Family Office Investment Committee
A family office investment committee is a group that reviews and approves investment decisions, typically for larger allocations or policy-level choices.
Allocator relevance: Defines governance rigor and decision cadence—critical for predicting timelines and required stakeholder alignment.
Expanded Definition
Not all family offices have formal ICs. When they do, ICs may include family members, a CIO, external advisors, and sometimes operating executives. IC scope can range from approving only large decisions to overseeing all allocations and re-ups.
For allocator intelligence, the IC structure is a strong predictor of decision speed, documentation needs, and diligence depth.
How It Works in Practice
ICs meet on a cadence, review memos and materials, and approve or reject proposals. Time-to-decision depends on scheduling, documentation requirements, and how much authority is delegated to staff between meetings.
Decision Authority and Governance
ICs provide formal governance and accountability. Decision authority may still sit with the principal, but IC involvement often creates a predictable process and defines veto points.
Common Misconceptions
- IC presence always slows decisions.
- IC means the CIO is not influential.
- IC structures are consistent across family offices.
Key Takeaways
- ICs define cadence and documentation expectations.
- They shape decision chains and stakeholder alignment needs.
- Map IC scope (policy vs transaction approval).