After the holiday season, the wealth management sector is immediately back to its relentless pace. We have analysed the significant developments, so you don’t have to review a large volume of press releases and deal announcements.
January was a month in which family offices made substantial moves. We are seeing more than just routine portfolio adjustments. There is a notable increase in strategic decisions—a sign that wealth holders are focusing on long-term capital preservation and growth. From significant new appointments at major institutions to notable investments in niche alternative assets, the focus is on cementing legacies rather than chasing short-term gains.
The headlines below cover the most relevant shifts. We have summarised the essential insights, noted the key hires, and highlighted the transactions that genuinely reshape the market. Review this roundup to ensure your 2026 strategy is well-informed and positioned for success.
Market trends
The rise of “phantom” family offices: A growing number of impostors are infiltrating the ultra-wealthy ecosystem. A detailed report by Opalesque highlights the proliferation of “fake” family offices—entities that fabricate credentials, assets, and connections to gain access to deals and summits. From “The Great Pretender” Anthony Ritossa to AI-generated fraudsters, the industry is seeing a shift toward “CSI-style” due diligence as legitimate offices band together to verify newcomers. Read more
AI enters the family office chat: “Autonomous,” an AI-native wealth strategist, has emerged from stealth with $15 million in funding. Backed by Y Combinator, the platform aims to democratise elite family office strategies—like direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting—for a broader market, signalling a shift in how technology might disrupt traditional high-net-worth advisory models. Read more
Singapore’s balancing act: Despite the rapid growth of Asian family offices, a new report notes that the US remains the “core” for scale and liquidity. Singapore-based offices are increasingly using the US for foundational investments. In addition, they look to Southeast Asia and India for high-growth private market opportunities. Read more
Deal flow
Kotak Family Office goes global: USK Capital, the family office of billionaire banker Uday Kotak, has made its maiden foreign investment. The office acquired a majority stake in “Go Raw,” a US-based sprouted snack brand, signalling a growing appetite among Indian family offices for direct consumer brand acquisitions overseas. Read more
Callan hits $10 billion milestone: Callan Family Office announced it has surpassed $10 billion in assets under management (AUM). Notably, this growth to 73 clients was achieved entirely organically in under 4 years. They did this without private equity backing or M&A, validating their independent, partner-owned model. Read more
NBA Star expands real estate portfolio: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s family office continues its acquisition spree, purchasing a luxury apartment complex in Chicago’s Uptown neighbourhood. The move underscores the trend of athlete-led family offices taking direct control of tangible asset investments. Read more
People moves
Angeles Wealth acquires XO Capital: In a move to create a fully integrated service, Angeles Wealth has acquired XO Capital. The deal launches “Angeles Family Office,” combining XO’s business management and bill-pay concierge services with Angeles’ institutional investment capabilities. Read more
Talent wars & tax exiles
- Walton Family Office: The team managing the Walmart fortune is expanding its investment staff to advance its ESG strategy. Read more
- UK Exodus: Reports surface of CVC billionaires and other high-net-worth individuals, including potentially Google’s Larry Page, relocating or restructuring due to shifting tax regimes in the UK and California. Read more
A focused start to 2026
January 2026 confirms that the family office sector is not resting on its laurels. The month’s activity signals a clear focus on structural resilience and strategic, long-term growth, rather than opportunistic trading. We are witnessing a professionalisation of the ecosystem. This is exemplified by Callan Family Office’s $10 billion in organic growth. As well as and the integrated service model formed by the Angeles Wealth acquisition of XO Capital.
However, this increased sophistication is juxtaposed with rising risks. Notably, there is an urgent need for enhanced due diligence as “phantom” family offices proliferate. Concurrently, technological disruption is accelerating, with AI platforms like “Autonomous” poised to challenge traditional advisory structures.
Geographically, the capital is seeking balanced opportunities. Scale in the US for stability, and high-growth potential in emerging markets, as demonstrated by Kotak’s foreign direct investment and Singapore offices’ strategy. The notable shifts in “people moves,” driven by ESG priorities (Walton) and aggressive tax planning (UK Exodus), reinforce the highly personalised, high-stakes nature of wealth preservation. Overall, January set a tone of decisive action, strategic consolidation, and guarded optimism for the year ahead.
