KPMG’s 2026 report examines the trends and challenges facing family businesses worldwide, highlighting the need to adapt traditional governance models to AI and generational change.
Key takeaways
- Family businesses show strategic confidence but expect growth to become harder over the next decade.
- There is a structural shift from a family-operated business towards a family enterprise with professional management and independent boards.
- AI adoption is outpacing governance: 64% are adopting AI, while 38% lack corresponding governance frameworks.
- Talent and succession pressures are growing, with attracting external talent the leading workforce challenge.
- Risk readiness lags behind complexity: only one third have a comprehensive risk-management system.
What this means for CEOs
To remain resilient and influential, family businesses need to adapt governance, invest in professional management, develop robust AI governance and address talent and succession challenges.