A recent survey by RBC Wealth Management and Campden Wealth, titled the 2026 North America Family Office Report, highlights a significant focus on artificial intelligence among wealthy families. The study included 155 family offices with an average net worth of $2,25 billion.
Data shows that 85% of these offices identify AI as a primary investment theme for both short-term and long-term returns. Furthermore, 59% of respondents designated AI as the leading investment theme for 2026. Despite this enthusiasm, 75% of participants anticipate an AI market bubble to burst within the next five years.
The report identifies an AI paradox, where investors balance current interest with long-term caution. When looking at a two-to-five-year horizon, 69% of offices prefer US equities, while 64% favor AI. Additionally, 41% of firms intend to increase their AI exposure through private-market technology holdings.
Confidence in private equity remains high, with 84% of family offices expecting their direct investments to match or exceed the performance seen in 2025. This indicates that despite concerns regarding a potential bubble, these institutions continue to allocate capital toward technology-focused assets.
