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.
“Family offices are looking to integrate digital asset classes into their investment strategies at pace, but the complex and evolving associated regulatory and reporting obligations cannot be ignored.
Global regulators are struggling to keep up with the speed of change, but so are the more traditional service providers. This makes sourcing expert regulatory and reporting support agile enough to realise the potential benefits challenging.”
Rebecca Thorpe, Global Head of Regulatory Consulting at Ocorian
Ocorian’s award winning dedicated family office team provides a seamless and holistic approach to the challenges and opportunities families face. Its service is built on long-term personal relationships that are founded on a deep understanding of what matters to family office clients. Its global presence means Ocorian can provide bespoke structures and services for international families no matter where they live.
Key services include formation and administration of family offices, HR support services, support with lifestyle and luxury assets, family governance, resident and relocation services and specialist support with immigration, visas, payroll, marine and aircraft crew management and financial reporting.
*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.
