Resource Search

Although wealthy philanthropists vary in their interests, backgrounds and styles of giving, some patterns emerge. Researchers for Barclays Wealth create profiles for six types of givers – privileged youth, eco givers, altruistic entrepreneurs, reactive donors, cultural inheritors and professional philanthropists – and identify each group's source of wealth, key causes, mode of giving, donation level and motivation.

For individuals who believe private equity offers compelling portfolio diversification and historical outperformance of the public equity markets the key is to find a way to control the J-Curve to reduce its depth yet retain the upside. One solution is mezzanine funds, says TAC Group.

A global outbreak of influenza, such as that anticipated with this year's H1N1 virus, can have a major effect on all aspects of the world economy. Having a contingency plan can make a difference for businesses and individuals, says HUB International Personal Insurance, which offers suggestions for creating such a plan.

In the latest issue of Private Banking Newsletter, Baker & McKenzie examines the case of Centre Trustees (CI) Ltd & Another v Van Rooyen & Others, in which the Royal Court of Jersey endorsed the removal of the protector who had put himself in a position where his own interests were in serious conflict with the interests of the trust beneficiaries.

The dollar's value is one vital sign of the health of the U.S. economy vis-à-vis other economies as it reflects expectations about inflation and interest rates. Therefore, tracking and understanding the dollar and other currencies is key to understanding the investment environment, says this paper from Rockefeller & Co. Inc.

In the latest issue of Global Giving Matters, the Synergos Institute explores the personal story of a philanthropist's inner journey and relationship with her giving, which has included support of initiatives with highly marginalized groups. This issue also collects brief news items from Argentina, Chile, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The increasing prevalence of identity theft means the ultra-wealthy need to be on their guard against this risk. Fortunately, these individuals can avail themselves of a number of resources and take some practical measures to protect themselves. This helpful paper from Century Wealth Management provides guidance.

Researchers for AIG Investments explore the challenges of estimating future private equity exposure and address central questions commonly faced by new and experienced private equity investors alike. They conclude that private equity investors need to give as much consideration to a strategic commitment plan to achieve allocation targets as they do to setting the targets themselves.

Gifting may be the place to start in planning a long-term estate planning strategy, according to this paper from Wells Fargo. While gifting can be useful in transferring tax savings, it also can provide a real-time snapshot of the estate plan by allowing the giver to see how beneficiaries accept and respond to the gifts and then to change the estate plan in response.

Although estate tax laws may be uncertain, now is the time to review estate planning documents. This report from Schiff Hardin suggests tax-reduction strategies; defines required minimum distributions from retirement accounts; details developments in tax-related state law in California, Florida, Illinois and New York; and provides information on making tax-free gifts to children and grandchildren.