Growth momentum for family offices is in evidence even though the economic outlook is uncertain.

The role of family-owned businesses around the world is expected to rise as a share of the corporate landscape, and they will increase in number, a new study by Deloitte finds.

Based on a survey of 1,587 family businesses across 36 countries and interviews with 30 senior executives, the report shows that family businesses with revenue of at least $100 million account for more than one in five companies globally (22 per cent).

That number – 18,087 – is expected to climb to 19,744 by 2030, up from 16,194 in 2020, marking a 22 per cent increase over the decade. Their economic contribution is also growing, with total family business revenue projected to rise by 84 per cent from about $16 trillion in 2020 to $29 trillion in 2030 – outpacing the 59 per cent expected growth among non-family businesses.

Today, family business revenue stands at $21 trillion. Europe is expected to be the fastest growing region, with estimates that the number of family businesses will rise 12 per cent from 4,084 in 2025 to 4,577 in 2030. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific currently has the most family businesses in the world â€“ 7,595. This compares with 5,152 in North America, 4,084 in Europe, 528 in the Middle East, 352 in South America, and 377 in Africa.

North America, APAC in the driving seat
Family businesses in North America and Asia-Pacific are projected to see the greatest revenue gains over this period, with revenues expected to rise by 97 per cent to $12 trillion and $9.0 trillion, respectively.

This momentum is unfolding despite economic uncertainty, which family businesses ranked as their top external risk. Some 68 per cent said this uncertainty is delaying key business investments and growth initiatives, while 70 per cent believe that the imposition of broad tariffs will negatively affect the economy and their business.

Family businesses also cited cyber threats, geopolitical tensions and rising production costs as leading risks, underscoring the complex landscape they need to negotiate. Some 69 per cent of respondents said cyber threats were a moderate/high external risk, and 61 per cent gave their unpreparedness for cyber attacks as a moderate/high internal risk. In response, 4 per cent of family businesses are upgrading their cybersecurity defenses and data governance.

In certain jurisdictions, tax policy is a factor for family firms to watch. In the UK, for example, the government has brought family business property within the inheritance tax net, removing a previous exemption.

The findings appear in Deloitte Private’s Family Business Insights Series: Defining the Family Business Landscape, 2025.

“Family businesses are a driving force of the economy – and Deloitte Global’s research shows they are scaling innovation, expanding across borders and rethinking ownership to stay ahead of accelerating change,” said Wolfe Tone, Global and US Deloitte Private leader.