Navigating the $84 Trillion Challenge
The Unprecedented Shift in Wealth
The UBS Global Wealth Report (2025) projects that more than US$83 trillion will transition over the next 20–25 years. Of this, approximately US$9 trillion will be transferred horizontally (spouse-to-spouse), and US$74 trillion vertically (to heirs). The United States alone will account for nearly US$29 trillion, making this the largest intergenerational transfer in history.
Why the Transfer Is So Complex in 2025
-
Sheer Scale: Coordinating legal, tax, and advisory frameworks across borders is unprecedented.
-
Preparedness Gap: A Capgemini survey found that 81% of millennials and Gen Z heirs plan to switch advisors due to outdated technology and lack of alignment with their values.
-
Cultural Shifts: According to Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Signals survey, 99% of Gen Z and 97% of Millennials express interest in sustainable investing, with 80% planning to increase allocations in 2025.
-
Behavioral Dynamics: A Fidelity International survey revealed that nearly half of UK investors now rely on social media or finfluencers for advice, compared with only one-third consulting qualified financial advisors.
Real-World Example: UBS Wealth Transfer Data
The UBS (2025) report highlights that wealth inheritors are shifting allocations toward private markets, ESG strategies, and digital assets—a major reallocation of global capital.
Case Study: EY on Intra-Generational Transfers
The EY Global Wealth Research Report (2025) shows that spousal transfers are almost as significant as intergenerational ones. Baby Boomers inheriting from spouses reported only 21% satisfaction with advisors, compared to 36% among younger inheritors. This underscores the demand for digitally enabled, personalized wealth management solutions.
Implications for Families and Advisors
-
Early multi-generational planning is critical to align with heirs’ values.
-
Advisors must adopt digital-first strategies, especially for heirs with ESG preferences.
-
Cross-border estate planning and philanthropy structures must adapt to tax and legal complexity.
-
Personalization is key, as spousal inheritors and Gen Z heirs have distinct needs.
Strategies to Address the $84 Trillion Transfer
1.Family governance frameworks with charters and communication protocols.
2.Heir education programs to prepare inheritors before capital transfers.
3.Integrated estate, tax, philanthropy, and investment planning.
4.Multi-disciplinary teams blending legal, financial, and governance expertise.
How Investbanq Supports Generational Wealth Transfer
Real-time portfolio optimization during inheritance events.
Diversified investment access across ESG, private equity, and digital assets.
Transparent dashboards for advisors and families.
Governance tools for legacy documents, family charters, and education.
