The $124 Trillion

Wealth Transfer

Executive Summary

The largest generational shift in wealth is underway, with digital-native investors reshaping expectations around access, transparency, and asset allocation. More than half of that volume will originate from high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth households.

According to Capgemini's World Wealth Report 2025, 81% of inheritors plan to switch wealth management firms within one to two years of receiving their inheritance.

As capital moves into the hands of a new cohort, firms may face increasing pressure to adapt to a financial system that is increasingly digital, on-chain, and global. Digital assets are increasingly being evaluated for inclusion in portfolios, and wealth managers are assessing how to evolve their platforms and capabilities to meet changing client expectations.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

The Wealth Transfer in Numbers

The intergenerational wealth transfer is already underway.

$2.5 T $4 T

Heirs are inheriting around $2.5 trillion annually, with Cerulli projecting this figure will exceed $3 trillion by 2030 - topping $4 trillion around 2036.

50% of $62T

More than 50% of the overall total transfer volume ($62 trillion) is expected to come from those who are currently HNW and UHNW, which make up only 2% of all households.

30%

The transfer will unfold in phases, but by 2030, 30% of current HNW wealth will have transferred to younger, digital-native generations.

46%

46% of these Next-Gen HNWI beneficiaries plan to switch managers due to a lack of digital asset services.

At the same time, the EY 2025 Global Wealth Research Report

50%

feel underprepared for the transition of wealth across generations

45%

saying that planning has become more challenging

28%

only have been adequately engaged by their advisor on wealth transfer issues

The advisory gap is widening

Key Data Points

$124 T

Total wealth projected to transfer through 2048 (Cerulli Associates)

$62 T

Share originating from HNW/UHNW households

$46 T

Projected inheritance for Millennials over 25 years.

What the Next Generation Expects

Young investors expect active participation and collaborative, hybrid advice models combining human expertise with technology-enabled personalization.

70%

Nearly 70% who engage a paid adviser interact at least monthly.

1/3

One-third have used generative AI for financial education.

55%

55% reported they make investment decisions driven by FOMO, particularly in crypto.

Crypto and alternative assets are increasingly being considered as part of diversified portfolios by certain investor segments.

15%

Alternatives represent of HNWI portfolios globally.

88%

Of the relationship managers surveyed at Capgemini observed increased interest in alternative investments, including crypto, amongst HNW individuals.

61%

Of Millennial/Gen Z HNWIs are already directing capital to higher-growth asset classes, with 48% of Millennials now holding digital assets directly.

Loyalty is to the advisor, not the firm

81%

Of inheritors plan to switch firms within 1–2 years of inheritance (Capgemini)

62%

Would follow their advisor to a new firm.

They still want advice

90%
Of wealthy Gen Z and millennial investors use some form of paid financial advice.

58%

Millennials are most likely to access a paid professional adviser through a firm or family office.

Firms are Falling Short

Despite the scale and urgency of the wealth transfer, most firms are not prepared to retain the next generation of clients.

The gap exists across three dimensions

The Engagement Gap

28%
Only 28% of investors feel adequately engaged by their advisor on wealth transfer issues.

The Product Gap

94%
94% of advisors received crypto questions from clients in 2025.

The Talent Gap

1 in 4 advisors plan to switch firms or start their own practice in the next 12 months.

What Forward-Looking Firms Need

The gap between early movers and the rest of the industry is widening.

Opening access across all client tiers

Not limiting crypto to HNW clients with aggressive risk profiles; making it available across all account types.

Next Steps: Talk to Abra

Explore how Abra can support your digital asset strategy. Whether you are looking to securely custody assets, build customised portfolios, or access institutional-grade crypto markets, Abra provides the infrastructure and expertise to help you evaluate digital asset capabilities within a broader portfolio strategy.