Vision 2026: Global Trends Shaping Family Wealth and Legacy

By Tsitsi Mutendi : Family Governance Advisor 🔹 Multigenerational Wealth Architect 🔹 Legacy Builder

The Telescope: Seeing the Opportunities Ahead

Imagine looking through a telescope, focusing on the distant horizon to anticipate what lies ahead. For families managing wealth, 2026 represents a landscape of challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to shifting global priorities, families that prepare now can turn uncertainties into stepping stones for growth.

The Tan family, a Southeast Asian dynasty with investments in renewable energy and AI, uses foresight as their guiding principle. At their annual planning summit, they identified emerging trends and aligned their strategies with the evolving global landscape. Their proactive approach positioned them to capitalise on opportunities while mitigating risks in the year ahead.

Here are five global trends shaping family wealth and legacy in 2026, inspired by families like the Tans.

1. Climate Change Drives Investment Decisions

The Tans recognised the growing impact of climate change on industries and allocated more resources to renewable energy and carbon-neutral technologies. This not only aligned with global priorities but also ensured long-term profitability.

“The future of wealth lies in investing in the planet’s well-being.” – Marc Silverman, Chapter 28, Raising the Baobab.

Practical Tip: Prioritise investments in sustainable industries to align with global trends and ensure resilience.

2. AI and Automation Redefine Wealth Management

The Tans embraced AI-driven tools to analyse markets, predict trends, and optimise investment portfolios. These technologies enhanced their decision-making and gave them a competitive edge.

Practical Tip: Explore AI-driven platforms to improve efficiency in wealth management and identify emerging opportunities.

3. Global Economic Shifts Demand Diversification

With geopolitical shifts influencing trade and investment flows, the Tans diversified their portfolio across multiple regions, reducing exposure to localised risks.

“In an interconnected world, resilience lies in diversification.” – Guillermo Salazar, Chapter 6, Raising the Baobab.

Practical Tip: Regularly assess your portfolio’s geographic and industry balance to mitigate risks and maximise returns.

4. The Rise of Impact-Driven Wealth

The Tans’ younger generation pushed for greater alignment between their investments and their family’s values, emphasising social impact alongside financial returns. This approach strengthened both their legacy and stakeholder relationships.

Practical Tip: Integrate impact investing into your strategy, focusing on projects that align with your family’s mission and values.

5. Digital Literacy Becomes Essential for Success

Recognising the rapid evolution of the digital economy, the Tans prioritized education programs for family members to enhance their digital literacy and prepare them for future leadership.

Practical Tip: Offer digital literacy training and mentorship programs for all family members to ensure they stay competitive in a tech-driven world.

Vision 2026 is about preparing for a world in flux, where families that embrace sustainability, innovation, and adaptability will thrive. Families like the Tans demonstrate that by anticipating global trends and aligning strategies, wealth and legacy can grow stronger. For more insights on navigating the future, Raising the Baobab provides a roadmap of actionable strategies and inspiring stories to help families seize the opportunities ahead.

Tsitsi Mutendi is a renowned expert in family governance, with a strong focus on African family firms. As the co-founder of African Family Firms Expert, she has dedicated her career to advising and consulting family businesses and family offices. Tsitsi is a skilled facilitator, speaker, and author, known for her insightful contributions to the field. In 2023-24, she serves as the President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. Tsitsi is also the co-founder of Mutendi Montessori, a primary and secondary educational institution, and the founder of DanTs Smart, a technology and software development firm. With over 23 years as an entrepreneur. Tsitsi is a renowned multi-potentialite entrepreneur whose expertise has earned her recognition in leading publications such as Forbes Africa and Arise Africa, and she has been invited to speak on prestigious global stages, including the Athena40 panel. Her work can be found on www.tsitsimutendi.com www.nhakalegacy.com www.africanfamilyfirms.org and her trending podcast for families of wealthy and their advisors https://anchor.fm/enterprisingfamilies. You can Also get her book RAISING THE BAOBAB https://amzn.to/4