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10 Global Hotspots for Family Offices: Where the Wealthiest Manage Their Assets

Written by Renae Hatcher | Jun 8, 2023 9:33:19 PM

As the number of high-net-worth individuals continues to increase globally, the demand for family offices has grown significantly. With the growing prominence of family offices, identifying key global centers where wealth is managed has become crucial. When looking at the global hotspots for family offices, several factors come into play such as political stability, economic growth, tax and regulatory environment, availability of skilled professionals, access to investment opportunities, as well as the quality of life. By analyzing these factors, we can identify the top global hotspots for family offices and gain insight into the investment trends and strategies of the world's wealthiest individuals and families.

Family Office Overview

Family offices, or private wealth management advisory firms that cater to high-net-worth individuals or families, provide a comprehensive suite of services ranging from investment and estate planning to philanthropy guidance and family governance. Their ultimate goal is to effectively manage, grow and transfer wealth across generations. Family offices have been gaining considerable importance in the world of wealth management for several reasons including their personalized services, holistic approach to wealth management, consolidated governance, privacy and confidentiality as well as a strong alignment of interests. Their importance in wealth management continues to rise as wealth correspondingly grows at the top of the economic spectrum.

 

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A Closer Look at the World's Leading Family Office Hubs

 

Beijing 

Beijing, as the capital city of China and a key global economic player, is home to a growing number of family offices. China's rapid economic growth and the subsequent creation of substantial wealth have led to an increase in the establishment of family offices in Beijing. These offices provide a range of services from wealth management to succession planning for the country's high-net-worth individuals and families. Beijing's status as a political, educational, and cultural hub provides a stable environment for these offices, while its vibrant economy offers a variety of investment opportunities. The city's proximity to other major economic centers in Asia also allows family offices in Beijing to take advantage of broader regional investment opportunities. Moreover, China's initiatives to further open up its financial sector to foreign investment are likely to enhance Beijing's attractiveness as a location for family offices.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Deyu Family Office
Year Founded: 2015
Asset Class Interest: Hedge Funds; Fund of Funds; Private Equity; Debt

Firm Name: HMC Family Office
Year Founded: 2012
AUM: 5B+
Asset Class Interest: Hedge Funds; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital

Firm Name: Wu Capital (Wu Yajun Family Office)
Year Founded: 2013
AUM: 5B+
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Private Equity; Venture Capital

 

Dubai

Dubai, one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East, has emerged as a compelling hub for family offices, thanks largely to its favorable tax policies, emerging market opportunities, and business-friendly environment. The city is a tax haven with no income or capital gains tax, which is especially beneficial for high-net-worth individuals. Furthermore, Dubai's strategic location serves as a bridge between the East and West, providing unique access to emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

The city also boasts a booming business ecosystem, characterized by easy business setup procedures, strong infrastructure, and a wide array of professional services. Dubai's commitment to innovation and its robust regulatory framework add to its appeal as a trusted and progressive location for managing significant wealth. These factors collectively contribute to Dubai's growing prominence as a global family office hotspot.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Dubai Holding (Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Family Office)
Year Founded: 2004
AUM: $5B+
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Private Equity; Real Estate

Firm Name: JMH Group (James Hay Family Office)
Year Founded: 2002
AUM: $100M-$400M
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Private Equity; Real Estate

Firm Name: Starling Group (Jawa Family Office)
Year Founded: 1986
AUM: $1B-$1.5B
Asset Class Interest: Private Equity; Direct Investments; Venture Capital

 

Geneva

Geneva's tradition of financial discretion, strong political and economic stability and advantageous tax laws make it a highly appealing base for the world's high-net-worth families and individuals. Its deep pool of financial talent, coupled with robust infrastructure and world-class professional services, further enhances its allure. The city also benefits from a high quality of life that attracts global wealth holders. Nestled in the heart of Europe, the city is renowned for its financial discretion, robust regulatory framework, and economic stability, key elements that high-net-worth individuals seek when managing their wealth.

