Family Offices Have Named AI Top Investment Theme
A survey of North American family offices shows high optimism for AI despite concerns about a potential market bubble.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Investing
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Eighty-five percent of 155 surveyed North American family offices identified artificial intelligence as their primary investment theme. Despite this enthusiasm, 75 percent of these investors anticipate an AI market bubble will burst within five years.
Why it matters
Investors are driven by a fear of missing out on the current tech boom, even as they weigh significant risks regarding employment impacts and future market stability. This dichotomy reflects the broader tension between pursuing high-growth technology and hedging against macroeconomic volatility.
A survey of 155 family offices found 85% prioritize artificial intelligence investments. Furthermore, 76% of respondents favor U.S. equities, while 72% identified direct investments as rewarding opportunities.
The players
RBC Wealth Management
This global financial institution provides wealth management services and collaborated on the research regarding family office investment trends.
Campden Wealth
This international organization provides research and networking for families of wealth and co-produced the survey on investment themes.
The details
RBC Wealth Management and Campden Wealth conducted the research, which also highlighted that 76 percent of family offices consider excessive government borrowing to be a major market risk. Additionally, 66 percent of participants pointed to the potential impact of AI advancements on employment as a significant concern.
Timeline
Over the next 12 months, investors view AI as a likely rewarding theme.
Within the next two to five years, respondents expect an AI bubble to burst.
Market Dynamics
This focus on artificial intelligence aligns with the 2026 family office investment survey by RBC Wealth Management and Campden Wealth. The trend marks a departure from traditional portfolio allocation as family offices increasingly prioritize high-growth technology over legacy assets.
Retail investors should note that institutional sentiment regarding AI is tempered by significant long-term caution. Aligning personal portfolios requires balancing the current growth momentum with the widespread expectation of potential market volatility in the coming years.
The takeaway
While artificial intelligence dominates current investment interest, experienced family offices are actively hedging against a potential bubble. Investors should prioritize diversified portfolios to protect against sudden corrections in high-growth sectors.
Further reading
For deeper analysis on asset allocation and wealth strategy, visit the Investing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CNBC.
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