The Great Wealth Transfer: A Defining Moment for Canadian Families

Generational Wealth in Canada: Preparing for the Largest Transfer in History

Canada is entering one of the most significant wealth transitions in its history. Over the next decade, an estimated $1 trillion CAD in wealth will be passed down from baby boomers to their children and grandchildren.

This shift is not only financial, but deeply personal. A new generation of inheritors is redefining what wealth means. It is no longer just about accumulation. It is about clarity, purpose, and ensuring wealth continues to serve the people and values behind it.

This report explores how the great transfer of wealth is reshaping expectations and why a more thoughtful, relationship-driven approach is becoming essential.

The Scale of the Transition

According to the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), more than $1 trillion CAD in wealth is expected to transfer across generations in Canada between 2020 and 2030.

This momentum is driven by an aging population. By 2030, nearly 1 in 4 Canadians will be over the age of 65, accelerating the need for estate planning and wealth transition strategies (Statistics Canada, 2024).

Implication: Firms that focus purely on transactions will struggle to retain assets across generations. The future belongs to those who prioritize continuity, guidance, and long-term relationships.

Next-Gen Expectations

• Values Alignment: 75% of millennials believe their investments should reflect their social and environmental values (RBC Wealth Management, 2024).

• Purpose-Driven Planning: Younger generations are placing greater importance on philanthropy, impact investing, and using wealth as a tool for positive influence.

• Digital with a Human Touch: While they are comfortable with digital tools, next-generation clients still seek trusted advisors who can provide clarity, perspective, and guidance through complex decisions.

• Implication: The next generation is not just looking for performance. They are looking for meaning, structure, and a trusted partner who can help them navigate the bigger picture.

Risks to Wealth Retention

A global EY study shows that 70% of wealth is lost by the second generation and 90% by the third.

This is rarely due to poor investment performance. More often, it stems from a lack of communication, unclear planning, and the absence of a shared family vision.

Implication: Without intentional planning and open dialogue, wealth can erode quickly across generations. Advisors who guide these conversations play a critical role in preserving both capital and family alignment.

The Opportunity for Thoughtful Wealth Guidance

Stansfield Wealth Group is well positioned to support families through this transition by focusing on what matters most:

• Helping clients bring clarity to their financial decisions

• Supporting structured, forward-looking planning across generations

• Providing steady, personalized guidance through life’s major milestones

“Next Chapter. Refined.” reflects a commitment to helping clients move forward with confidence, knowing their wealth is aligned with their goals, their values, and their future.

Conclusion

The coming decade represents one of the most important shifts in Canadian wealth management.

As $1 trillion changes hands, the firms that will stand apart are those that move beyond transactions and focus on long-term relationships, clarity, and trust.

For families navigating this transition, the right guidance makes all the difference.