The Evolution of Family Offices

• Historic family offices boast experience, diversification, and expertise in family dynamics.
• First-generation offices bring agility, innovation, and the drive of the entrepreneur who created the wealth.
• Both types have their place, with the ideal approach depending on the family’s needs. 

In the latest in a series of articles for CampdenFB, experienced family office professional Giles Graves explains how family offices have evolved. 

The concept of family offices has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in wealth management practices, family dynamics, and financial markets. Two distinct categories emerge when examining family offices: historic multi-generational family offices and first-generation family offices. I have worked with many examples of both. Families with a thousand years of wealth and entrepreneurs with one year. 

Each environment represents a different stage in the lifecycle of family wealth and carries its own set of characteristics, challenges, and advantages. In this article, we delve into the evolution and comparison of these two types of family offices.

Multigenerational family offices can have deep roots embedded in the history of wealthy families. These are akin to institutions, and they have typically evolved over several generations, often starting as simple structures to manage the wealth of a single individual or family. Over time, they have grown in sophistication, expanding their services, investment strategies, and governance structures.

One of the key advantages of historic family offices is their accumulated experience and knowledge. Through decades, or even centuries, of managing wealth, these offices have developed a deep understanding of what works (or at least what has worked) in terms of financial markets, risk management, and wealth preservation strategies. They often have established relationships with top-tier financial institutions, access to exclusive investment opportunities, and a network of well-experienced and trusted advisors and experts.

Moreover, these family offices tend to have a more diversified investment portfolio. They have the luxury of time to build and adjust their investment strategy according to changing market conditions and family objectives. This diversification helps mitigate risk and preserve wealth over the long term, providing stability and security for future generations.

Another characteristic of these family offices is their focus on family dynamics and succession planning. They have experience navigating complex family relationships, managing conflicts, and ensuring smooth transitions of wealth and leadership from one generation to the next. This institutional knowledge is invaluable in maintaining family cohesion and preserving the family's legacy for future generations.

In contrast, first-generation family offices are typically established by the wealth creator – an entrepreneur and trailblazer. These offices emerge when a person achieves a significant level of wealth and seeks professional assistance in managing and preserving their assets.

First-generation family offices often prioritise immediate wealth preservation and growth. They may adopt more aggressive investment strategies to maximize returns and build wealth rapidly. However, this approach can also entail higher risk, as they may lack the long-term perspective and experience of multi-generational family offices.

One of the advantages of first-generation family offices is their flexibility and agility. Without the burden of legacy systems or established processes, they can adapt quickly to changing market conditions and emerging opportunities. This entrepreneurial spirit allows them to explore innovative investment strategies and capitalize on niche markets or emerging industries.

First-generation family offices, however, may face challenges in establishing governance structures and managing family dynamics. With limited experience in wealth management and succession planning, they may encounter difficulties in defining roles and responsibilities, resolving conflicts, and preparing for generational transitions.

When comparing historic family offices with first-generation family offices, several key differences emerge. Historic family offices benefit from accumulated experience, diversified portfolios, and a deep understanding of family dynamics and succession planning. They offer stability, security, and a long-term perspective on wealth management.

On the other hand, first-generation family offices bring agility, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to the table. They are nimble in seizing opportunities and adapting to changing market conditions but may lack the depth of experience and institutionalized processes of multi-generational family offices.

In conclusion, both types of family offices have their strengths and weaknesses and so their strategies and focus must be tuned. Multi-generational family offices provide stability and continuity across generations, while first-generation family offices bring fresh perspectives and flexibility. By understanding the strengths and challenges of each type, family advisors can tailor their approach to each.