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Its international study with more than 130 family office investment managers responsible for around $62.425 billion assets under management found 87% are predicting an increase in the risk appetite of their clients over the year ahead. Around a third (31%) forecast a dramatic increase in family offices risk appetite.

The research from Ocorian, which works with more than 60 family offices around the world, found the key reasons for the change in attitude are optimism about the global economy. Around 57% questioned say there is a feeling inflation has peaked while 54% believe markets are over the worst and set for recovery.

However there is also growing interest in alternative assets and riskier investments in general. More than half (56%) say there is greater transparency around riskier and more specialist asset classes such as digital assets while 42% are encouraged by improved regulation in the sector.

It is a stark contrast to the past two years which saw many family offices and High Net Worth families focus on cash. Almost all (99%) family offices questioned - which included single and multi-family offices and only those who use third-party private client service providers - agreed family offices have been overweight in cash for the past two years and are now ready to invest again.

The research for Ocorian, which provides services to HNW individuals and family offices as well as financial institutions, corporates and asset managers, found emerging market equities and investment-grade fixed income are the asset classes likely to see the most dramatic increases in allocations. US equities plus alternative assets including hedge funds, private equity and private debt are also likely to see dramatic increases in allocations over the next 12 months.

Amy Collins, Head of Family Office at Ocorian, said: "Family offices have quite rightly taken a conservative approach to risk in the past two years given the high levels of volatility and uncertainty in global markets. That, however, is changing and there is an increasing appetite for risk across the sector as they look for higher returns.

"It is further evidence of the strong growth in the sector as more family offices are established and more family members want to play an active role in managing their assets in the most efficient way. Many family offices, particularly those run by younger, tech-savvy generations, are interested in investing in technology companies and other sectors they know well. This requires a deeper understanding of emerging technologies - from digital assets, space technology investments, web 3.0, cyber security, and so forth - and importantly, a willingness to take on higher levels of risk."

Ocorian's award winning dedicated family office team provides a seamless and holistic approach to the challenges and opportunities families face. Its service is built on long-term personal relationships that are founded on a deep understanding of what matters to family office clients. Its global presence means Ocorian can provide bespoke structures and services for international families no matter where they live.