# Global family business succession and management trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-family-business-succession-and-management-trends > Updated: 2026-10-19T23:01:24.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Family-owned businesses are facing significant structural and management challenges globally. In the United Kingdom, tax policy reforms regarding Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief are influencing decisions on succession and ownership, with many owners planning to exit their businesses within five years. While technical documentation like wills and estate plans is improving, a gap remains between formal paperwork and the practical management of human elements such as trust and boardroom transitions. On a global scale, there is a projected shift toward professionalization and formal governance. In Brazil, the proportion of family businesses managed directly by family members is expected to drop from 48% to 8% by 2035, aided by the adoption of artificial intelligence. In Portugal, research indicates a lack of preparedness for generational transitions; only 2.3% of ultra-high-net-worth families are fully prepared to transfer or sell their businesses, often due to a lack of family consensus and insufficient involvement of heirs in decision-making processes. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Family businesses face global shifts in management and succession Reports show a global trend toward professionalizing family businesses, with Brazil seeing a sharp decline in direct family management and Portuguese families facing significant succession hurdles. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/family-businesses-face-global-shifts-in-management-and-succession ### 2026-10-17: Family businesses face challenges in succession planning Family businesses are increasingly prioritizing succession planning due to aging owners and tax reforms like BPR and APR, though a gap remains between formal paperwork and effective leadership transitions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/family-businesses-face-challenges-in-succession-planning --- Cite as: Global family business succession and management trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-family-business-succession-and-management-trends