Recently published research suggests the long-heralded ‘great wealth transfer’ is now firmly underway, which inevitably heightens the need for carefully considered intergenerational financial planning as assets continue to flow down the generations.
The great transfer
Dubbed by analysts the ‘great wealth transfer,’ the next two decades are set to witness the largest ever intergenerational transfer of wealth as baby boomers and Gen X pass on assets to their heirs.
Gaining momentum
A recent survey1 shows this transfer starting to gather momentum, with 2023 the first ever year in which billionaires amassed more wealth through inheritance than entrepreneurship. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with predictions millennials’ wealth will increase five-fold across the current decade, with significant levels of wealth passing to Gen Z too, according to research2.
Continuing family legacies
As the great wealth transfer progresses, each generation will clearly have their own views on legacy. The research did, however, find strong support for continuing current family legacies, with 60% of heirs planning for future generations to benefit from their wealth.
Careful planning
In addition, heirs were found to be conscious of the need to reshape and reposition their wealth in order to continue the family legacy, while they also appear to be taking a more holistic approach to the role accumulation of wealth plays in their lives. All of this suggests careful planning will be required if families are to successfully transfer wealth in a way that makes fair provision for all generations.
1UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report, 2023
2Coldwell Banker, 2019
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