The study, based on surveys of more than 350 single family offices worldwide, with an average AUM of USD 2 billion, highlights a structural shift in asset allocation. For the first time, private equity has become the leading asset class within family office portfolios, representing 30% of total allocations compared with 25% for public equities. Nearly one in three family offices plans to further increase exposure to private equity, leveraging their long-term horizon and flexibility to seize market opportunities.

The report also points to an evolution in how family offices are organized and managed. Four in ten expect to expand their teams, and nearly half of senior executives foresee non-family professionals taking leadership roles in the next generation, a clear sign of rising professionalization. At the same time, 34% of family offices plan to rely more on third-party providers to scale operations and add expertise, particularly in investment management, technology, and compliance.

Sustainability and digital transformation have become strategic cornerstones. Forty-six percent of family offices already invest with ESG criteria, with Europe leading adoption, and the share of sustainable investments is expected to grow by 71% over the next five years. On the technology front, 43% are developing digital and cybersecurity strategies in response to the surge in cyberattacks observed over the past two years.

Succession planning has also emerged as a critical issue: 41% of families expect a generational transition within the next decade, although many still lack a formal succession plan.

Overall, Deloitte’s report paints a picture of maturity and consolidation. Family offices continue to evolve into more sophisticated structures, with greater exposure to alternative assets and increasingly professionalized management — allowing them to combine long-term stability with the agility to capitalize on opportunities in an ever-changing environment.

You can read Deloitte’s full report here