Multi-family offices are usually paid in one of three ways: a percentage of assets under advice, a flat annual retainer, or a mix of the two. Some add separate charges for services such as tax preparation, bill pay or reporting.
What to ask before signing
- What is included in the base fee, and what is billed separately?
- Does the firm earn anything from the products, funds or managers it recommends?
- How are direct investments and illiquid assets counted for fee purposes?
- What does it cost to leave, and how are records handed back?
Compared with a single family office
A multi-family office spreads staff and systems across many families, so it usually costs less than running your own office. A single family office gives more control and privacy at a higher fixed cost. See single family office vs multi-family office and how much it costs to run a single family office.
Educational only. Nothing on this site is investment, tax, legal, accounting or other professional advice, or a recommendation on any security, manager, structure or allocation. Speak with qualified professionals before acting.