The evolution that family offices have undergone in the past two decades is remarkable. Transitioning from relatively simple setups aimed at preserving generational wealth, we now see sophisticated entities managing complex operations and going beyond typical trust services or investments. The latest Family Office Quarterly UBS Publication highlights how this shift in family office management is accompanied by an evolution in the way they operate internally.
We have observed a rise in demand for specific and tailored tools for family offices to handle daily operations as their wealth management strategies become increasingly complex.
As we step into the era of Family Office 3.0, according to this UBS study, the integration of technology into the management and governance of family offices is imperative.
From family office 1.0 to 3.0
The concept of family offices dates back in history—think Rockefeller or Sassoon with over 100 years of existence. According to UBS’s Mark Tepsich, there was a significant shift in the early 2000s when the tech craze started, and the market saw a surge in the number of family offices alongside increasing complexity. Now, it’s common for family offices to opt for more dynamic investment strategies, including private equity and venture capital.
Today, we’re entering the Family Office 3.0 era. What does it mean? Dynamics are extending even further, with family offices functioning as institutional investors, managing diverse portfolios, and demanding best-in-class technology for overall management. Family offices are focused on building robust governance frameworks, forecasting effectively, and leveraging the right tools.
This, of course, comes with challenges such as change management, upskilling, and cybersecurity risks—core concerns for this group.
Balancing innovation and tradition: The role of legaltech
For family offices to thrive in the Family Office 3.0 era, a balanced approach that merges traditional values with technological innovation is essential. Legaltech companies play a pivotal role in this transformation, providing solutions that enable family offices to manage their boards, entities, and compliance obligations with precision.
Entity management systems, for instance, streamline complex ownership structures, ensuring that all entities within the family office ecosystem operate efficiently. Similarly, board management platforms facilitate transparent decision-making processes, improve collaboration, and centralise documentation—critical for effective governance.
The future of family offices lies at the intersection of tradition and innovation. By embracing technology and prioritising cybersecurity, family offices can not only streamline their operations but also ensure that their legacy endures for generations to come.
Modern wealth management kept safe
Family office data is extremely sensitive—ranging from investment portfolios to personal financial information—a goldmine for cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated attacks. A breach can be devastating, threatening the proper functioning of the office, with data leaks often being the most common menace.
That’s why family offices must not only rely on well-planned and comprehensive security protocols but also ensure their tech stack is secure from the ground up. This includes a series of actions and often mandatory requirements for tools such as board management softwares. These should feature advanced encryption and secure access, such as multi-factor authentication—mandatory measures to protect information from unauthorized individuals. Regular cybersecurity audits are also essential to identify weaknesses in existing systems and plan for digital resilience.
Of course, partnering with the right technology providers is key—especially today, with the rise of AI-driven capabilities. Assessing whether a provider’s technology is based on open-source software versus proprietary solutions can significantly impact cybersecurity outcomes.
Tradition and innovation can exist peacefully
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—spreadsheets are and will always be a great tool for handling certain operations. However, family offices increasingly need the proper tools to centralise activities due to the complex structures and operations that most of them now manage.
The development of specialised software platforms designed to support family offices has grown in recent years. When it comes to family office governance and entity management, these operations can highly benefit from robust tools that consolidate governance tracking, voting processes, and AI-driven insights for better decision-making. Tools such as board management software and entity management solutions play a vital role in establishing streamlined workflows and fostering transparency across governance structures.
After all, there’s nothing better than freeing up time to focus on strategic missions rather than tedious tasks. The real success of a family office’s adoption of new technology lies in partnering with the right experts. By leveraging secure, purpose-built legaltech solutions, family offices can uphold their legacy while confidently stepping into the future.
About DiliTrust
DiliTrust is a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions dedicated to empowering in-house legal teams by giving back valuable time and peace of mind. The DiliTrust Governance suite enables legal departments to efficiently centralise entity management and secure board meetings, among other solutions. Leveraging its proprietary AI, DiliTrust secures and streamlines legal operations, freeing up time to focus on strategic decision-making and maximise their impact within the organisation. DiliTrust has a presence in key locations, including Canada, Dubai, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United States.
