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In prior rising rate environments, various parts of the municipal yield curve reacted differently based on economic conditions and the pace and scale of Fed activity. An analysis of historical changes in monetary policy shows that in the past three rising rate environments, a hypothetical investor who stayed the course through the tightening cycle –regardless of their position on the yield curve – may have experienced positive total returns, the notion that “rising rates are bad for bond investors” notwithstanding.

Since 2006, New Hampshire has permitted the formation of family trust companies. This paper summarizes the advantages of creating family trust companies in a favorable site such as New Hampshire.

New Hampshire’s directed trust statutes provide families with maximum flexibility and control in the creation and ongoing administration of trusts. This paper explores the benefits of directed trusts and illustrated a typical NH directed trust structure.

One of the things we’ve learned is that a family contract can be a valuable tool to help families build trust and avoid conflicts. We’ve also found that for a contract to work well, everyone who signs the contract should have a say in how the contract is written. That doesn’t mean you will get everything you want and, as you probably expect, your parents still have the final say on family rules.

The process to execute and close deals continues to challenge investors flush with cash. The trend in deal volume over the last several quarters brings this to light. Nevertheless, the M&A community continues to churn with activity as buyers and sellers try to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the featured ideas will provide you with guidance on how to better execute your next deal.

Information security in the family office context needs to a collaborative effort between the family, the office, and any intertwined vendors. This article from Plante Moran’s IT security consulting group discusses key factors in improving the security of the family office’s confidential information.

Despite continued geopolitical instability and the media’s newfound focus on jihadist terror, equities rallied during the month on optimism that monetary policies among major central banks will continue to be quite supportive. U.S. corporate earnings for the second quarter of 2014 also came in stronger than expected, with the S&P 500 earnings growth rate accelerating to over 8% year-on-year. Developments outside the U.S. were less encouraging.

South Dakota’s favorable tax, trust and asset protection laws make it one of the top domestic asset protection jurisdictions. The January 2014 issue of Trusts & Estates magazine ranks South Dakota #1 in all categories including asset protection laws. In fact, it is the only state that ranked #1 across all categories (i.e., tax, trust laws, private trust companies, and asset protection). Consequently, these favorable laws combined with SDTC’s experience make South Dakota the jurisdiction of choice for many wealthy clients.

South Dakota is the leading bank asset jurisdiction in the United States, according to the FDIC. As the leading trust, asset protection, privacy and favorable tax jurisdiction, South Dakota has attracted many wealthy families to establish trusts in South Dakota without having to live, visit or even fly over the state.

A family office and advisor team working in the best interest of the family first and foremost requires (1) working with and depending upon multidisciplinary colleagues, (2) collaborative management of the practice areas with appreciation for pragmatic give-and-take resulting in a better overall plan, (3) recognizing that team members are not individually successful unless the greater goal is achieved, and (4) understanding that achieving the greater family goal will make each member most successful.