EY Americas Family Office guide

How can you build a future that will last for generations? Create a family office to nurture the family legacy.

Today, private family capital is larger than private equity and venture capital combined. The increasing concentration of wealth held by very wealthy families and rising globalization are fueling the growth of family offices. There are at least 10,000 single family offices around the world — most of which were set up in the last 15 years.

Family offices are complex organizations that require deep knowledge — not just of investment variables, but also a host of other factors. This guide is a detailed handbook for those planning to set up a family office and also for those looking to set benchmarks of leading practice within their existing family office.

This guide covers:

  • Why to set up a family office
  • Services a family office should offer
  • How to create a business plan and strategy
  • Investment process
  • Reporting and technology concerns
  • Philanthropy
  • Family office cost
  • Important governance considerations
  • Risk management

Our latest thinking

Why the family office of the future needs refreshed operating models

Tech and talent need highlight opportunities for family offices to evolve, Wharton Global Family Alliance survey shows. Here are actions to take today.

How a family office can support family needs

From wealth management to succession planning, embedded and single family offices can strategically coordinate needed services. Read more.

How family businesses can prepare for cybersecurity threats

Family businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Learn more about proactive measures that family businesses can take against cyber attacks.

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How family offices can maximize the upside of tech and minimize risk

A recent Wharton survey highlights fears in this fast-evolving era. Cybersecurity is vital — but it must be a facet of a broader strategy. Learn more.

How family offices can broaden their risk mindset in a volatile time

Leaders are focused on financial risk but are overlooking ways to gain agility and confidence before the next crisis. Here are nine steps to consider.

How to manage risks and protect family offices

Single family offices should implement a risk framework and management system to recognize potential areas of concern. Learn more.

Top four wealth planning considerations for high net worth individuals

A changing financial landscape and a global pandemic have led wealthy individuals to review succession, purpose, tax and global mobility. Learn more.

How single family offices are balancing tradition and transformation

As the role of single family offices evolves, how will they manage regulation, risk, technology, governance and strategy? Learn more from our research.