Over 80 per cent of 151 executive directors surveyed in the first half of 2011 said they provide services related to security, compared to around 60 per cent in 2009. Furthermore, 90 per cent of executive directors believe threats to security will intensify.

As well as issues related to staffing and travel, wealthy families now face a number of risks related to cyber crime, for example, which is reported to be the fastest growing type of criminal activity. In recent years, organizations such as Citigroup, Sony and even the International Monetary Fund have come under attack, prompting awareness about how vulnerable even large corporations are.

According to an alert issued by the Alliance Security Council last year, which is part of the Family Wealth Alliance, US-based family offices are also a target, but many security breaches involving the ultra-wealthy go unreported.

In Rothstein Kass’s survey, around 75 per cent of executive directors indicated that clients have had direct experience dealing with a family security issue, and nearly all agreed that the family's wealth makes them a target.

When asked to rate the most significant security concerns for the family, "trusting the wrong person" topped the list with 90 per cent of votes. This was followed by identity theft, 78 per cent; property being vandalized or stolen, 72 per cent; self or loved ones being assaulted, 71 per cent; self or loved ones getting into trouble, 66 per cent; someone gaining access to personal information, 64 per cent; security when traveling, 57 per cent; and someone gaining access to business information, 52 per cent.

"The appeal of a wealth management model that integrates all aspects of family planning under a unified strategy continues to accelerate the proliferation of single-family offices across the globe. As our research shows, single-family offices today represent more wealth – both on average and in aggregate," said Rick Flynn, principal and head of the Rothstein Kass Family Office Group.

The study, Safe & Sound - How Single-Family Offices Are Addressing Family Security, was released on 4 January.