According to the Citibank Global Family Office Report 2025, surveys conducted among family office representatives showed that they rely on external investment advisers across a wide range of services. The leading function was investment management itself (73%), followed by research (57%) and trade execution (51%). Family offices seek to expand their internal capabilities where it’s cost-effective and efficient, even if only within a narrowly defined function.

Asset management focuses on overseeing diversified investment portfolios — such as equities, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs (exchange-traded funds) — on behalf of clients. Its primary objective is the long-term preservation and growth of wealth.

Asset management primarily deals with liquid assets, meaning investments that can be bought or sold relatively quickly. These portfolios are designed for flexibility, allowing asset managers to respond swiftly to changing market conditions.

However, there are also illiquid investments. Unlike publicly traded equities, private equity investments (direct investments in private companies) cannot be easily sold or exchanged.

Overall asset allocation in family offices in 2025 remained broadly in line with the previous year. The preferences remained for public equities (average allocation of 27%), bonds (15%), and cash and cash equivalents (13%) persisted.

Alternative asset classes accounted for approximately 40% of the average allocation, with private capital and real estate representing 20% and 14% respectively. Allocation to private capital via funds increased by 2%. Direct investments in private capital or real estate accounted for 21% of total assets. Hedge fund allocations increased by 1% compared to the previous year, while shares of private credit, commodities, and other assets remained unchanged (3%, 1%, and 1% respectively). Allocation to digital assets declined from 0% to 1%.

The older generation tends to be cautious about investing in cryptocurrencies due to a lack of trust in unfamiliar assets. Younger generations (Family Office 2.0) actively seek new opportunities with higher potential returns despite increased risk and generally place less emphasis on succession planning, believing it is not yet a concern relevant to them.

Almost half (46%) of family offices worldwide did not consider financing opportunities. Among those that did, the primary purposes were real estate (28%), private investments (24%), and operating activities (18%).

Among the minority of family offices exploring digital assets, there was a preference for familiar investment structures. Globally, the most popular options were crypto-linked investment vehicles such as ETFs or private funds (29%), followed by direct investments in cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum (25%). However, 58% of respondents were undecided about which digital asset instruments to explore, highlighting the ongoing need for family offices to be educated on this emerging asset class.

Larger family offices are more likely to engage art advisers. More than one-fifth (22%) of those with assets under management exceeding USD 500 million currently have an art adviser, with an additional 8% considering one. Luxury investments are often referred to as passion assets, as the family member who initiates the purchase may have a strong emotional attachment.

Asset management also encompasses luxury assets — such as classic and luxury cars, yachts, private jets, artworks, exclusive residential and hospitality real estate, and rare collectibles (fine wines, jewelry) — across multiple jurisdictions. The Very Important Personnel Agency can help you recruit an in-house specialist or engage an external adviser to provide comprehensive support, from advisory services and acquisition to securitization and full lifecycle management of your luxury assets.

By owning a Single-Family Office, you select experts who work exclusively with your family. This allows you to choose professionals already familiar with your family’s investment philosophy and financial objectives. As a result, the decision-making process becomes faster and more precise — the entire team understands and aligns with your expectations.

A professional team will develop a strategic financial plan to grow wealth, consolidate all asset types worldwide, optimize costs, and protect capital for future generations — ensuring full control and transparency 24/7.

The Very Important Personnel Agency is an expert in recruiting for a wide range of roles, including portfolio managers, investment analysts, client relationship managers, wealth management consultants, risk managers, compliance managers, and fund managers. We support the launch of private family offices and also provide services directly to family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

In such a specialized industry, the importance of working with a high-quality recruitment partner cannot be overstated.

When it comes to hiring asset and portfolio management professionals, international agency Very Important Personnel is the partner of choice.

Our team of experienced recruiters possesses deep industry knowledge, enabling us to identify professionals with the unique skills and expertise required for your specific asset management needs.

Our extensive global talent pool gives us access to an exceptional network of asset management professionals. We maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, outstanding portfolio managers, investment analysts, traders, and other key specialists. Partnering with the Very Important Personnel Agency grants you access to an exclusive candidate base that is truly unmatched.

Tailored Recruitment Solutions: we recognize that every family office, bank, asset manager, or fund is unique, with distinct talent requirements. That is why we take a consultative approach, customizing our recruitment solutions to align with your firm’s culture, values, and strategic goals. By investing time in understanding your business, we deliver candidates who not only possess the required technical skills but also integrate seamlessly into your organization.

Streamlined Hiring Process: Time is critical when securing top talent. We conduct rigorous screening, in-depth interviews, and comprehensive assessments to ensure we present candidates who are not only highly qualified but also aligned with your company’s values and long-term objectives. This allows us to optimize the hiring process and deliver results efficiently.

Long-Term Partnership: at the Very Important Personnel Agency, we believe in building long-term relationships. We strive to become your trusted recruitment partner, offering ongoing support and expertise. Our commitment to your success extends far beyond the initial hiring process.

To take the first step toward transforming your asset management team, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your specific recruitment needs, understand your objectives, and deliver tailored solutions that bring exceptional talent into your organization. Our services are customized for each client, with a focus on supporting long-term wealth growth

The Very Important Personnel Agency is one of the leading recruitment agencies for family offices, private banking, asset management companies, and funds across the EMEA market.