Wave of inheritances brings risks of fraud and inequality

The Netherlands is bracing for a surge in inheritance transfers as the aging population accumulates significant wealth, particularly through housing equity. The Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) projects a peak in inheritance by 2050, fueled by rising property values. This influx of capital creates notable financial risks, as heirs may be vulnerable to investment fraud or pressured into complex, speculative assets like cryptocurrencies. The AFM notes that emotional distress following a death often complicates financial decision-making, increasing susceptibility to malicious actors and finfluencers.

Beyond fraud risks, the transfer of wealth is exacerbating societal inequality. Inherited capital often provides younger generations with distinct advantages in housing and education, further widening the gap between families. Furthermore, the rise in informal family loans and equity-release mortgages introduces long-term financial instability, especially since many alternative lending structures operate outside regulatory oversight. As the demographic shift continues, the AFM warns that reliance on unmonitored financial products could lead to higher payment risks and sustained economic disparities across the country.