Family Offices at a crossroads: Jersey and Asia’s role in the next chapter of generational wealth

The global family office landscape is undergoing profound change. As economic power shifts eastward and new generations inherit unprecedented levels of wealth, the very concept of a family office is being redefined.  

For ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families (typically those with £50 million or more in investable assets) family offices are no longer niche structures but institutional-grade operations, designed to manage complexity, protect privacy, and safeguard legacies. 

Asia has emerged as a decisive growth frontier. In Singapore, DBS Bank, one of Asia’s largest financial institutions, launched a multi-family office platform in 2023 to provide shared infrastructure, investment opportunities and governance support for ultra-wealthy families. The platform has already amassed S$1 billion in assets under management within two years and expects to double by the end of 2026.  

Across the Asia-Pacific region, estimates suggest nearly US$6 trillion in wealth will pass to the next generation in the coming years. Families are professionalising their offices, hiring non-family executives, and allocating more capital to private equity, infrastructure, and other alternative assets. For many, outsourcing and hybrid operating models are becoming essential as portfolios grow in scale and sophistication. 

At the same time, jurisdictions like Jersey are strengthening their position as trusted hubs for wealth structuring. Recent regulatory updates, including the removal of the 50-investor limit on private funds, expand the flexibility available to UHNW families when designing investment vehicles. Jersey’s reputation for robust governance, combined with its track record in administering complex cross-border structures, continues to make it a destination of choice for families seeking stability and continuity. 

Why family offices matter more than ever 

The rationale for establishing a dedicated family office has never been clearer: 

• Centralised wealth management – Coordinating advisors across investment management, tax planning, risk, and succession to deliver strategic alignment and efficiency. 

• Privacy and confidentiality – Building bespoke structures aligned to family goals, values, and philanthropic strategies. 

• Multigenerational wealth planning – Educating and involving the next generation, embedding governance frameworks, and ensuring both wealth and harmony are preserved. 

• Operational efficiencies – Managing multi-asset portfolios spanning real estate, luxury collections, family businesses, and more. 

• Philanthropy and impact – Designing structures that align giving with family values while maintaining regulatory and operational rigour. 

How Equiom supports UHNW families 

Equiom’s family office teams in Asia and the Crown Dependencies work with UHNW families and their advisors to deliver the infrastructure that sustains these ambitions. This includes: 

• Administering trusts, foundations, and governance frameworks to protect assets across borders. 

• Supporting succession planning to ensure wealth transfers are smooth, tax-efficient, and aligned with family values. 

• Structuring philanthropic initiatives and impact strategies. 

• Managing diverse assets and providing concierge-style support where required. 

• Collaborating with trusted advisory networks, from tax and legal specialists to investment and property managers, to deliver an integrated service. 

By combining global reach with local insight, Equiom helps families align wealth strategies with long-term visions, navigating the complex interplay between jurisdictions like Jersey and the fast-growing markets of Asia. 

Bridging cultures, building legacies 

The future of family offices lies in adaptability. Asian family offices are scaling rapidly, professionalising operations, and adopting new governance models. Jersey, meanwhile, continues to refine its regulatory frameworks to ensure relevance in a shifting landscape. For families with cross-border interests, whether holding assets in Europe, Asia, or beyond, the ability to bridge these worlds is critical. 

With dedicated teams across both regions, Equiom is uniquely placed to provide UHNW families with continuity, discretion, and the technical expertise needed to preserve wealth across generations.  

In an era defined by global transitions and local nuance, the next generation of family offices will be those that successfully combine institutional-grade discipline with cultural fluency. 

This article has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. This article cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained within this article without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact Equiom Group to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstance. Equiom Group, its partners, employees, and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this article or for any decision based on it.