Family Offices Warm to Digital Assets as Sentiment Improves, Citi Report Shows

Sentiment toward digital assets among family offices has shifted markedly, moving from -11% in 2024 to -1% this year, according to a Citi Wealth report. The survey, which gathered responses from 346 entities across 45 countries, suggests a thawing stance linked to the new US administration's openness to cryptocurrencies.

While most asset classes saw declining interest, digital assets joined hedge funds, private equity, and commodities as exceptions. Notably, 19% of respondents expressed bullish views on crypto—identical to sentiment around cash—while 63% remained neutral. Historically conservative allocations are also expanding: larger family offices (AUM >$1B) now average 8% crypto exposure, up from the traditional 1-5% cap.

Nearly 40% of family offices anticipate portfolio returns exceeding 10%, opting to maintain positions despite macroeconomic uncertainties. The report notes a strategic rotation toward defensive sectors and geographies, with cash holdings slightly reduced but fixed-income allocations largely unchanged.