THE FAMILY OFFICE IS CHANGING: ADAPTING TO GENERATIONAL SHIFTS

The family office landscape is evolving. While founding generations focused primarily on wealth creation, subsequent generations are inheriting not just wealth, but also a different set of priorities. 

The focus for second and third-generation family leaders is moving away from preserving capital to embrace a broader investment horizon, seeking growth and diversification through more complex financial strategies and structures. This shift is transforming the way family offices operate and the expertise and services they require to drive successful and sustained growth.

NAVIGATING CHANGING FAMILY OFFICE PRIORITIES

Where first-generation family leaders may have concentrated on established asset classes, subsequent generations are increasingly looking towards alternative investments. 

Private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and real estate are now frequently part of the portfolio, often with a global perspective. This wider investment scope requires specialist knowledge of international markets, regulations, and tax regimes. 

In our experience, family offices at this stage of development also have priorities beyond growth. Impact investing, social responsibility and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are increasingly important for many families. 

This introduces another layer of complexity to investment strategies and calls for specific expertise in structures such as trusts, foundations, and offshore entities, each with its own set of legal and administrative requirements.

ADDRESSING THE SKILLS GAP IN FAMILY OFFICES

The traditional family office model may be under-equipped to handle this increased complexity. While a small, informally assembled team might once have been sufficient to handle all family affairs, today’s family office requires a new level of professionalism, governance and structure. 

Family offices of the future must be agile, adaptable, and — above all — equipped with the right talent to navigate complex challenges, identify relevant trends and capitalise on emerging opportunities. 

This can include professionals with deep knowledge of international tax and regulatory compliance, experienced fund managers capable of analysing complex investment opportunities, legal experts to navigate estate planning and corporate structuring, and even cybersecurity specialists to protect sensitive data. 

But this presents its own challenges — as finding, attracting and retaining individuals with these skills can pose a significant challenge in an increasingly competitive global talent market.

PARTNERING FOR FAMILY OFFICE SUCCESS

Victus Search understands this evolution — recognising that family offices require more than just transactional recruitment solutions to ensure long-term growth and success. 

We build long-term relationships, working closely with our clients to understand their unique circumstances and long-term vision — forming a partnership that can adapt and grow alongside the evolving needs of the family office, ensuring that our clients always have access to the right talent at the right time. 

Our global network provides access to a wide pool of talent, including passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new roles but represent the best fit for our clients’ needs. We appreciate the sensitive nature of family office operations, and discretion and confidentiality are paramount in our work.

Whether you are a growing family office seeking to expand your team or an established office looking to add specialist expertise, Victus Search can help. To learn more, contact us today.