Why one art appraisal cannot answer every family-office question

The art market has entered 2026 optimistically, following strong autumn and winter fairs, record‑breaking auction results and broadening collecting interests. What's driving the momentum? The Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report 2026, authored by renowned cultural economist Dr. Clare McAndrew of Arts Economics, sheds light on complex global developments that affect the art world. While artificial intelligence, easing monetary policy and sustained innovation will continue to drive this optimism, geopolitical risks, tariffs, rising operational costs and market volatility will bring a measure of realism. Amid this backdrop, an unprecedented transfer of wealth will redefine family priorities. Together with a growing emphasis on purpose and art market participation among family offices, women and next generation philanthropists, these forces are fostering a dynamic art market. 4 % 4 % increase in global art market sales year-on-year to an estimated $59.6 billion, still below the 2022 peak increase in global art market sales year-on-year to an estimated $59.6 billion, still below the 2022 peak 9 % 9 % uplift in public auction sales year-on-year, after a sharp contraction in 2024 uplift in public auction sales year-on-year, after a sharp contraction in 2024 01 US remains the global leader The US accounts for 44% of global sales by value, up 1% year-on-year. US sales grew by 5% year-on-

For discerning collectors, fine art represents far more than a passion—it is a lifelong pursuit of beauty, intellect, and legacy. Each acquisition tells a story, reflecting not only connoisseurship but also sophisticated financial judgment. As collections grow, so too does their market value; yet the capital embedded within these works often remains inaccessible, tied up in masterpieces that appreciate quietly on the walls. Art-backed lending transforms that static value into strategic liquidity. By using fine art as collateral, collectors can access capital without selling cherished works—empowering them to act decisively on new acquisitions, manage estate planning, or seize investment opportunities while maintaining full ownership. At the forefront of this evolving space is Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS). Since its inception more than 35 years ago, SFS has originated more than $12 billion in loans. As of 2025, SFS is the global leader in the specialty lender space, with over 40% of the estimated market share.¹ SFS provides institutional-scale capital combined with the deep market expertise, discretion, and trust that have defined Sotheby’s for nearly three centuries. Through SFS, collectors can access up to $250 million in capital backed by fine their art, collectible cars, and other luxury collectibles—offering unparalleled financial flexibility without parting with the

Wealth Planning Sep 24, 2025 Passion Meets Portfolio: How Asia’s Wealthy Unlock Value From Lifestyle Assets Unlock liquidity from your art collection while maintaining full ownership. As part of a sophisticated wealth plan, fine art can serve as high-quality collateral—providing financial flexibility without disrupting your investment strategy. With decades of art-based lending experience, our specialists can help you expand your collection, fund new investments, or pursue other goals. Throughout the process, your pieces remain where you want them: on loan to galleries or museums, or secured in storage. The client sought to generate meaningful liquidity without divesting from a core fine art collection. The objective was explicitly growth-oriented: the financing was used to fund new investments. Implicitly, the client also aimed to preserve flexibility—maintaining ownership of the collection while aligning financing with broader financial goals. Our dedicated team delivered a tailored fine art financing solution structured around the client’s financial situation and objectives. The approach was designed to help the client access capital while continuing to hold and art collection, reflecting the principle that lending can be complementary to passion assets rather than requiring liquidation. The solution emphasized customization, aligning borrowing capacity and structure with th

Careful planning could help you achieve your wealth transfer goals without giving up the collections you adore. Challenges of transferring art to beneficiaries How trusts can support leaseback strategies and family outcomes Additional estate planning considerations for art collections When to start planning for your collection Of all possessions, fine art may be among the most personally meaningful, an expression of its owner’s values and sense of beauty. Yet art is also an important financial asset that should be carefully managed with your overall financial goals in mind, says Rosemary Ringwald, Head of Art Planning in the Planning Center of Excellence at Bank of America Private Bank. That’s especially true when it comes to estate planning. For those with valuable collections, common goals such as distributing wealth to loved ones as tax-efficiently as possible may conflict with another desire: continuing to enjoy the artworks they love. Here, Ringwald discusses some of the challenges and options to help ensure your art satisfies all of your priorities. Rosemary Ringwald, Head of Art Planning in the Planning Center of Excellence at Bank of America Private Bank. If you view your art as a legacy you hope will remain in the family, it is important to talk with beneficiaries early to ensure they share your passion. If they do, the main challenge is moving pieces out of your e

If we have selected the wrong experience for you, please change it above. We were delighted to announce that the 17th Deloitte Private Art & Finance Conference took place on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 , at Citi Global Headquarters in New York City. During the event, we presented the results of our 2025 Art & Finance Report (9th edition) and heard from panellists who discussed top-of-mind topics for wealth management professionals. The Great Wealth Transfer is well underway. As assets shift from one generation to the next, family offices are asked to meet the needs and preferences of this next generation of investors. They are different from their predecessors, and several questions can be asked: Will they see art as a viable investment vehicle? How will art be used for philanthropic and social impact? From art-secured lending trends and tax considerations to fractional investment and collection management, we explored the many innovations taking shape at the intersection of finance, culture, and business. Download your copy of the 2025 Art & Finance Report Click here A wealth of innovation: Bridging art and wealth management in 2025 John Psaila, CEO & Managing Partner, Deloitte Luxembourg Roger Arrieux, New York Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP Adriano Picinati di Torcello, Global Art & Finance Coordinator, Deloitte Luxembourg Christopher Bleuher, Senior Manager, Deloitte US Art &

Education on the art market and its players Guidance on defining a purpose, vision, and strategy for the collection Support with the realization of collecting goals Legacy planning including collection governance and ownership structure Advice on collection management principles Guidance on creating impact with a collection Guidance on establishing a shared vision and strategy among family members Holistic assessment of family collections in the context of the overall family strategy and governance Education of family office professionals in relation to managing family collections Advice on collection alignment with corporate values and culture Guidance on leveraging a corporate collection for branding purposes Support with defining a framework and required resources to manage a corporate collection Advice on defining a clear collection purpose, vision and strategy Advice on defining a collection governance Guidance on setting up an acquisition plan Development or review of a collection governance including drafting a Collection Charter Advice on best management practices of a collection Support in identifying industry-leading third party providers in relation to collection management needs: – Appraisals and valutations – Insurance – Storage and logistics – Collection management systems – Monetization Insight sharing on collection legacy options and strategies Guidance on multi