Europe’s family offices flourish – Europe’s Top 400 Family Offices

Europe’s family/principal investment offices are flourishing. Their numbers are growing, they are doing more direct deals, and they are driving economic growth in their countries. 

Family Capital has compiled a list of the top 400 in the region – the ones that are making a difference to their economies, fueling growth and economic dynamism.  

Ten years ago few in Europe – even in the world of high finance – would have thought how important these groups would become in the economies they operate in. Most of them weren’t involved in much direct investing – instead, they relied on an army of external managers to manage their money. 

Today, that has changed and most have learnt from their US counterparts of the benefits of direct investing and are following the investment concept with zeal. Not only that, but their numbers have grown as well as many more families of significant wealth set up family offices to better manage their wealth. 

Consequently, they have become crucial for economic growth in the countries and regions they work in. They are among the biggest supporters of new companies through their venture capital investing. Their efforts in this respect are so important for the region’s ability to meet the digital challenges ahead and successfully compete with the rest of the world. 

A breakdown of the 400 shows the UK has the most number, with 69 based there, followed by Switzerland, with 55. Germany has 49 and France 32. The Nordic region is one of the most dynamic when it comes to a thriving family office ecosystem, with 88 based in the region. Another important region is the Benelux, which has 57 family/principal investment offices. 

Italy, where there is a very strong family business culture, but a lot less of a family investment one, only has seven on the list, whereas Spain has 22. 

London, given its big financial centre and strong links to world markets, especially in the Middle East and Asia, is Europe’s top centre for family offices, with 56 based in the UK capital. But many of these are owned by non-citizens. Paris has 26 family offices based there, and Geneva and Zurich, important centres for family offices, have 22 between them. 

Germany’s decentralized economy means family offices there are spread throughout the country, although Munich is the country’s main centre for family office activity, with 10 based there. 

Interestingly, the Nordic capitals Helsinki (19), Oslo (17), and Stockholm (17) are big centres for family office activity.

To access the Table in full, please click on its content and scroll right or left with your mouse. Or scroll down to the end of the Table and use the right/left scroll bar there.

In alphabetical order