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Why the next decade will refine how families think about wealth Across Australia, we are entering one of the most significant financial shifts in modern history. Over the next two decades, an estimated trillions of dollars in wealth will transfer from one gene.....
Wealth, Family Office, Families Who Thrive - 8 min read
Why the next decade will refine how families think about wealth
Across Australia, we are entering one of the most significant financial shifts in modern history.
Over the next two decades, an estimated trillions of dollars in wealth will transfer from one generation to the next.
For many families, this will not be a single moment — but a gradual transition shaped by retirement, longevity, business succession and changing family dynamics.
And while much of the focus is often on how much wealth will transfer, the more important question is:
How well prepared are families for it?
Wealth is changing hands - but not always with a plan
At Altus, we are seeing a clear pattern.
Many families have been highly successful at building wealth — through businesses, property and long-term investment.
But far fewer have a clear, structured plan for how that wealth will transition.
In many cases:
structures were designed for accumulation, not succession
conversations with children haven’t yet happened
estate plans are outdated or overly simplistic
tax implications have not been fully considered
risk exposure increases as wealth becomes more complex
The result is that wealth often transitions reactively rather than deliberately.
The real risks are not always financial
When people think about wealth transfer, they often focus on tax.
In reality, the biggest risks are often human.
We see challenges such as:
uncertainty or lack of readiness in the next generation
differing expectations between family members
unclear decision-making structures
avoidance of difficult but necessary conversations
Left unaddressed, these issues can create tension — and in some cases, erode the very wealth families worked hard to build.
The most successful families take a different approach
Families who navigate this transition well tend to approach it differently.
They start earlier.
They plan deliberately.
And they think beyond the numbers.
In our experience, successful families focus on three key areas:
1. Structuring wealth for the long term
This includes reviewing and refining:
family trusts and entities
ownership structures across assets
tax implications of future transfers
estate planning frameworks
Importantly, structures are designed not just for efficiency today — but for flexibility over time.
2. Preparing the next generation
Wealth transfer is not just about assets. It is about capability.
This can include:
gradually involving adult children in financial discussions
building financial literacy and confidence
setting expectations around wealth and responsibility
creating governance frameworks for decision-making
The goal is to ensure the next generation is ready to receive and manage wealth thoughtfully.
3. Protecting what has been built
As wealth transitions, exposure to risk can increase.
This is often overlooked.
Considerations include:
asset protection strategies
personal and business risk insurance
ensuring liquidity within estates
protecting key individuals within the family structure
These elements are critical in preserving wealth through periods of change.
Timing matters more than most families realise
One of the most common misconceptions is that wealth transfer planning happens “later”.
In reality, the most effective planning often begins well before it is needed.
This allows families to:
make decisions gradually rather than under pressure
involve the next generation over time
structure assets efficiently
avoid unintended consequences
In many cases, small, early decisions can have a significant long-term impact.
Beyond wealth - thinking about legacy
For many families, this stage of life prompts a broader reflection.
What is this wealth for?
What does it enable?
What do we want it to represent for future generations?
These are not purely financial questions - but they are essential ones.
Families who answer them clearly tend to make better, more aligned decisions.
How Altus supports families through this transition
At Altus, we work with families navigating this shift every day.
Our role is to bring together the different elements of advice required to support this transition, including:
wealth strategy and investment advice
tax structuring and planning
estate and succession planning
lending and capital structuring
risk and asset protection
Most importantly, we help families move from uncertainty to clarity, providing a coordinated approach that considers the full picture.
Starting the conversation
The Great Wealth Transfer is already underway.
For many families, the question is not whether it will happen, but how prepared they are for it.
Starting the conversation early can make all the difference.
Families Who Thrive
This topic is explored further through our Families Who Thrive program, a curated series of client conversations focused on helping families navigate the financial and personal aspects of generational wealth.
Because the most successful families don’t just build wealth - they prepare for what comes next.
Set your business on the right path with this simple guide.
Make sure you’re on the right track with this online checklist.
Wealth, Strategy, Growth, Investments, Budget - 9 min read
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Altus Wealth Pty Limited ABN 55 649 956 212 is an Authorised Representative of Altus Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 24 637 026 825 an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFSL no. 520266). Altus Financial Services Pty Ltd is not responsible for the advice, products and services provided by Altus Accounting. Julie Azzi is a credit representative (CR No. 366834) of BLSSA Pty Ltd ABN 69 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237).
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