Family offices are becoming increasingly sophisticated investors, but their reporting infrastructure isn't always keeping pace.

‍

Citi's 2026 Global Family Office Report  surveyed 351 family offices across 41 countries, examining how they invest, adopt AI, strengthen governance,. and prepare for succession.

‍

While family offices are expanding their investments and adopting more formal processes, fewer than half use consolidated reporting software.

‍

‍

‍

Family Offices Are Investing More Directly

‍

Public equities remain the largest allocation in family office portfolios, accounting for 30% of assets globally. Fixed income follows at 16%, while private equity funds and direct private equity each account for 9%.

‍

Public equities also saw the greatest increase in interest, with 46% of family offices adding to their holdings.

‍

Global average asset allocation

‍

‍

Despite ongoing market uncertainty, family offices largely stayed invested. Nearly two-thirds cited inflation as their biggest concern, followed by interest rates (44%) and financial system stability (38%). When geopolitical events occurred, 41% made no portfolio changes.

‍

Meanwhile, private markets continue to attract interest. Three-quarters of family offices invest directly in companies, and 40% plan to increase their exposure. Interest in pre-IPO investments has nearly doubled, with AI emerging as the leading sector for new direct investments.

‍

As family offices expand their private market portfolios, more of their wealth sits outside traditional custodial reporting. Tracking private companies, operating businesses and fund investments alongside public assets is becoming increasingly important.

‍

‍

Governance Is Growing, but Reporting Is Lagging

‍

Family offices are adopting more formal investment processes. Investment committees are now used by 63% of offices, up from 53% last year. Formal due diligence processes and investment policy statements have also become more common.

‍

Yet only 47% use consolidated reporting software. Among smaller family offices, that figure falls to 37%.

‍

Adoption of governance and reporting practices

‍

‍

‍

This creates a challenge for investment teams. As portfolios become more complex and governance structures more formal, decision-makers need accurate information across every asset, entity and investment.

‍

AI adoption is also accelerating. Last year, more than half of family offices weren't using AI. That figure has fallen to 19%, although only 12% describe their adoption as advanced or transformational.

‍

Most are using AI for everyday tasks such as meeting notes, document management and reporting. Faster information processing is the most widely reported benefit, cited by 67% of respondents, but nearly a quarter have yet to see a measurable impact.

‍

For family offices looking to expand their use of AI, organized and accessible financial data is an important foundation.

‍

‍

Global Expansion and Succession Add to the Complexity

‍

Family offices are becoming more international. More than a quarter already operate across multiple countries, while 38% expect their families to become more international over the next five years.

‍

With investments, businesses, trusts and family members spread across jurisdictions, maintaining a complete financial picture becomes more difficult. Tax coordination is the leading cross-border need, cited by 59% of respondents.

‍

Succession planning presents another challenge.

‍

One in three family offices expects a leadership transition within the next five years. Among third-generation families and beyond, that figure exceeds 43%. Yet only 17% say they are well prepared.

‍

Preparing the next generation involves more than transferring leadership. Future decision-makers need a clear understanding of the family's investments, operating businesses, ownership structures and financial obligations.

‍

When this information is scattered across spreadsheets, custodians and individual advisers, transferring that knowledge becomes more difficult.

‍

‍

What This Means for Family Offices

‍

Citi's findings point to a growing gap between how family offices invest and the systems they use to manage their wealth.

‍

Direct investing is increasing, governance is becoming more formal, and families are managing assets across more jurisdictions and generations. Yet consolidated reporting remains far from universal.

‍

As portfolios become more complex, family offices need accurate, accessible information across their entire wealth structure.

‍

MYFO brings public and private investments, operating businesses, entities and financial documents into one platform, giving family offices a consolidated view of their wealth. Book a demo  to see how MYFO can help you manage your family's increasingly complex portfolio.