Geneva's pool of skilled financial professionals and world-class services further underscores its standing in the realm of private wealth management. Additionally, the city's multicultural environment and high quality of life complement its financial appeal, making it a beacon for international wealth holders. Thus, Geneva's prominence in the global financial landscape solidifies its status as a leading destination for wealth management.

Key Players:

Firm Name: REYL
Year Founded: 1973
AUM: $297M
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Private Equity; Real Estate; Debt

Firm Name: Edmond de Rothschild Group 
Year Founded: 1953
AUM: $5B+
Asset Class Interest: Private Equity; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Fund of Funds; Real Estate; Direct Investments

Firm Name: 1875 Finance Family Office
Year Founded: 2006
AUM: $5B+
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Long Only; Real Estate

 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong stands as a formidable gateway to Asian markets, making it an attractive hub for family offices. Its strategic location provides direct access to the booming economies of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Mainland China. This geographical advantage allows family offices based in Hong Kong to swiftly tap into a wide array of investment opportunities, ranging from equities and bonds to real estate and private equity in these dynamic markets. Furthermore, Hong Kong's robust regulatory framework, high degree of financial transparency, and deep pool of skilled financial professionals reinforce its position as a preferred destination for family offices. This confluence of factors makes Hong Kong a critical outpost for family offices seeking to navigate and prosper within Asia's vibrant economic landscape.

Hong Kong's burgeoning tech industry is increasingly attracting attention from investors worldwide, providing a fertile ground for family offices keen on high-growth potential. The city is nurturing a dynamic tech ecosystem filled with innovative startups in sectors such as fintech, AI, health tech, and e-commerce. Government initiatives, like the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport, are actively encouraging tech entrepreneurship and attracting overseas talents and investors. Additionally, Hong Kong's strategic proximity to the tech powerhouses of mainland China presents unique opportunities for cross-border collaborations and investments. This vibrant tech landscape offers an exciting arena for family offices to explore and capitalize on, through direct investments, venture capital, or partnerships with local tech innovators.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Pacific Century Group (Richard Li Family Office)
Year Founded: 1993
AUM: $5B+
Investment Focus: Fund of Funds; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital; Direct Investments

Firm Name: Hillhouse Family Office
Year Founded: 2005
AUM: $5B+
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Venture Capital

Firm Name: Blue Pool Capital Family Office (Jack Ma Family Office)
Year Founded: 2004
AUM: $1.5-$2B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Long Only; Private Equity; Venture Capital; Real Estate

 

London

London holds a prestigious position as a global family office hub thanks to its rich history, robust legal system and vibrant financial sector attracting a substantial number of affluent individuals from around the globe. The city's diverse economy and access to a wide range of investment opportunities, including real estate and private equity markets, add to its appeal. The presence of world-class professional services covering legal, accounting and financial advisory also makes it an attractive hub for private wealth management firms. 

London's geographic positioning and well-established financial infrastructure make it a strategic base for family offices looking to explore diverse investment opportunities across the European Union and beyond. London's status as a leading global finance hub ensures its pulse aligns closely with the rhythm of European market activity, covering everything from blue-chip equities to government bonds, commodities and emerging market assets.

London is also a thriving center for alternative assets, offering exposure to various opportunities ranging from the creative to the cutting edge. For instance, think of the city's renowned art scene, where family offices can invest in pieces from prestigious auctions and art fairs, contributing to collections that blend culture, heritage and value. Then there's the booming tech scene, filled with innovative start-ups ripe for venture capital investment. This unique array of investment avenues makes London an exciting, dynamic and fruitful landscape for family offices.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Blue Coast Capital (Lewis Family Office)
Year Founded: 2006
AUM: $1B-$1.5B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Private Equity; Real Estate

Firm Name: Cascade Global
Year Founded: 2000
AUM: $5B+
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Venture Capital

Firm Name: The Capital Partnership
Year Founded: 1988
AUM: $5B+
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital

 

