The transfer of wealth to the next generation continues to occupy the world’s wealthiest families. Yet there is still a significant gap between awareness of the importance of succession and actual preparation.

According to the "Family Barometer 2026" by Julius Bär published on Tuesday, only 2.3 percent of the surveyed ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurial families are comprehensively prepared for a business sale or handover. Another 29.5 percent are considered not prepared at all, while 56.3 percent have only made partial preparations.

The Family Barometer is being published for the sixth time, and for the first time in cooperation with Ernst & Young (EY). According to the release, the study is based on data from a survey of more than 700 finance professionals, including primarily experts from Julius Bär and EY as well as independent external specialists. In last year’s edition, the bank still worked with PwC, and around 2,500 internal and external experts were surveyed.

Family disputes as the biggest obstacle

According to the survey, the main hurdle to a sale is not financing or a missing legal structure. Instead, 80 percent of respondents cite a lack of agreement within the family as an obstacle to successful succession planning. Tax considerations follow at 55.4 percent.

When it comes specifically to a sale, emotional attachment to the company also plays a decisive role. For 60.6 percent, it is the most common cause of differing views within the family. This is compounded by differing expectations regarding company valuation and the future strategic direction.

Only a few successors are sufficiently prepared

Problems also emerge when it comes to involving the next generation. According to the study, only 22.6 percent of potential successors are considered ready and sufficiently qualified to take over the family business.

While 45.6 percent of families involve the next generation in considerations about a possible sale, they do so without giving them a say in the decision. Only 18.5 percent actively involve successors on an equal footing in the relevant discussions.

This makes it clear that transferring a business is not solely a financial or tax issue. Family decision-making structures and the preparation of future owners are just as important.

After the sale, wealth preservation takes center stage

Even after a successful business sale, wealth planning remains a challenge. For 79.4 percent of the surveyed families, preserving joint family wealth is the top priority. There are various tools for this, as the chart shows.

This is often accompanied by a fundamental shift: assets that were previously tied up mainly in an operating company are transformed into liquid and more broadly diversified investment assets.

According to the study, demand for advice in wealth and succession planning rises particularly sharply in this phase. Possible solutions under consideration include specialized investment vehicles and single family offices.

Regional differences are evident. In Europe and Latin America, wealth preservation is the primary focus. Families in Asia and the Middle East place greater emphasis on long-term capital growth and further wealth development.

From private markets to geographic diversification

In the "Family Barometer 2025," Julius Bär had already identified succession planning and long-term wealth preservation as key themes.

At that time, the focus was particularly on investments in real estate and private markets, cross-border tax issues, and the increasing use of family offices.

This year’s study sets a different focus: concrete preparation for a business sale and the subsequent management of wealth.

The top investment priority for 2026 is geographic diversification, ahead of inflation protection and real estate investments. At the same time, succession planning and creating a long-term family legacy remain the overarching concerns.