but as a proactive strategy to strengthen resilience and achieve global diversification.

Succession Planning: A Growing Source of Conflict

Although 84% of families agree that involving the next generation in succession planning is crucial, one-third (33%) are dissatisfied with the current level of involvement.

Among the dissatisfied group:

~50% believe next-generation heirs are not involved enough
~50% believe they are too involved

This reveals a significant gap in expectations and perceptions between generations regarding how the next generation should participate.

What the Next Generation Is Thinking

The younger generation is not only the future heir—but also a catalyst for change. Their values and investment philosophies differ notably from their elders.

Survey insights show:

Younger members have 8% higher trust in artificial intelligence (AI)
They are 6% more supportive of digital asset investment strategies

This “technology trust gap” is reshaping the future of family wealth management.

More than 76% of UHNW families believe that, under human oversight, AI can play a pivotal role in:

Investment analysis
Risk modeling
Asset allocation

AI is shifting from being a support tool to becoming a fundamental element of core decision-making.

The Evolving Role of Family Offices

To navigate these challenges, family offices are transforming from traditional wealth preservation units into multidimensional strategic partners, including:

Catalysts for Change:
Driving digital transformation and sustainable investment adoption.
Family Coordinators:
Bridging generational gaps and enhancing internal communication and consensus.
Stewards of Sustainability:
Integrating ESG principles deeply into investment strategies and family values.
Architects of Resilience:
Strengthening geographical diversification and flexible structures to mitigate uncontrollable external risks.

Conclusion

The report highlights internal conflicts, geopolitical concerns, succession planning complexities, and generational differences in technology and investment attitudes among UHNW families. Today’s family office is no longer solely a guardian of wealth—it must also act as a family coordinator and innovation catalyst, guiding families through generational transition and technological transformation.