Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
2026 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans
Longevity and accelerating family business transfers are reshaping how affluent families build, manage and pass on wealth.
June 2026
Key takeaways
- Bank of America’s recent study finds that longevity is reshaping wealth planning, with more than nine in ten respondents citing longer life expectancy as an important consideration in financial and wealth planning – yet gaps in estate preparedness and understanding highlight a growing need for more holistic advice.
- The great wealth transfer is accelerating, particularly through family businesses, as a growing share of owners inherit companies (23%, more than double 2024 levels) – adding complexity to succession planning even as its importance becomes more widely recognized.
- Investment approaches are shifting beyond traditional portfolios, with ultra-wealthy and younger investors turning to private markets, alternatives, and strategic credit to pursue growth – reflected in 77% of ultra-high-net-worth respondents who say greater opportunity exists in private markets than in public markets.
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