Miami

Miami, a vibrant city known for its cosmopolitan flair and tropical climate, presents a treasure trove of opportunities for family offices. The city's thriving real estate market offers a range of investment prospects, from luxury waterfront properties and high-rise condominiums to commercial real estate and redevelopment projects. Miami's real estate has long been a magnet for domestic and international investors seeking capital appreciation and robust rental returns. Miami's geographic proximity and cultural ties to Latin America position it as a strategic gateway to the region's markets. Family offices based in Miami can leverage these ties to access a diverse array of investment opportunities across Latin American countries, spanning various sectors from commodities and manufacturing to tech startups. 

In recent years, the city's tech scene has also been gaining traction, providing new avenues for family office investments. Finally, the presence of a well-developed financial services sector supports the operational needs of these offices, further consolidating Miami's standing as a leading family office hotspot. Consequently, Miami's real estate landscape and access to Latin American markets make it a noteworthy hub for family offices seeking a blend of traditional and emerging market investments.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Sierra Capital, LLC
Year Founded: 1998
AUM: $1B-$1.5B
Asset Class Interest: Private Equity; Real Estate; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Direct Investments; Debt

Firm Name: Holdun Family Office LLC
Year Founded: 1989
AUM: $100M-$400M
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate

Firm Name: Forrestal Capital (Stanton Single Family Office)
Year Founded: 2003
AUM: $2B-$5B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Private Equity; Venture Capital; Long Only 

 

New York City

New York City is often referred to as the financial capital of the world, making it a natural hub for family offices. The city's prominence in finance, its large concentration of high-net-worth individuals and its strategic geographic location make it an attractive place for family offices. The abundance of financial professionals and services, access to a dynamic investment landscape, and the sophisticated infrastructure of the city contribute to its appeal. Additionally, New York's regulatory environment is perceived as favorable for financial institutions. As such, it's no surprise that the city has one of the highest concentrations of family offices globally, serving as a hotspot for wealth management for the world's wealthiest families.

New York City presents a rich array of investment opportunities, particularly in the realms of real estate and private equity. In terms of real estate, the city is home to some of the most iconic and highly valued properties worldwide, including luxury residential buildings, prime commercial spaces, and unique historical properties. Its dynamic real estate market continues to draw global investors seeking long-term capital appreciation and robust rental yields. Simultaneously, private equity opportunities are flourishing in the city. New York is a hotbed of innovation and business growth, with many start-ups, mature businesses, and industries that present attractive investment prospects for private equity investors. The city's thriving financial sector and diverse economy contribute to a fertile landscape for both real estate and private equity investments.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Next Capital 
Year Founded: 1999
AUM: $1.29B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Fund of Funds; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital; Debt

Firm Name: EisnerAmper Family Office
Year Founded: 1963
AUM: $720M
Asset Class Interest: Fund of Funds; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital; Direct Investments

Firm Name: Patriarch Partners (Tilton Family Office)
Year Founded: 2000
AUM: $2B-$5B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Private Equity

 

Singapore

Often recognized as Asia's financial powerhouse, Singapore is home to a substantial cluster of family offices. The city-state's advantageous position at the nexus of key global commerce paths, combined with its stringent and well-established legal and regulatory structures, make it an appealing locale for the stewardship of significant wealth. The city-state has become a magnet for high-net-worth individuals, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, looking for a safe and stable environment for their assets. Singapore's highly skilled workforce, excellent infrastructure, strong rule of law and reputation for transparency further enhance its appeal. Plus, the government's proactive approach to encouraging the growth of family offices, including attractive tax incentives and grant schemes, has played a key role in cementing Singapore's status as a leading global hotspot for family offices.

