Vanilla, Callan partner to build family office software

Vanilla announced a strategic partnership with Callan Family Office to co-develop estate planning and family office software for ultrahigh net worth families. The agreement covers joint product development, a go-to-market plan and use of artificial intelligence to generate faster analysis.

Vanilla is a financial software provider led by CEO Gene Farrell. Callan Family Office serves individuals, family offices and families with investable assets of $25 million or more. The firms began detailed talks after Callan used and evaluated Vanilla’s platform for business and estate planning; Callan’s feedback prompted formal collaboration. Farrell said client input drives “probably 90% of our road map.”

The companies plan to develop features that address layered financial structures, multiple legal entities, family businesses and holding companies that hold investment portfolios. Farrell noted families often seek a single view of assets, ownership stakes, levels of control and multigenerational wealth transfer schedules.

The go-to-market work will include shared thought leadership, events and distribution aimed at wealth management firms and family offices that serve ultrahigh net worth clients.

Vanilla plans to use AI to speed analysis and to flag accounts or structures that may need attention. Farrell added, “AI is going to make that much simpler, and you’re going to have better plans, and you’re probably able to do it with less effort.” The company expects AI-generated insights to surface potential issues or opportunities more quickly for advisors serving complex families.

The partnership grew from existing ties between Callan’s founder and CEO Jack Ginter and Bill McNabb, chairman of Vanilla’s board. Farrell described Callan as a frequent user of the software whose operational experience informed product requirements.

Vanilla positions its software as a source of truth and a visualization tool to help advisors and families see how assets and governance relate. The companies said the partnership is intended to make the new features available to other firms and to encourage additional client feedback on how the software can address reporting and planning needs in the ultrahigh net worth sector.