Imagine having a team of financial experts, legal advisors, and investment managers working exclusively for your family—without the hassle and cost of running a private office.
That’s exactly what a multi-family office (MFO) offers: the high-level financial services of a single-family office, but at a fraction of the cost by serving multiple wealthy families at once.
For families with at least $25 million in assets, joining an MFO can be a game-changer, providing comprehensive wealth management, estate planning, and even lifestyle services—all under one roof.
So, how do these offices work, and is one right for your family? Let’s dive in.
Why Multi-Family Offices Are Growing in Popularity
Wealthy families today have more complex financial needs than ever. From global investments and estate planning to philanthropy and privacy concerns, managing wealth requires expertise across multiple fields.
Hiring a team of full-time professionals—as single-family offices do—is costly and unnecessary for many families. That’s where multi-family offices come in.
They reduce costs by sharing resources among multiple families.
They offer access to top-tier financial professionals without hiring a full-time staff.
They focus on privacy and long-term security, unlike banks or large financial institutions.
For families that want expert-level financial management without the burden of running their own office, MFOs provide the perfect balance.
How Does a Multi-Family Office Work?
A multi-family office functions as a shared financial headquarters for multiple wealthy families. While each family receives customized services, they also benefit from pooled resources, expertise, and technology.
Here's a snapshot of what happens inside an MFO:
Investment Experts craft wealth strategies and manage portfolios.
Tax Specialists structure finances to minimize tax burdens.
Estate Planners ensure smooth wealth transfer and inheritance planning.
Legal Advisors handle compliance, trusts, and asset protection.
Lifestyle Managers assist with philanthropy, security, and even travel logistics.
Some MFOs also provide concierge-level services, from private jet management to real estate acquisitions.
In short, it’s like having a full-service financial institution—but exclusively for ultra-wealthy families.
The Key Benefits of Multi-Family Offices
1. Lower Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Running a single-family office can cost $2M+ per year, but a multi-family office splits expenses across multiple families.
What this means for you:
- You get institutional-level financial expertise—without paying for an entire staff.
- More money stays invested in your family’s future, rather than in operational costs.
2. Access to Elite Financial Professionals
Top-tier investment managers, estate planners, and legal experts often work exclusively for MFOs rather than individual families.
What this means for you:
- You get access to best-in-class professionals without having to hire them full-time.
- Your wealth is managed using cutting-edge strategies and global insights.
3. Privacy & Security
Unlike banks, which serve thousands of clients, MFOs focus on a small number of ultra-wealthy families—ensuring discretion.
What this means for you:
- Your financial details remain confidential.
- Your wealth is protected from unnecessary exposure or institutional bias.
4. Customized Financial Strategies
MFOs don’t just manage investments—they create tailored financial blueprints that align with your family's long-term goals.
What this means for you:
- Your wealth is structured to support future generations, philanthropic goals, and personal ambitions.
- You receive a holistic approach to wealth management, not just investment advice.
Where Multi-Family Offices Excel (Beyond Investments)
Many families join an MFO for investment management—but stay for the full-service approach.
Estate & Succession Planning
- Setting up trusts and legal structures to protect assets.
- Creating wills and succession plans for future generations.
Philanthropy & Impact Investing
- Managing charitable donations and private foundations.
- Aligning investments with family values and social impact goals.
Lifestyle & Personal Services
- Private security and privacy management.
- Luxury real estate acquisitions and travel planning.
This well-rounded approach ensures that both financial and personal needs are handled seamlessly.
Is a Multi-Family Office the Right Fit for You?
MFOs work best for families that:
Have at least $25 million in assets.
Want high-level financial services without running a private office.
✔️ Need long-term estate planning and intergenerational wealth management.
✔️ Prefer privacy and exclusivity over large-scale banks or wealth management firms.
However, if you want complete control over your financial management, a single-family office may be a better fit—despite the higher cost.
How Multi-Family Offices Compare to Other Wealth Management Options
| Option | Who It’s For | Services | Customization | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Office | Families with $100M+ in assets | Full-service wealth & lifestyle management | Highly customized | High ($2M+ per year) |
| Multi-Family Office | Families with $25M+ in assets | Comprehensive financial & estate planning | Personalized, but shared resources | Moderate (shared costs) |
| Traditional Wealth Management | Individuals & families with lower complexity | Primarily investment-focused | Limited customization | Lower fees |
For many families, an MFO offers the best mix of expertise, cost-efficiency, and privacy.
Examples of Well-Known Multi-Family Offices
Bessemer Trust – Serving 2,500+ wealthy families worldwide.
Iconiq Capital – Managing wealth for tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg.
Citi Private Bank Global Family Office – Focused on ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Cambridge Associates – Providing investment strategies for elite families.
These firms represent the gold standard in multi-family office services.
Final Thoughts: Should You Join a Multi-Family Office?
A multi-family office isn’t just about wealth—it’s about building a lasting financial legacy.
For families seeking expert financial management, estate planning, and lifestyle services without the high cost of running a private office, an MFO is an ideal solution.
