Both family offices and trust companies offer solutions for wealth management, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one depends on your family’s complexity, control preferences, and long-term goals.
Trust companies are third-party custodians, often regulated and ideal for families that prefer an external structure to manage wealth.
Family offices, however, offer full customization — from direct investment oversight to family member support services.
While trust companies focus on legal administration and compliance, family offices provide a broader suite: concierge services, tax planning, philanthropy advisory, and even healthcare management.
For families with over $100 million in assets, a single-family office may be ideal. Those below that level might consider a multi-family office or trust company hybrid.