A survey of 155 North American family offices finds near-universal AI enthusiasm alongside weak fund exit liquidity and rising cyber risk, questions Asian offices can also ask themselves.

TL;DR

  • RBC and Campden Wealth's 2026 North America report (155 offices) finds 85% rank AI as a rewarding investment theme, yet 75% expect an AI bubble to burst within five years, according to CNBC.
  • Among private-market investors who tried to exit a fund position, 47% could not complete the exit as expected.
  • The data is North American only. It is a comparison point for Asian offices, not evidence about Asia.

What did the RBC and Campden Wealth report find?

The 2026 North America Family Office Report, produced by RBC Wealth Management and Campden Wealth, is based on 155 responses from single-family and private multi-family offices, 123 in the US and 21 in Canada. Families' net worth ranges from US$100 million to over US$10 billion, with an average of about US$2.25 billion. Campden Wealth is a research and membership firm focused on family offices.

How much of the AI enthusiasm is short-term?

85% ranked AI an asset class or theme likely to reward investors over 12 months, two to five years, or both. According to CNBC, AI was the top 2026 theme at 59%, but over two to five years respondents favoured US equities (69%) over AI (64%). RBC's Bill Ringham links part of this to fear of missing out, saying "Even patient capital can be caught up in the fear of missing out."

Why do fund exits matter?

Nearly one in five private-market investors tried to exit a fund position, and 47% of those could not complete the exit as expected. Meanwhile 86% of offices invest in private markets, and direct investments average 45% of the private markets book versus 36% for funds. For any office, the exit route is worth checking before a commitment is made.

What operational risks are rising?

59% cite cybersecurity as the top near-term operational concern, up from 16%, and 59% report phishing attempts, also up from 16%. 73% say investment reporting is too manual. Half have an incomplete or no succession plan, and 23% had a generational transfer in the past five years.

Why does it matter for Asian family offices?

The survey does not include Asia, so its percentages should not be applied to Asian offices. What it offers is a checklist: how much of the portfolio sits in AI-linked themes, how easily can a fund position be sold, how manual is reporting, and is there a written succession plan. For Asia-Pacific context, see our coverage of the UBS report (https://asiafamilyofficehub.com/ubs-2026-family-office-report-apac-families-favour-north-america-but-plan-more-asia-exposure/) and Citi's survey (https://asiafamilyofficehub.com/citis-2026-family-office-survey-26-of-apac-offices-beat-15-returns-but-the-sample-is-citi-clients-only/) and our piece on private credit and secondaries (https://asiafamilyofficehub.com/why-asian-family-offices-are-eyeing-private-credit-and-secondaries-what-a-summit-panel-and-ubs-data-say/). This article is not investment, legal or tax advice.

What is not confirmed?

Fieldwork dates and full question wording are not given in the press release. Results come from a self-selected group of North American offices and may not generalise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many family offices did the RBC and Campden Wealth report survey?

155 single-family and private multi-family offices, mostly in the US (123) and Canada (21).

Does the RBC and Campden Wealth report cover Asia?

No. It covers the Americas only, so its figures should be read as a benchmark, not as Asian data.

What share of family offices could not exit a fund position?

Of the nearly one in five private-market investors who tried to exit, 47% could not complete the exit as expected.

Sources and Method

Based on the Campden Wealth press release of 29 September 2026 and CNBC's Inside Wealth report of 12 October 2026. Quotes are attributed and figures are as reported by the publishers. Not investment, legal or tax advice.