After a large liquidity event, families usually choose one of four models, or a mix.
| Model | What it is | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| Private bank or wealth manager | An institution manages investments and offers lending and banking | Families who want simplicity |
| Multi-family office | A firm serves several families with shared staff | Families who want breadth without fixed staff |
| Virtual family office | A small core team coordinates outsourced providers | Families who want control at lower cost |
| Single family office | A dedicated office with its own staff | Families with complex needs and enough scale |
How to choose
Start with goals, family involvement and the services needed. Then compare cost and control. See at what net worth to start a single family office, single vs multi-family office, private bank or wealth manager and Part 5: Portfolio Models.
Educational only. Nothing on this site is investment, tax, legal, accounting or other professional advice, or a recommendation on any security, manager, structure or allocation. Speak with qualified professionals before acting.