Rising Gen Engagement and Education

Successful families of great wealth are often defined by strong governance, clear communication, and intentional succession planning—but those practices alone are no longer enough to retain the next generation. With more than $80 trillion in wealth transferring to spouses and then to younger heirs, advisors face a critical inflection point. Research from Cerulli Associates shows that only a minority of affluent investors retain their parents’ advisors, underscoring the urgency of engaging rising-gen family members early and meaningfully. Drawing on insights from Family Office Exchange and Northern Trust, this article explores what rising-gen clients value most, why hands-on and timely learning matters, and how advisors can help next-generation family members define their roles, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to steward wealth across generations.