Answer
Generally, families with US$50 million or more in investable assets consider establishing a single family office (SFO) worthwhile. Some multi-family offices may lower the threshold to US$10–20 million if clients share resources.
The decision often hinges not just on wealth size, but also on complexity — such as cross-border assets, multiple heirs, private investments, and legacy planning needs.
Operating costs for a small SFO typically range from US$1–3 million annually, covering staff, legal, tax, reporting, and infrastructure.
Related FAQs
- Can a family with US$10 million start a family office?
- Are there cost-effective alternatives to a traditional family office?
- How are costs typically allocated in a multi-family office?
Editor's Note
A family office is more than a symbol of wealth — it’s a vehicle for long-term control and peace of mind for complex portfolios.