2026 Research Report

The Hidden Barriers to the Great Wealth Transfer

$124 trillion is in motion and ramping up over the next 7 years. The institutions that act now will define what comes next.

The transfer is in motion, but no one feels prepared.

Our research reveals that the barriers aren’t financial.  They’re human, rooted in family dynamics, timing, competing priorities, and gaps in support that the right tools and guidance can address. 

What the data reveals

0%

of families anticipate problems, delays, or conflict with their wealth transfer 

0%

of advisors say they're only somewhat or minimally prepared for the Great Wealth Transfer

0%

of families operate with fragmented or zero knowledge of their family's financial plans

0%

of institutions offer client education as an explicit service — yet it's families' top request

"The financial professionals who show up with the right tools will earn trust that lasts across generations. The data is now there to make the case."
— Seth Miller, Chief Distribution Officer at Empathy

A closer look at what's inside

01
Why families believe they're prepared — and what the data actually shows
02
The compounding barriers: emotional, logistical, and financial
03
How digital tools are already changing outcomes for families and the firms serving them
04
Four strategic imperatives for institutions ready to lead through this moment

Dive into the data

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The Great Wealth Transfer is already happening. Are you ready?

Families are making high-stakes decisions right now, and they're remembering who showed up. The institutions that meet the moment with real support will define the next era.

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