A multifamily office (MFO) is a wealth management firm that provides comprehensive financial services to families and individuals with an ultra-high-net-worth. Since they work with such high-net-worth clients, multifamily offices may vary significantly in the types of services that they provide or the types of clients they choose to work with. While family offices are quite common, multifamily offices tend to be fewer and farther between. Multifamily office are sometimes formed when a single-family office merges with another single-family office or decides to take on additional clients.
What Does a Multifamily Office Do?
Functionally, a multifamily office provides the same service as a family office, but to more than one family or individual. The services that a multifamily office typically offers include:
- Investment management: Multifamily offices typically have a team of investment professionals who manage the investments of their clients. This includes selecting investments, monitoring performance, and rebalancing portfolios.
- Tax planning: Multifamily offices can help their clients with tax planning, including minimizing taxes on their investments and estate planning.
- Estate planning: Multifamily offices can help their clients with estate planning, including creating wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
- Trusteeship: Multifamily offices can serve as trustees for trusts, which can help to protect assets and ensure that they are distributed according to the wishes of the settlor.
- Concierge services: Some multifamily offices offer concierge services, such as managing household staff, making travel arrangements, and coordinating other personal services.
Who Uses a Multifamily Office?
Multifamily offices typically serve clients with an ultra-high-net-worth, which is typically defined as having assets of $50 million or more. These clients often have complex financial needs and require the expertise of a team of professionals to manage their wealth. Multifamily offices can provide these clients with the personalized attention and service that they need.
How Much Does a Multifamily Office Cost?
The cost of using a multifamily office varies depending on the services that are used. However, multifamily offices typically charge an annual fee that is based on the assets under management. This fee can range from 1% to 2% of assets under management.
Is a Multifamily Office Right for You?
If you have an ultra-high-net-worth and complex financial needs, then a multifamily office may be right for you. Multifamily offices can provide you with the personalized attention and service that you need to manage your wealth. However, multifamily offices can be expensive, so you should carefully consider whether the cost is justified.
Conclusion
Multifamily offices can provide a valuable service to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. However, they can be expensive, so you should carefully consider whether the cost is justified. If you are considering using a multifamily office, be sure to compare different firms and services to find the best fit for your needs.
