Family offices slash deals amid trade war fears

Deal activity by single-family offices fell sharply in March as wealthy investors grew cautious amid fears of a trade war. According to Fintrx, family offices made only 40 direct investments, down 45% from a year earlier and 22% from February. The pullback reflects growing concerns among high-net-worth individuals about the impact of tariffs and potential disruptions to the operating companies that underpin their fortunes. While most paused activity, some exceptions remained, including Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries. The slowdown highlights a broader trend of ultra-rich investors reassessing portfolio risk and adopting a wait-and-see approach as geopolitical tensions rise. The data, shared exclusively with CNBC, suggests family offices are becoming more selective, focusing on preserving wealth amid heightened economic uncertainty.