As 2026 continues to take shape, the world stands on the brink of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. A shift that is not only transforming financial markets but also redefining the role of women as inheritors, creators and stewards of capital.
The Scale and Significance
The numbers are staggering: more than $100 trillion is expected to change hands globally over the next two decades, with women poised to inherit and control a record share—an estimated $40 trillion in the US alone and up to 38% of investable assets worldwide by 2030. But this moment is about far more than numbers. It’s about power, influence and the opportunity to reshape the future of wealth, business and society.
Next-Generation Leadership
In 2025, family offices increasingly saw next-generation members step into active roles, guiding strategy, investment decisions and governance. More than three-quarters of family offices now report principals who are moderately to extremely involved in day-to-day operations, with a growing emphasis on preparing the next generation for leadership. As control transitions, these new leaders are rethinking the mission and purpose of family offices, often bringing a more values-driven and future-focused approach to investing. Far from being conservative or risk-averse, family offices are becoming more agile and professionalized, seeking new opportunities and expanding beyond traditional models to create lasting impact.
Yet this generational shift is not without its challenges. Despite their growing financial power, many women still face significant barriers in the wealth transfer process. In 2025, 80% of women inheritors reported challenges, and nearly three-quarters felt unprepared to manage their new responsibilities. The reasons are complex: gaps in financial literacy, exclusion from key decision-making conversations and outdated family office models that fail to fully harness women’s leadership potential.
Signs of Progress and Inclusive Transformation
But there are signs of progress. Family offices and wealth management firms are rethinking their approach, investing in targeted financial education, reforming governance structures and creating more inclusive cultures. Offices with highly engaged principals are more likely to have robust succession plans and to adapt their mission and investment approach to reflect the values of the next generation. In many cases, these principals are actively involved in day-to-day operations, guiding strategy and preparing heirs to take on leadership roles as the great wealth transfer accelerates.
The wealth‑to‑impact ecosystem is at a crossroads. As the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history accelerates, over $326.45 billion remains unallocated in donor-advised funds (DAFs), while many family offices still operate with outdated or fragmented models that have yet to adapt to the evolving priorities of the next generation. With family offices overseeing more than $3 trillion in assets globally and a significant transition of control expected within five years, the sector faces a pivotal moment. Unlocking the potential of this historic wealth transfer will require activating dormant philanthropic capital and reimagining governance and strategy to reflect new values and ambitions. The future of philanthropy depends on moving from passive accumulation to bold, coordinated action, embracing innovative models and empowering the next generation to drive lasting impact.
The great wealth transfer is a once-in-a-generation chance to unlock these dormant resources. This can happen if DAFs are activated for timely, strategic giving and family offices are reimagined to empower women as architects of legacy and impact. Innovative women-led models, such as recurring DAF distributions, trust-based philanthropy and integrated impact investing, are already demonstrating what is possible when these tools are optimized.
Looking Ahead
Of course, the path forward is not linear. The preparedness gap remains a critical challenge, but it is also a transformative opportunity. By closing this gap, through education, inclusion and bold leadership, families, advisors and institutions can ensure that women are not just inheritors, but true influencers and architects of the future.
As we look ahead to 2030, the story of the great wealth transfer is still being written. Its legacy will depend on how we empower women to lead, invest and help shape the very fabric of our society.
