Single family office vs multi-family office
Both manage family wealth, but they are different things. One you own and control. The other you join as a client. Here is how to tell which fits.
The single family office
This is your own company, employing your own team, managing only your family's wealth. It gives the greatest control, privacy and customisation, and it is the structure that qualifies for the 13O and 13U tax incentives. It also carries the full cost and staffing responsibility. It tends to make sense at larger asset levels where those fixed costs are proportionate.
The multi-family office
Here you become a client of a firm that serves multiple families, sharing its investment team, systems and expertise. You get professional management without building an organisation, usually at a lower entry point. You trade some control and privacy for that convenience.
How to choose
It comes down to scale, and how much control and privacy you want. Larger families seeking a dedicated, private setup lean single. Families who want professional management without the overhead lean multi. See the setup guide and the minimum investment guide to weigh the thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a single and multi-family office?
A single family office serves one family and is set up and controlled by that family. A multi-family office is a firm that serves several families as clients, sharing its team and infrastructure. A single family office gives more control and privacy; a multi-family office gives access to a professional setup without building your own.
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General information as of July 2026. Tax-incentive eligibility applies to single family offices under MAS schemes. This page is general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.