The recently published J.P. Morgan 2026 Global Family Office Report, based on survey work conducted in 2025, offers a wide‑ranging analysis of how wealthy families across 30 countries are redefining strategy, risk appetite and operational models. For organisations such as Boston Multi Family Office, with offices in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Malta, the findings provide essential context for supporting intermediaries and clients navigating this shifting environment.
Drawing on insights from 333 family offices with an average net worth of USD 1.6 billion, the report highlights key trends that resonate strongly with the priorities of families and advisers globally.
1. AI Ambition vs Investment Reality
One of the most striking themes is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic priority. 65% of family offices intend to prioritise AI investments, making it the most significant thematic focus for 2026.
However, execution appears to lag behind intent. As J.P. Morgan notes, over 50% of offices lack exposure to growth equity or venture capital, and more than 70% have no infrastructure investments, despite these being core components of the AI value chain – especially data centres, power systems and digital infrastructure.
For advisers and fiduciary service providers, this gap highlights a crucial opportunity: supporting clients in building structured access routes to sophisticated alternative asset classes and next‑generation technologies.
The rapid rise of AI, combined with heightened geopolitical tension, is also increasing the risk of sophisticated, targeted cyber threats against individuals, families and businesses, reinforcing the need for vigilance and proactive defence.
2. A Shift Towards Alternative Investments
Inflationary pressures are prompting family offices to diversify further into alternative assets. According to the report, offices most concerned about inflation allocate nearly 60% of their portfolios to hedge funds and real estate.
Meanwhile, the global portfolio allocation snapshot shows:
- Public equities: 38.4%
- Private investments: 30.8%
- Fixed income: 14.8%
- Cash: 7.8%
- Hedge funds: 4.7%
- Commodities: 1.3%
- Crypto/digital: 0.4%
These shifts underscore the continued demand for carefully structured investment vehicles – whether via fund platforms, corporate structures or specialised trust arrangements – particularly in jurisdictions offering regulatory stability and global access.
3. Heightened Geopolitical Awareness – But Limited Hedging
Geopolitics stands out as the top risk for family offices, reflecting a world of heightened uncertainty and fragmented global markets.
Surprisingly, traditional hedging mechanisms remain underused:
- 72% hold no gold
- 89% hold no cryptocurrency
This presents another area where multi‑family offices and cross‑border advisers can help families explore risk‑mitigating solutions that are consistent with their long‑term objectives, tax considerations and governance frameworks.
4. Governance Strengthens, but Succession Planning Lags
Good governance continues to differentiate resilient family offices. The report shows that business‑owning families are more likely to implement formal governance structures, with 48% having established such frameworks, compared with 40% of non‑business‑owning peers.
However, succession planning remains a global weak spot: 86% of family offices lack a clear succession plan for key decision makers.
With our cross‑jurisdictional expertise, at Boston Multi Family Office, we see succession planning as one of the most pressing areas where families benefit from coordinated advice across trusts, corporate structures, wealth planning and governance protocols.
5. Rising Operating Complexity and the Shift to Outsourcing
Family offices are becoming more operationally complex. Average annual running costs now stand at USD 3 million, rising to USD 6.6 million for offices with more than USD 1 billion in assets.
To manage this, 80% of family offices outsource at least part of their portfolio management, with legal services, cybersecurity, trading execution and technology platforms ranking among the most frequently outsourced functions. At Boston Multi Family Office, we work closely with you, and where appropriate, your existing family office and advisers, to deliver a fully integrated service. Drawing on our global network of professionals, we provide discreet, flexible, and robust solutions designed to protect and preserve family wealth.
Acting as a single, confidential point of coordination, we streamline your family and corporate affairs while mitigating conflicts between advisers. Our integrated offering spans corporate structuring, asset holding and protection strategies, and the formation and administration of trusts, companies, and foundations.
We provide tailored solutions for luxury asset ownership and management, including yacht and aircraft registration, alongside residential and commercial property structuring, management, and property tax compliance. Our services also encompass accounting and tax advisory, listing and sponsor support, fiduciary oversight, and family governance and liaison.
6. Regional Dynamics: A Global “Risk‑On” Mood
Across markets, J.P. Morgan observes a distinctly risk‑on attitude, despite global uncertainty. Families are selectively embracing innovation, alternatives and private market opportunities, while re‑evaluating traditional risk strategies.
For clients using international finance centres, this reinforces the need for robust cross‑border structuring, regulatory clarity and proactive strategy review – areas where our Boston teams in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Malta continue to support intermediaries and families globally.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Forward‑Thinking Family Offices
The 2026 J.P. Morgan report confirms what many in our industry experience daily: family offices are at a strategic crossroads. They face unprecedented complexity but also benefit from unparalleled opportunities in technology, private markets and global diversification.
As an independent business, Boston Multi Family Office offers truly impartial services to our clients. Boston helps families and their advisers bridge the gap between ambition and execution – whether through governance design, investment structuring, fiduciary support or cross‑jurisdictional administration.
If you would like to discuss how these trends may affect your clients or family strategy, our teams across the Isle of Man, Jersey and Malta would be delighted to assist. Please contact enquiries@bostonmfo.com.
Sources:
2026 Global Family Office Report | J.P. Morgan Private Bank EMEA EN