Family offices are adopting AI to enhance operations and data capabilities, but stay cautious about investing in the sector itself, according to research from administration and compliance services provider Ocorian.
The study, which surveyed family members and senior executives from 16 jurisdictions, found that 86% of family offices are already using AI technology to improve efficiency, decision-making and data insights.
7% of respondents said they are currently seeking opportunities in the sector, indicating a gap between usage and capital allocation.
Around 74% of respondents anticipate increasing their exposure to AI and other digital assets over the next three years, with one in five planning a ramp-up in investment.
Dear Regulator…” – FundsTech 2026 conference keynote addresses UK AI tightrope
Around 26% of respondents strongly agreed that AI will reshape how family offices operate within the next year, improving performance, value creation and growth.
72% said they expect AI’s most significant effects on operating models to emerge over a two- to five-year horizon.
Michael Harman, commercial director UK and Channel Islands, Ocorian, said: “Family offices are gradually adopting AI and technology as part of their operations and are particularly using it for data insights. However, adoption of AI is still in its early stages across the sector, and most are not currently investing. There is a realisation that it will have a major impact and family offices need to start exploring the sector and will need support in making the transition. In the meantime, we are working with our family office clients – including those who may choose not to adopt AI directly –so they can still get the outcomes they want, without having to take on the implementation and associated risks themselves, as we take significant steps towards adopting AI as a service provider.”
