Next Generation Report 2026

Passing wealth to the Next Generation is more than a financial event; it is a deeply personal, emotional and increasingly complex journey. Our Next Generation Report 2026 presents insights from global surveys with the next generation of inheritors, leaders and founders – those poised not only to inherit their families’ wealth, but also to influence markets, institutions and social priorities for years to come.

Tomorrow’s leaders and investors are coming of age in a world characterized by global mobility, rapid technological change, and evolving expectations around purpose and impact. They are not just asking how wealth is transferred, but why – and what role they are expected to play in stewarding a family legacy while forging their own path.

Who is the Next Generation?

The “next generation” is often referred to as an age group, but in practice it is better defined by their role: they are the inheriting generation and represent the full age spectrum from under 21 to 45 and above, with the majority being between 26 and 40 years of age.

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Highlights

  • 67 %

    of Next Generation family members in North America associate wealth transfer with taking on new responsibilities

You feel a sense of responsibility from a very young age. Even when parents never talk about the wealth, you feel it.

  • 50 %+

    of the Next Generation surveyed believe transfer conversations should begin in childhood or adolescence

My dad started early by taking us along to business visits and making us part of his conversations with partners and investors. So when the actual topic of wealth transfer came later, they already felt normal.

  • 3 in 10

    of the Next Generation surveyed turn to peers and 2 in 10 turn to wealth managers as their main sources of advice

Good partners aren’t easy to find. When we do find someone who is committed and trustworthy, we want to work with them for the long term.

  • 30 %

    of the Next Generation surveyed are interested in sustainable and impact investing

Making money matters – but so does investing in society.

Report cover for Global Next Generation 2026

Download the report

Download the report to unlock insights from the next generation of inheritors, leaders and founders. To learn more about how our advice and experience can help you navigate the wealth transfer journey, reach out to a UBS Financial Advisor.

Approval code: 5401648 Review date: 4/17/2027