Bridging Generational Gaps in Wealth Strategies

Although experts disagree on how much wealth will eventually change hands amidst the long-anticipated “great wealth transfer,” family offices (FOs) are uniquely suited to guide investors through this historic transition.

Analysts say baby boomers will be handing off somewhere between $84 trillion to $90 trillion to their heirs. That’s an unprecedented amount of assets and FOs may be in the best position to offer the personalized service and keen insights boomers need. But it’s important to note that, right now, wealth management is experiencing a seismic shift, driven by generational differences in values, priorities and approaches to technology and innovation. 

In general, boomers — who currently control much of the world's wealth —  look at transformative investment opportunities such as blockchain and Web3 technologies, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance (DeFI) with skepticism. They are more at ease with portfolios of stocks and bonds because those are assets they are more comfortable with to build wealth.  

In contrast, Gen X, millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha investors look at transformative technologies such as blockchain, crypto and DeFi and see opportunities for growth, innovation, and democratized access. In part, that’s because they are more digitally conditioned to recognize these technologies are already reshaping the future of financial systems. 

Challenges & Opportunities 

This generational divergence presents both a challenge and an opportunity for family offices. As I mentioned, family offices are uniquely suited to seize this opportunity. Why? As Avestix has shared in the past, family offices have already earned the trust of many investors. Globally, they are on track to manage nearly $10 trillion in the next five years. 

At the same time, nearly half of FOs are already cultivating expertise in alternative assets such as crypto and blockchain, suggesting they are positioned to collaborate with younger investors who hope to capitalize on innovative technologies. In other words, FOs are in a position to help bridge the generational gap in wealth strategies — and Avestix can help.

Avestix can provide:  

• Education & Exposure:
  We offer FOs curated insights, workshops and expert-led webinars and discussions that demystify blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 technologies. By equipping FO clients with knowledge and real-world examples, Avestix can foster greater confidence in these emerging asset classes.

• Cross-Generational Collaboration:
  We’re building a collaborative platform that enables clients representing different generations to engage, learn and co-invest. It will empower boomers to mentor younger family members while younger investors can offer their perspectives and insights into new technologies. 

• Balanced Portfolio Strategies:
  Recognizing the need for diversification, Avestix can guide FOs on how to strategically allocate an appropriate portion of their portfolios to venture capital and innovative technologies, helping to ensure alignment with the priorities of younger investors while maintaining the stability boomers seek.

• A Shared Vision:
  Through targeted content and initiatives, Avestix helps FOs develop a unified investment approach that combines traditional values with cutting-edge innovation, ensuring a seamless wealth-transfer process that can resonate with a wide variety of investors.

• Credibility:
  By embracing and deploying the very technologies that resonate with younger generations, family offices can demonstrate credibility, helping to strengthen the trust younger investors need. 

Avestix: Helping Family Offices Thrive 

As I wrote in November, “family offices have an important role to play in guiding and educating … younger clients in managing the unprecedented wave of wealth coming their way.” Avestix is here to help. We don’t simply talk the talk; we walk the walk. 

Beginning in 2025, Avestix Group will launch Avestix EMPOWERture, a community made up of leading founders, entrepreneurs, funders, innovators and family office executives who can collaborate and ensure both today’s and tomorrow’s investors have a seat at the table.  

EMPOWERture isn’t about adapting to change — it’s about spearheading it. By building a bridge between foundational investment strategies and tomorrow’s opportunities, EMPOWERture will help ensure that affiliated family offices can remain resilient, innovative, relevant and aligned with the needs of tomorrow’s investors.

Watch for more news on EMPOWERture in 2025!

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about EMPOWERture and how you can be part of its growing network, schedule a free, no-commitment consultation with one of Avestix's team members to learn more.