In an era of unprecedented global connectivity, families with assets spanning continents face both remarkable opportunities and intricate challenges. The rise of cross-border wealth requires not only financial acumen but also a deeply coordinated approach across jurisdictions.

This article explores how families can navigate taxation, legal structures, investment strategies, and currency risks, while preserving unity and legacy for future generations.

Rising Global Wealth and Family Dynamics

Global assets under management (AuM) are on a steep trajectory, projected to climb from $139 trillion in 2024 to $200 trillion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. Meanwhile, total investable wealth is expected to surge from $345 trillion to $482 trillion by 2030, driven largely by the mass affluent and high-net-worth individuals.

Regionally, North America remains a powerhouse, but the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, with a 6.8% CAGR. Latin America (6.6%), the Middle East & Africa (6.3%), and Europe (5.6%) also contribute to this global tapestry of wealth creation.

Such momentum means more families have members working, living, or studying across borders, and they often hold operating businesses, real estate, and financial assets in multiple jurisdictions. This reality creates a landscape where cross-border families face intersecting regimes for tax, regulation, residency, and inheritance.

The Strategic Role of Family Offices

As wealth becomes more global, families increasingly rely on specialized structures to manage complexity. Family offices serve as centralized hubs that coordinate investments, tax planning, legal compliance, governance, and succession.

According to the Goldman Sachs 2025 Family Office survey, there are over 245 family offices worldwide, with 67% overseeing fortunes exceeding $1 billion. On average, these offices manage 70% of investment needs in-house, highlighting a trend toward professionalization as wealth spans generations.

• Centralized oversight for multi-jurisdictional assets
• Coordination of legal, tax, and governance structures
• Dedicated teams for investment and non-investment functions
• Long-term orientation with flexibility to adapt

Despite geopolitical uncertainties, family offices remain optimistic. Nearly four in ten anticipate returns exceeding 10% over the next year, illustrating their confidence in navigating global markets.

Asset Allocation Trends and Future Outlook

Family offices maintain strong allocations to risk assets. Public equities have rebounded to 2021 levels, while private equity commitments vary regionally: 25% in the Americas, 22% in EMEA, and 15% in APAC.

Private credit is a standout growth area, with the share of offices without exposure dropping from 36% in 2023 to 26% in 2025. This shift reflects a hunt for yield and perceived downside protection in a higher-rate environment.

Hedge fund allocations remain steady, though EMEA and APAC offices show greater intent to increase their positions. Geographically, portfolios are anchored to the U.S., with strong allocations to nearby markets: 89% of EMEA offices in the Euro area and 80% of APAC offices in China.

• Incremental increases to private credit and public equities
• Selective exposure to infrastructure and real assets
• Hedging tail risks through geographic diversification
• Maintaining liquidity for opportunistic moves

Looking ahead, many embrace a philosophy of structural resilience with higher risk premia, aiming to balance capital preservation with growth through private markets and alternatives.

Core Challenges in Cross-Border Management

Taxation Across Borders

Families operating internationally often contend with overlapping tax regimes. Income, capital gains, wealth, and inheritance taxes can apply in multiple jurisdictions, leading to potential double taxation.

Key considerations include:

• Double taxation risks mitigated by complex treaties
• Classification of ordinary versus passive income
• Exit and entry taxes on emigration or repatriation
• Robust compliance with reporting standards like FATCA and CRS

Poor structuring can result in significant tax drag, unforeseen penalties, or forced asset dispositions, underscoring the need for meticulous planning.

Legal and Regulatory Complexity

Legal systems vary widely. Civil-law jurisdictions may not recognize common-law trusts, while forced-heirship rules can limit testamentary freedom. Securities regulations and foreign ownership restrictions further complicate international investment.

Advisors must navigate:

• Differences in beneficial ownership and title recognition
• Licensing requirements for local advisors and entities
• Limits on foreign investment in real estate or strategic sectors
• Residency, domicile, and citizenship impacts on estate taxes

Managing Currency Risk and Cash Flow

Multi-currency incomes and expenditures introduce volatility. Tuition fees paid in euros, rental incomes in U.S. dollars, and living expenses in local currencies can erode wealth through FX swings.

Effective strategies include:

• Hedging core liabilities and cash flows
• Maintaining strategic currency reserves
• Aligning currency exposures with long-term liabilities
• Using natural hedges within diversified portfolios

Practical Strategies for Global Families

Navigating these complexities demands a holistic, collaborative approach. The following best practices can guide families toward enduring success:

• Establish a central governance framework: Define clear roles, decision-making processes, and communication channels across jurisdictions.
• Engage multidisciplinary advisors: Coordinate tax, legal, financial, and regulatory experts to craft cohesive strategies.
• Prioritize succession planning: Create transparent rules for wealth transfer, considering forced-heirship laws and cross-border estate taxes.
• Leverage technology platforms: Use secure, integrated systems for accounting, reporting, and collaboration.
• Embrace philanthropy and education: Align family values with giving initiatives and prepare the next generation for stewardship.
• Monitor and adapt: Regularly review structures, exposures, and geopolitical trends to seize opportunities and mitigate risks.

By combining disciplined investment approaches with robust governance and proactive planning, families can transform complexity into a source of strength. They build not only financial legacies but also the bonds and shared purpose that unite generations.

As the world’s wealth expands and families become ever more global, those who master the art of international asset management will find their legacies enduring and their visions realized.