Singapore offers an array of attractive tax incentives designed to attract family offices and wealth to its shores. One of the key incentives is the Enhanced-Tier Fund Tax Exemption Scheme, which allows specific income derived from designated investments to be exempted from tax for eligible family-owned investment entities. Furthermore, under the Financial Sector Incentive scheme, income from fund management activities may qualify for concessionary tax rates. Singapore also does not impose capital gains tax, and it has a wide network of double taxation treaties to prevent the double taxation of income earned in other countries. These incentives, among others, contribute to making Singapore a very tax-efficient location for family offices and make it a compelling choice for the wealthy looking to manage their assets effectively.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Tolaram Group Family Office (Vaswani Family Office)
Year Founded: 1948
AUM: $400M-$1B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital

Firm Name: Clermont Group Family Office (Chandler Family Office)
Year Founded: 1986
AUM: $2B-$5B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital

Firm Name: One Hill Capital (Chua Family Office)
Year Founded: 2016
AUM: $1B-$1.5B
Asset Class Interest: Venture Capital; Private Equity; Direct Investments

 

Sydney

Sydney, Australia's financial epicenter, has seen a significant increase in the presence of family offices. The city's stable economy, transparent regulatory system, and thriving sectors such as real estate and technology make it an attractive base for the management of significant wealth. Additionally, Australia's strong ties to the Asia-Pacific region provide access to emerging markets and investment opportunities. Sydney is known for its high standard of living, political stability, and strong legal framework, which appeal to high-net-worth individuals and families. The city's pool of skilled financial professionals and robust infrastructure further enhance its reputation as a strategic location for family offices. These factors together have contributed to Sydney's growing prominence as a hub for family offices.

Key Players:

Firm Name: Pegasus Capital
Year Founded: 2007
Asset Class Interest: Private Equity; Venture Capital; Hedge Funds; Debt

Firm Name: Marshall Investments
Year Founded: 1995
AUM: $2B-$5B
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Private Equity; Real Estate; Venture Capital; Debt

Firm Name: Fortress Family Office
Year Founded: 2007
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Fund of Funds; Hedge Funds; Long Only; Private Equity; Real Estate
Venture Capital

 

Tokyo 

Tokyo, as the financial center of Japan and one of the most significant global economic hubs, hosts a substantial number of family offices. The city's robust financial infrastructure, coupled with a resilient economy and access to one of the world's largest equity markets, makes it an attractive location for managing substantial wealth. Tokyo's reputation for stability, high standards of living, and strong legal and regulatory frameworks appeal to affluent individuals from across the globe. Moreover, the city's strategic location provides family offices in Tokyo with easy access to investment opportunities in the wider Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, Japan's efforts to make Tokyo more attractive to foreign businesses, including lowering corporate tax rates and easing visa requirements, are further contributing to its growing prominence as a global family office hotspot.

Key Players:

Firm Name: HFC Advisory Group (Stefan Nilsson Family Office)
Year Founded: 2005
AUM: $50M-$100M
Asset Class Interest: Direct Investments; Hedge Funds; Private Equity

Firm Name: Terrasias Capital Family Office (Ikuko Yamanaka Family Office)
Year Founded: 2012
Asset Class Interest: Long Only; Hedge Funds; Private Equity; Real Estate; Direct Investments

Firm Name: Yamauchi No. 10 (Fusajiro Yamauchi Family Office)
Year Founded: 2020
Asset Class Interest: Private Equity; Direct investments

 

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FINTRX Overview

The FINTRX database provides extensive data coverage on both family offices and registered investment advisors (RIAs), with credible information including investment preferences, background information on key decision-makers, asset allocation flows and so much more. FINTRX sources data from both public and private sources and has a team of 70+ researchers who map, validate and compile data daily to ensure its accuracy. The FINTRX platform offers an intuitive interface and numerous analysis tools, charts and provides daily updates to ensure users have access to the most current data available in the market. 

FINTRX search capabilities allow users to customize their search criteria to find the most promising prospects and identify potential connections between different firms and individuals. With FINTRX, users can also track market trends, uncover valuable insights and conduct due diligence on potential partners and investment opportunities. By leveraging its advanced and intuitive features, FINTRX makes it easier to find and connect suitable prospects and build successful, long-term relationships.