Family Offices Reported Positive Portfolio Gains

Nearly 90% of global family offices saw portfolio gains this year while planning for upcoming leadership transitions.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Financial Planning

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Nearly 90% of global family offices tracked by Citi Wealth reported positive portfolio gains this year, as firms prioritize automation and succession planning. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prioritize long-term family succession planning over short-term investment gains in your own financial decisions?

The 2026 Global Family Office Report from Citi Wealth found that most surveyed offices achieved positive performance year-to-date. The findings, gathered from over 350 family offices across 40 countries, highlight current stability alongside shifts toward automation and succession planning.

Why it matters

By prioritizing productivity through AI and preparing for significant leadership changes within the next five years, these organizations aim to ensure long-term wealth preservation and continuity of governance. These strategic shifts provide a look into how high-net-worth entities are managing portfolio volatility and organizational evolution.

Nearly 90% of family offices reported positive year-to-date performance, while 41% of respondents are targeting annual returns between 7% and 10%. With an average net worth of $2.1 billion per family, these organizations are balancing current returns against a planned one-third turnover in leadership.

The players

Citi Wealth

A global financial group that provides wealth management, investment advisory, and planning services to high-net-worth households.

The details

Family offices are increasingly deploying AI tools to improve investment analysis, workflow automation, and reporting capabilities. While many firms maintained existing structures this year, nearly half increased their exposure to public equities. Many firms are now looking toward short-duration income assets and inflation-sensitive diversifiers to protect wealth as they navigate projected shifts in global family structures.

Timeline

  1. June 2026: Survey initiated at the Family Office Leadership Summit.

  2. June and July 2026: Survey conducted among participants.

  3. September 22, 2026: Report released by Citi Wealth.

  4. Next 5 years: Expected timeframe for increased globalization and leadership transitions.

Money Landscape

The findings in the 2026 Global Family Office Report reflect a period of relative portfolio stability among large-scale private wealth groups. This follows a broader trend of family offices shifting toward professionalized governance and digital-first operations to manage multi-generational assets.

For households reviewing their own investment strategies, the report highlights the importance of regular portfolio maintenance and the consideration of succession planning. Consult with a qualified financial or tax professional to determine if your estate governance and asset allocation align with your long-term goals.

The takeaway

Large-scale private wealth managers are increasingly focused on leveraging AI for operational efficiency and preparing for leadership handoffs. Use this trend as a reminder to periodically review your own beneficiary designations and succession plans with a qualified financial or tax professional.

Further reading

For broader context on how high-net-worth households approach their long-term goals, visit Financial Planning.

Live Poll

Do you prioritize long-term family succession planning over short-term investment gains in your own financial decisions?