Only 28% of wealthy Dutch people discuss specific wishes or arrangements around inheritance

Seven in ten wealthy people say they have a good understanding of the arrangements in place for passing on their wealth. The people in line to receive it, however, are less likely to have the same level of clarity. Parallel research by Ipsos I&O and ABN AMRO MeesPierson surveyed members of Generation X (aged 46 to 61) who expect to receive a gift or inheritance. Just 44% say they have a detailed enough picture of what has been arranged. This is often only discussed after a significant life event, such as the death of someone close (26%) or health problems affecting the person passing on their wealth (19%). Only a quarter (25%) have an in-depth discussion that also covers specific wishes and arrangements.

Why the conversation does not happen sooner

For people planning to pass on their wealth, talking about gifts and inheritance does not appear to be a major hurdle: just 6% say that this is hard for them. Recipients, however, seem to be more reluctant. More than a third (36%) of Gen X recipients say they find it difficult to raise the subject of gifting and inheritance. Timing is the biggest obstacle: more than half (56%) of those transferring wealth who have not yet broached the subject say they simply feel that ‘the time isn’t right yet’. Another 19% do not consider the conversation important.

It pays to start the conversation early

Once the conversation does happen, the experience is often positive for the recipients. More than three quarters (77%) say it was open and honest. Six in ten (60%) say it helped both sides voice their expectations, while 41% say the discussion gave them greater peace of mind. “Talking about wealth transfer can feel uncomfortable, especially when it means discussing someone else’s assets,” says Alen Zeljkovic, Head of Wealth Management Clients at ABN AMRO. “Yet these conversations often turn out to be less difficult than people anticipate. Putting them off does not make the awkwardness go away. It’s particularly important in complex situations, such as business succession or real estate transfer, to discuss wishes and expectations early. It gives everyone involved a clearer idea of where they stand. That clarity provides peace of mind and helps prevent conflicts.”

Putting plans in place

Nine in ten (89%) respondents who expect to pass on wealth believe it is important to make arrangements for gifts and inheritances in good time. The same proportion (89%) believe that clear arrangements help prevent conflict later on. Whatever the value of the gift or inheritance, it is important to start the conversation early. Also, wealth transfer is about more than just money. People can also want to pass on knowledge, experience, real estate or a business. Families and circumstances change over time, so it is important to review arrangements regularly. ABN AMRO MeesPierson supports families in different forms of wealth transfer, from gifting to business succession. Clients of ABN AMRO and ABN AMRO MeesPierson can speak to an expert about the options available.

About the research

The Wealth Transfer research consisted of two studies, largely based on the same questionnaire. The first study, among Dutch members of Generation X, was conducted by Ipsos I&O on behalf of ABN AMRO MeesPierson in September 2026. It surveyed 1,500 people in the Netherlands born between 1965 and 1980. The sample was representative in terms of gender, age, education and region. The findings cited in this press release relate to the 710 respondents (47%) who expect to receive a gift or inheritance in the future. The second study was conducted by MWM2 between 21 September and 4 October 2026 among 376 members of the ABN AMRO MeesPierson Client Panel with investable assets of € 500,000 or more. Of these, 350 expect to leave a gift or inheritance in the future.