Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) have long shaped financial markets through meticulous governance, multi-decade foresight, and strategic asset allocation. Now, a growing number of affluent families see parallels between SWFs’ institutional rigor and the framework required to achieve meaningful, long-term philanthropy. By weaving in principles like transparency, diversification, and disciplined governance — plus leveraging platforms such as Altoo’s for centralised oversight — families can better direct their capital toward sustained global impact.
As digitalisation reshapes the global economy, a trend of so-called crypto philanthropy has emerged. Involving cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, this innovative concept provides a borderless and bureaucracy-free alternative to traditional philanthropy and is poised to take on a powerful role in charitable giving.
Understanding the key differences between charity and philanthropy is essential for high net worth individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact with their contributions. Both approaches have their merits and can complement each other in a comprehensive giving strategy. In this comprehensive article, we explore the definitions of charity and philanthropy, their implications, and the ways in which they shape our society.
In the heart of the Middle East, a region known for its diverse cultures and economic prowess, a quiet but powerful force is shaping the destinies of countless lives - the philanthropic efforts of charitable foundations.
Among all generational groups, the health category is a top priority in philanthropic donations. Having a sense of personal touch, health care donors are more likely to make a gift in honour or memory of someone.
Geopolitical tensions and uncertainty have emerged as the new norm, and public, private, and philanthropic actors need to better equip themselves to confront emergency situations in the near and intermediate future, as well as collaborate more closely to address the interconnectedness and complexity of such crises.
Philanthropy dates back to Greek society. According to the US financial media website Investopedia, Plato instructed his nephew in his will to use the proceeds of the family farm to fund the academy that he founded in 347 B.C. The money helped students and faculty keep the academy running.
In terms of total philanthropic giving, the United States ranks well above other countries. This article outlines the key factors behind Americans' world-leading generosity.
Family Offices (FOs) are devoting a greater share of time and wealth to philanthropy. Charitable giving is one of the main ways many families and Family Offices define success. Philanthropy is a wonderful way to engage family members, especially younger generations, to share and honour values, explore similarities and differences, and leverage individual strengths.
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Family offices are rapidly expanding their service offerings, with family engagement and education emerging as the most frequently added service since 2023. Behind this trend lies a complex reality: successful family engagement requires moving beyond traditional educational approaches to embrace active participation, address learning needs that extend beyond finance, and navigate the challenges of globally dispersed families.
Family offices often recruit talent from investment banks, private equity, and wealth management firms. Yet in family office settings these professionals may find themselves struggling with challenges less common in other areas of the finance industry: managing family dynamics, bridging knowledge gaps between generations, and balancing active business interests with investment portfolios. Advanced digital wealth platforms are emerging as a solution to help family office professionals succeed in this complex environment.
The global family office market has reached $20.13 billion in value and is projected to hit $27.61 billion by 2030. This growth reflects a fundamental shift in how ultra-high-net-worth families approach wealth management, moving from simple stewardship to strategic value creation across generations.
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For many family offices, the risks are no longer theoretical. Governance is informal, reporting delayed, and portfolios are growing more complex by the quarter. Yet many still rely on basic spreadsheets to track billions. According to Copia Wealth, citing KPMG data from 2025, more than 57% of global family offices continue to use general tools like Excel for core financial reporting.