JPMorgan Study Reveals: Family Offices Are Shifting from Crypto to AI in 2026
- Why Are Family Offices Ditching Crypto for AI?
- The AI Obsession: Hype vs. Reality
- Crypto’s Quiet Contradictions
- Institutions vs. Family Offices: A Tale of Two Strategies
- The Generation Gap in Investing
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
A groundbreaking JPMorgan report highlights a seismic shift in investment strategies among global family offices. While 89% of these ultra-wealthy managers still avoid cryptocurrencies, 65% are doubling down on artificial intelligence as their top strategic priority for 2026. Despite some crypto holdouts and institutional interest, AI now dominates the conversation—but is this the whole story? Let’s dive into the data, contradictions, and what it means for the future of finance.
Why Are Family Offices Ditching Crypto for AI?
JPMorgan’ssurveyed 333 family offices across 30 countries, each managing an average of $1.6 billion. The findings are stark: a mere 0.4% of their portfolios are allocated to digital assets, with bitcoin claiming just 0.2%. Meanwhile, AI sits comfortably at the top of their thematic investment list, followed by healthcare innovation (50%) and infrastructure (41%). Kristin Kallergis Rowland, JPMorgan’s Global Head of Alternative Investments, notes this isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental rethinking of long-term wealth planning.
The AI Obsession: Hype vs. Reality
Here’s the irony: while 65% of family offices call AI a top priority, over half haven’t invested in growth equity or venture capital—the very sectors fueling AI breakthroughs. Similarly, 79% skip infrastructure investments, even though AI’s expansion depends on physical tech like data centers. This gap between enthusiasm and action suggests many are still waiting on the sidelines. "They’re convinced AI is the future," says a BTCC analyst, "but turning conviction into capital takes time—and nerve."
Crypto’s Quiet Contradictions
Despite the overall cold shoulder, exceptions abound. Hong Kong’s VMS Group recently poured $10 million into crypto fund Re7 Capital, while Asian family offices collectively invested over $100 million in crypto products. Even BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes launched a $250 million crypto-focused private equity fund. BNY Mellon data adds another twist: 74% of ultra-high-net-worth family offices either hold crypto or plan to—thanks to better custody solutions and regulated products. "The narrative that ‘no one’s buying crypto’ is oversimplified," argues a CoinMarketCap report.
Institutions vs. Family Offices: A Tale of Two Strategies
While family offices hesitate, institutional investors are stacking Bitcoin. A Coinbase-Glassnode survey found 70% see BTC as undervalued, with 60% holding or buying during recent dips. Financial advisors are joining too—32% now allocate client funds to crypto, per Bitwise and VettaFi. "Institutions smell long-term value," notes TradingView data, "but family offices? They’re still worried about explaining ‘blockchain’ at Thanksgiving dinner."
The Generation Gap in Investing
Asian family offices plan to boost crypto exposure to 5%, signaling a generational shift. Younger heirs, raised on decentralized tech, are pushing back against traditionalist skepticism. "It’s not that crypto lacks potential," muses a BTCC strategist. "It’s that AI feels safer—for now."
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
What percentage of family offices invest in crypto?
Just 11% hold digital assets, with a minuscule 0.4% average portfolio allocation.
Is AI really outperforming crypto?
In investment interest? Absolutely. But actual capital flows show both are still niche plays for most family offices.
Are institutions more bullish on crypto?
Yes—70% of surveyed institutions view Bitcoin as undervalued despite price volatility.
