Family offices are increasingly professional and that means paying more for top talent

Family offices are increasingly professional and that means paying more for top talent
Morgan Stanley research shows higher compensation for US family office professionals.
OCT 02, 2023

The wealthiest individuals and families in the U.S. are demanding more from their family offices, including more wealth and investment management, which is driving higher incentives for the best talent.

The latest biannual compensation report from Morgan Stanley's single family office advisory group reveals that 94% of staff in family offices had received or will receive an annual salary increase in 2023, outpacing the general U.S. market.

It also found that bonuses were at or above the level of 2022 as part of greater incentives to retain and attract the best talent amid a shortage for all roles but especially for those in accounting, tax, investment and support.

Almost six in ten respondents reported the use of long-term incentive compensation plans, including 47% of firms with under $1 billion in AUM, and 72% with over $1 billion in AUM.

“What we’re seeing today is an increasing sophistication and formalization of family office structures, and it’s important for compensation plans to reflect this,” said Valerie Wong Fountain, head of family office resources partner and platform management at Morgan Stanley. “The growing use of LTI plans is aiding in attracting that top talent, especially for offices that have in-house investment teams. Practices like deferred incentive compensation, co-investment opportunities, carried interest, profit sharing and equity can help keep talent who are excited by and invested in overall success for the family.”

WIDER TALENT POOL

The report was conducted in collaboration with family office data firm Botoff Consulting and polled 400 U.S. family offices with more than three quarters of participating families having net assets of at least $500 million.

Along with becoming increasingly professional, strategic, and proactive in addressing family needs, family offices need talent with enhanced skill sets and seeking this in a wider pool.

The research also discovered that women comprise nearly one-third of executive roles in family offices, outpacing U.S. corporate data for women in C-suite and leadership roles.

The full report is on the Morgan Stanley website.

Latest News

The power of cultivating personal connections
The power of cultivating personal connections

Relationships are key to our business but advisors are often slow to engage in specific activities designed to foster them.

A variety of succession options
A variety of succession options

Whichever path you go down, act now while you're still in control.

'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists
'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists

Pro-bitcoin professionals, however, say the cryptocurrency has ushered in change.

LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade
LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade

“LPL has evolved significantly over the last decade and still wants to scale up,” says one industry executive.

What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?
What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?

Survey findings from the Nationwide Retirement Institute offers pearls of planning wisdom from 60- to 65-year-olds, as well as insights into concerns.

SPONSORED The future of prospecting: Say goodbye to cold calls and hello to smart connections

Streamline your outreach with Aidentified's AI-driven solutions

SPONSORED A bumpy start to autumn but more positives ahead

This season’s market volatility: Positioning for rate relief, income growth and the AI rebound