As the human and economic toll of the coronavirus mounts, no sector of the economy has been immune from the downturn, and this includes family offices. Depending on the size and scope of the family office, there are a number of factors—including human capital, data, and cybersecurity and technology management—that need to be considered in navigating these uncertain times. After considering some or all of these factors, a family office may be best positioned to invest in the depressed equity and credit markets.
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As individuals and families contemplate their charitable giving, they often consider forming a private foundation or creating a donor-advised fund. Understanding the pros and cons of each giving strategy can help them determine the best option to meet family development and philanthropic goals.
Investors are more concerned and educated about cybersecurity than ever before. With more money and competition all around, asset management firms are increasing their focus on cybersecurity to meet market pressure and consumer demand. To be effective, cybersecurity leaders must be able to assess technology risk across ever larger and more complex ecosystems. Firms can leverage investments in talent and technology to differentiate cybersecurity operations, which will help attract and retain clients.
This is not “business as usual.” Organizations of all sizes and spanning virtually every industry are being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 global health crisis. As you assess the short- and long-term implications for your business or organization, you may find that you or a third-party partner is unable to perform the essential terms of a contract. Can and should you invoke a Force Majeure clause? If your contract with another party does not include one, what’s next?
After three false starts, the hibernating bear has come out roaring with the sharpest peak-to-trough decline in global equities on record. Governments, business leaders, and individuals are putting commerce on hold and accepting the cost of a likely recession to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The recession period is expected to be brief, provided measures to contain the spread and policies to address economic disruption are effective. Rebalancing portfolios is always difficult, especially during bear markets.
The IRS recently released the April 2020 interest rates used for estate planning purposes. As expected based on recent market conditions, these rates are at or near all-time lows. These low rates, combined with potentially-depressed asset prices and temporarily-high estate and gift tax exemptions (currently over $23 million for a married couple, but scheduled to sunset after 2025), make the economics of current estate planning transactions very attractive.
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the world, it’s vital to follow the World Health Organization's and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease. Know the facts on COVID-19, including what it is, what is the incubation period, how it is transmitted, and what is the reproduction number and what does it mean. Equally important is knowing the best practices on maintaining a healthy workplace, planning for continuity of operations, and the legal implications around COVID-19 in the workplace.
When toxic workplace behaviors go unchecked, they can put your organization and employees at risk. With the right training, prevention, and intervention programs, you can give your employees the tools they need to curb hostile behaviors—and protect everyone concerned.
By leveraging the power of your investment portfolio through securities-based lending, you can free up available cash by using a portion of your eligible portfolio holdings as collateral. While there are potential risks in borrowing against your portfolio, they can be managed for a host of needs, ranging from asset purchases to wealth planning to tax payments.
What are the top workplace wellness trends affecting the health and productivity of your workforce—and what can you do to help? In today’s increasingly competitive job market, companies are shifting their focus away from traditional benefit plans to a more holistic approach to total wellbeing. With an emphasis on influencing culture and offering initiatives, you can improve the employee experience. Learn more about creating a positive shift toward total wellbeing.