The concept of family offices has witnessed a profound transformation in recent years. Traditionally, they have been perceived as entities that affluent families entrusted for wealth management. From its basic structure, the model of a single family office in Dubai has evolved into a sophisticated and strategic institution. This professionalism marks a significant shift from the investment perspective regarding how family offices drive investment decisions, manage assets, and explore financial aspects.
In this newsletter, we will take a look into this shift towards the professionalization of family offices. We have also discussed some crucial considerations that family offices need to weigh to secure the wealth of their clients and grow it.
Factors prompting family offices to shift towards better professional standards
Traditionally, affluent families entrusted their financial assets to investment managers. However, investment managers struggled to achieve their target returns amidst economic uncertainties amidst the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and then the pandemic. Naturally, affluent families started exploring alternative approaches. Consequently, the notion of professionalizing family offices gained traction since the move would empower executives engaged in such work to manage financial assets directly and report the same to family members.
The uncertainties in global markets and low-income returns have led to a decline in the trend of entrusting investment managers to manage the finances of families. This shift has left family offices in pursuit of greater control and peace of mind while consolidating all data in one central location. Naturally, this transition calls for the recruitment of skilled family office executives.
Key factors driving the professionalism of family offices
1. Higher Complexity
2. Better Expertise
3. Advancements in Technology
4. Exploring Investment Avenues
5. Global Perspective
Professionalization of the Family Office: Evaluating Risk vs. Reward
Professionalizing family offices comes with a multitude of perks. These include better access to diverse investment opportunities, better risk management, and the opportunity to use sophisticated technologies to make informed decisions. However, it’s crucial to focus on the challenges involved in the process as well. Some of the persisting concerns are equating the risk and reward ratio to optimize returns, align to the respective values and goals of each family, and maintain proper communication between professional staff and family members.
In the coming years, family offices are likely to undergo further professionalization. With the younger generations assuming leadership roles, they are likely to deploy even more tactical investment strategies to ensure greater transparency. Moreover, family offices need to adapt to changing family dynamics. Embracing evolving technologies and adapting to shifting investment trends, they can deliver value to their clients.
