BNY Finds 53% of $10 Million-Plus Families Lack Complete Transfer Plans
Updated
Updated · InvestmentNews · Jul 15
BNY Finds 53% of $10 Million-Plus Families Lack Complete Transfer Plans
1 articles · Updated · InvestmentNews · Jul 15
Summary
More than half of ultra-high-net-worth families surveyed by BNY said their wealth-transfer plans remain unfinished, even as many intend to pass assets during their lifetimes.
Only 20% said heirs are very prepared to manage inherited wealth, a gap BNY identified as a key reason transfers are delayed despite potential tax advantages from earlier planning.
BNY said longer lifespans have also slowed the expected "Great Wealth Transfer," with owners planning to transfer an average 17% of wealth in five years but still expecting 55% to pass only after death.
Among families confident in heirs, formal guardrails are common: 46% use or consider minimum-age thresholds, 43% trustee or advisor sign-off, and 33% education or training requirements.
The findings add nuance to forecasts of a massive handoff—Cerulli has projected $124 trillion will transfer through 2048—while underscoring advisers' role in preparing heirs and structuring earlier gifts.
With lifespans increasing, how can the ultra-rich give away fortunes without risking their own financial security?
As trillions pass to a new generation, how will their values reshape global markets and philanthropy?
Are wealthy heirs truly unprepared, or just unwilling to manage wealth the old-fashioned way?
2026 UHNW Wealth Transfer Gaps: Risks, Drivers, and Modern Solutions for Families and Advisors
Overview
As of mid-2026, Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) families face significant gaps in estate planning, with widespread incompleteness in critical wealth transfer plans. Recent research, including a large survey of wealthy individuals, reveals that despite substantial resources, many families struggle with the operational and administrative complexity of managing large estates. These challenges make it difficult to ensure a smooth and effective transfer of wealth, putting family legacies at risk. The report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and better education to address these persistent issues and safeguard wealth for future generations.