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      Australian family businesses are evolving faster than ever

      Family businesses remain one of the most influential forces in the Australian economy. However, many are entering a period of significant transformation.

      The KPMG Global family business survey 2026 captures insights from 1,927 family and founder-led business leaders across 41 countries, including one of the largest country samples from Australia. The findings paint the picture of a sector that remains confident about its future, but increasingly aware that long-term success will require stronger governance, new capabilities and different operating models.

      While individual survey findings highlight specific challenges around AI, cyber security, succession and growth, the broader story is one of evolution. Australian family businesses are rethinking how they govern, fund, manage and lead their organisations for the next decade. 

      KPMG Global family business report 2026

      The report explores how family businesses around the world are preparing for a future shaped by technological change, shifting leadership models and increasing business complexity.

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      KPMG Global family business report 2026

      Insights from 1,927 family and founder-led business leaders across 41 countries, including Australia.

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      Key findings for Australia

      • 83%

        of family business leaders globally report having a clear growth strategy.

      • 60%

        of Australian leaders expect growth to be more difficult to sustain over the next decade.

      • From 53% to 9%

        Australian family businesses expect to shift away from the traditional family-managed model by 2035.

      • 50%

        of Australian family business leaders worry about AI, versus 37% about cyber security.

      • Top 3 issues

        Australian business leaders’ top three concerns are governance, red tape and succession.

      Six perspectives on the future of Australian family business

      Based on findings from the KPMG Global family business survey 2026, this series examines the opportunities, challenges and transitions shaping Australian family businesses.

      Article 1

      Why Australian family business leaders are strategically confident, but clear-eyed about change.

      Read more

      Article 2

      Leveraging the family business advantage

      How generational maturity turns family values into durable, compounding resilience.

      Coming 24 September

      Article 3

      Preparing for the next decade

      How family businesses are quietly rethinking ‘growth’ and ‘succession’ capital.

      Coming 8 October

      Article 4

      From in the business to on the business

      How family businesses are redefining leadership, governance and control.

      Coming 22 October

      Article 5

      Are you getting enough cyber security for your AI strategy

      The 13-point governance gap that boards can’t afford to ignore.

      Coming 5 November

      Article 6

      Developing the next generation

      Australia’s next-gen leadership plan is to ‘outsource’ it. Here’s why that won’t work.

      Coming 19 November

      The common thread: professionalisation

      The six key themes from the Global business survey tells a story of how Australian family businesses are actively evolving their governance structures, leadership models, capital strategies, technology capabilities and risk frameworks. And, in many respects, progressing faster than their global peers.

      The survey suggests Australian family businesses are actively preparing for change. The challenge is ensuring governance, talent, risk management and leadership development evolve as quickly as the ambitions driving future growth. 

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      KPMG helps family businesses navigate succession, governance and growth strategies with tailored advisory services for multigenerational success.
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      See how KPMG Mid-Market & Private can help you thrive

      Have a question or want to explore how we can support your business? Complete the form to submit your enquiry to KPMG Australia – Family, Private & Mid-Market. One of our team will be in touch as soon as possible to help you take the next step.

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      KPMG can help you understand and grow the valuable legacy of your family-owned business to drive enduring growth for future generations.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Family businesses are a significant part of Australia's business community, contributing to economic growth, employment and innovation across industries. The KPMG Global Family Business Survey 2026 highlights their long-term focus, resilience and ability to adapt, making them an important driver of sustainable growth and generational wealth creation.

      Family businesses often combine commercial objectives with a long-term commitment to family values, reputation and legacy. According to the KPMG Global Family Business Survey 2026, their competitive advantage stems from shared purpose, patient capital, trusted networks and strong governance, which together help build resilience across generations.

      Preparing future leaders requires more than succession planning. The survey's Australian insights show that family businesses should invest in structured development, mentoring, governance experience and capability building. Developing next-generation leaders early helps strengthen credibility, supports business continuity and prepares organisations for increasingly blended leadership models.