What does 2026 look like for the family office?

As 2026 unfolds, family offices are navigating challenges on multiple fronts – from the increasing use of AI tools to guide strategy and streamline research, to greater scrutiny around responsible investing in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. We’ve looked at some of the key trends likely to shape how family offices operate over the next 12 months, and where strategic recruitment can help meet these challenges.

AI moves from experimental to everyday use

Over the past two years, many family offices have run AI pilot projects for specific use cases – summarising documents, checking invoices, or pulling research. Now, AI has moved from experimental tool to embedded infrastructure, with over 70% of offices using it for forecasting and modelling tasks, and 57% for investment research and strategy, according to a Bank of America study. 

What this means for recruitment: AI-savvy operators are crucial to the modern family office: investment or finance professionals who can also build dashboards, manage data, and work with vendors. 

Increasing professionalisation and governance

More families are moving from founder-led decisions to shared structures with the next generation. That means clearer investment mandates, regular and transparent reporting, and documented rules to manage conflicts and related-party deals. The goal is fewer surprises and smoother decision-making.

What this means for recruitment: Adding an independent chair/director or a head of governance is the next move for many family offices looking to further formalise their governance structure in 2026 and provide a single point of oversight.

ESG must be practical and measurable

ESG has matured – in 2026, it’s less about optics and more about measurable performance, with bodies like the UK FCA increasing regulation of ESG ratings providers to improve transparency. In response, family offices are adopting frameworks like the Global Impact Investing Network’s (GIIN) IRIS+ system for standardised performance metrics and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to ensure consistent and reliable ESG disclosures.

What this means for recruitment: Increased scrutiny creates a need within family offices for a formal or informal ESG reporting lead who can produce simple, audit-ready packs that demonstrate compliance while also guiding investment decision-making.

Wealth migration is reshaping global hubs

The UK’s elimination of the non-domiciled tax regime, China’s growing regulatory environment and complex tax laws in India and South Korea have led to a net loss of millionaires through 2025. Conversely, the USA, UAE, Singapore and key EU hubs have seen significant inward migration in this bracket – due to favourable tax, residency or investment landscapes that position them as more welcoming destinations for wealthy individuals. 

What this means for recruitment: For family offices considering relocation, working with a recruitment partner like Victus Search to connect with key talent in new markets – including top candidates not active in the job market – can help ensure an efficient move and a soft landing.  

Cybersecurity is a key operational risk

A report by family office membership organisation Campden Wealth reveals that in 2025, 60% of offices experienced some form of cyberattack, with phishing, malware and data breaches the most common types. As a result, 70% of the offices polled ranked cybersecurity as their number one operational concern heading into 2026. 

What this means for recruitment: Full-time or fractional heads of risk/cybersecurity will be increasingly sought after by forward-thinking family offices to formalise risk tracking, run incident simulation exercises, and liaise with legal and IT/security partners.

Staying ahead of a competitive 2026 hiring market

For family offices looking to add talent to their team to address these emerging challenges, working with an established recruitment partner like Victus Search offers greater access to niche professionals worldwide. We specialise in connecting family offices with the right candidates to help achieve their specific objectives – while ensuring a long-term cultural and values-based fit. If you’re looking to strengthen your team through 2026, contact us to discuss your requirements discreetly and confidentially.