Wealthy Families Focus on AI: A Shift in Global Investment Strategies

JPMorgan’s 2026 Global Family Office Report provides newfound insights into the investment tendencies of wealthy families across the globe. With data drawn from 333 family offices, possessing an average of $1.6 billion in assets, the study reveals a distinctive pivot towards artificial intelligence (AI) as a key investment area, overshadowing digital assets, in 30 countries.

Why is AI a Top Investment Choice?

AI emerges as a primary area of interest, with 65% of the participating family offices incorporating it into their investment strategies. Health tech follows closely, capturing the attention of 50% of offices, while infrastructure grabs 41%. In stark contrast, only 17% show a preference for digital assets.

Despite AI’s allure, a significant portion of these families refrains from delving into growth-oriented or venture capital investments, with infrastructure investments yet to see allocation from 79% of them.

“Alternative investments have transitioned from being merely tactical to becoming strategic axis within portfolios,” comments Kristin Kallergis Rowland of J.P. Morgan.

Is Digital Asset Interest Waning?

Family offices appear to allocate a mere 0.4% of their portfolios to digital assets, Bitcoin making up just 0.2%. A notable majority, 89%, avoid digital assets entirely, with 72% bypassing gold as well.

Nevertheless, there is a gradual shift. Muhammed Yeşilhark from NOIA Capital notes that offices are adopting more structured and regular investment patterns towards digital assets, albeit on a modest scale.

Further bolstering this notion, BNY Mellon research in October shows that a substantial 74% of ultra-wealthy family offices are stepping into the digital asset realm, catalyzed by regulatory and custodial advancements.

How Do Global Trends Compare?

While the hesitance is widespread, digital asset investments find traction in specific regions like Asia, Europe, and North America. Noteworthy endeavors, such as the $10 million Hong Kong VMS Group investment in Re7 Capital and Maelstrom’s $250 million fund linked to BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, reflect this growing interest.

Institutional investors, in comparison, display a more vigorous engagement with digital assets. A survey by Coinbase and Glassnode revealed that 70% see Bitcoin as undervalued, with 62% either maintaining or increasing investments.

• Digital assets account for low portfolio percentages: only 0.4% on average.
• Investment in digital assets is regionally varied, with notable growth in Asia and Europe.
• Institutional investors demonstrate a stronger inclination towards digital assets than family offices.

In the U.S., financial advisors are increasingly incorporating digital assets, with a rise from 22% to 32%, indicating shifting dynamics. Zann Kwan from Revo Digital Family Office emphasizes the younger generation’s growing interest in direct token holdings, marking a shift from traditional avenues like Bitcoin ETFs.