As intergenerational wealth transfer accelerates, inheritance is being reshaped.
Changing demographics, evolving family dynamics and new sources of financial advice are transforming how wealth is passed on. For advisers, this presents a renewed opportunity to help families preserve their legacies.
When wealth arrives, are inheritors ready?
An estimated $105 trillion will transfer to younger generations by 2048. Yet our research shows many inheritors face major financial decisions almost immediately.
43% made significant financial decisions within weeks of receiving wealth, but only 18% felt very comfortable doing so.
Based on a global survey of 1,200 high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, our research asks what gives inheritors the confidence to make the right decisions at the right time?
Key findings
Greater wealth can mean faster decisions
Inheritance prompts two types of decisions. Financial, legal and administrative matters often need immediate action. But deciding what to do with an inheritance over the longer term, and what you want that wealth to achieve, requires more reflection.
And the bigger the inheritance, the more urgent those immediate decisions can become.
The value of advice depends on action?
Professional advice is widespread, but fewer than half of inheritors fully follow the guidance they receive.
The inheritors who achieve their long-term priorities are more likely to have received influential advice early, made decisions quickly and acted on that advice.
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Women need advice tailored to their needs
Women who inherit draw on a particularly broad mix of professional advice, digital platforms and personal networks. But how they act on that advice varies with the size of their inheritance.
Advisers can respond by tailoring their financial planning after an inheritance to women’s circumstances, from investment fundamentals and practical next steps to more complex emotional considerations.
Gen Z expect advisers to earn their trust
Passing on wealth to the next generation does not necessarily mean passing on the adviser relationship. Younger inheritors are less bound by legacy advisers and expect strong digital capabilities alongside a personal connection.
Inheritance decisions need the human touch
Technology can provide information, speed and analysis. Human advisers bring judgment, context and reassurance.
Advisers can add the most value by helping inheritors make clear-headed decisions at an overwhelming time.
About the research
In April and May 2026, Capital Group commissioned FT Longitude to survey 1,200 high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals to find out how they manage their inherited wealth.
The respondents were based in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
They had a minimum net worth of $1 million and reported inheritances of
between $100,000 and $100 million.
Learning Programme
Helping inheritors navigate wealth transfer
Take a deeper dive into the research findings and develop practical tools and strategies for addressing the needs and challenges of inheritors.
Learning launching in January 2027.
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