Originally published: IFA Magazine, 11 July 2026
New research* from Ocorian, the specialist global provider of services to high-net-worth individuals and family offices, financial institutions, asset managers and corporates, shows family offices are increasingly focusing on investing in digital assets but struggle to source regulatory support.
The global study among family members and senior executives working for family offices with total wealth of $119.37 billion found 86% are making moves to include crypto and digital assets in their investment strategies.
However, the study in 16 countries or territories including the UK, US, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius and Bahrain shows regulatory and reporting issues are stopping them from fully embracing crypto as an asset class.
Around 70% considering crypto and digital asset investments struggle to find third-party outsourcing support for the regulatory and reporting issues associated with the sector. Just 30% say it is not an issue.
The issue around crypto and digital assets is part of a larger problem for family offices in complying with increasingly complex global regulatory demands. Just one in 12 (8%) say they are in a very strong position with meeting global regulatory requirements.
Around three out of four (74%) believe they are in quite a strong position to adapt to complexity and changes in global regulatory demands while 18% admit their ability to adapt to regulation is average highlighting a need for more support.
*In February 2026 Ocorian commissioned independent research company Pureprofile to interview 200 people in the family office sector including family members and full-time employees of family offices. The total value of wealth managed or owned by the families was $119.37 billion and respondents were based in the UK, Switzerland, Mauritius, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, US, Jersey, Guernsey, Bermuda and Cayman.
