Next-Gen Heirs Demand Greater Family Office Influence in Asia
Younger inheritors in Asia are demanding more active roles in family office decisions, as substantial wealth is expected to transfer across generations over the next 15 years.
Wealth Transfer and Next-Gen Engagement
Asia's next-generation heirs are seeking more direct involvement in family office operations, a key theme at the BDO Global Private Client Symposium held in Singapore on Thursday, 15 October 2026. This comes as significant wealth is due for inter-generational transfer across the region over the next 15 years.
A study by the Wealth Management Institute (WMI) found that seven in 10 high-net-worth families plan to transfer assets to younger generations. However, only about half of these families believe their successors are prepared to engage effectively with the family office structure.
Governance and Professional Treatment
Panellists at the symposium emphasised the need for wealthy families to grant their younger members autonomy in decision-making and strategic direction. Russell Wee, a director at Jean Yip Group and a second-generation family member, stated that the core purpose of a family office is to uphold family values and legal frameworks.
He advised treating younger family members as professionals, not just as relatives, when they join the family business or office. Shareen Sandhu, an investment professional at Singapore-based Takahe, added that next-gen members should act as wealth stewards rather than passive recipients.
Long-Term Vision and Patient Capital
Effective governance systems must support long-term investment and patient capital, speakers noted. Richard Mak, principal and chief executive officer of Highland Family Office, shared that his family's charter, drafted in 1992 and regularly updated, includes strict guidelines such as liquidity requirements, minimum investment sizes, and an absolute bar on taking on debt.
Koh Jin Hoe, head of capital markets at the Singapore Exchange (SGX), highlighted that private capital provides entrepreneurial experience and networks beyond just funding.
Kenneth Goh, an associate professor at the Singapore Management University (SMU), suggested that next-gen members often show greater interest in long-term, systemic problem-solving investments, despite their extended return horizons.
Singapore's Appeal as a Wealth Hub
Singapore continues to draw family offices due to its perceived stability amid global economic uncertainties. Teo Kai Xiang, head of the Banking Development Division at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), noted that resilience for family offices involves both internal structuring and the choice of jurisdiction.
This sustained appeal means Singapore's wealth management sector can expect continued capital inflows and new family office registrations. For investors, this suggests a deepening pool of private capital in the city-state, potentially driving demand for specialised financial services and alternative investment opportunities tailored for patient capital.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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