Multi-Family Office Database
A multi-family office database focuses on MFO platforms serving multiple families under one structure.
Definition
Definition A multi-family office (MFO) database catalogs firms that manage wealth and investments for multiple families. Unlike SFOs, MFOs may have standardized processes, formal committees, and productized offerings (including OCIO-like models). Records often need to separate the platform decision-makers from the underlying families—because “who decides” may vary by service model. Allocator Context Some MFOs allocate like institutions (clear policy frameworks); others operate more like advisors who route decisions to clients. For fundraising, this determines the path: you may need to win the MFO’s due diligence team, but the final check may still come from client families—or from a centralized program. Decision Authority Authority depends on mandate. In discretionary models, the platform can allocate without each family approving. In advisory models, the platform recommends and families decide. A usable database makes that distinction explicit. Why It Matters for Fundraising MFOs can be efficient channels because one relationship can unlock multiple families—when the model is discretionary and the strategy fits the platform sleeve. When it’s advisory, you’re effectively entering a two-step funnel. Key Takeaways MFOs are not SFOs; decision authority is structurally different Discretionary vs advisory model is the core differentiator MFO databases must separate platform vs client-family dynamics Understanding the model improves targeting and timelines