No one foresaw the pandemic crisis that is currently testing the value proposition of the family office. The implications will change the way the future is shaped, one that will include a focus on the ability to function as a remote organization. The way forward is emphasizing the need to not just have a plan, but to examine, test, and refresh those plans regularly on a risk management and mitigation level. If you do, you’ll find holes along the way which gives the family office insights as to how to fix them and evolve into a stronger position.
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Responsible investors often express that they don’t want to buy companies that greenwash; rather, they want the real thing. And they want investment managers who can tell the difference. But businesses are complex organisms, and sustainable business practices are rarely as simple as good versus bad. However, there are pointers that can help steer you in the right direction.
Estate planners and advisors will need to contemplate the political climate in an election year, particularly given certain political opposition to the extensive changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
In this collection of insights and ideas, learn about the strategies for managing and leading through the COVID-19 crisis. The insights will help you lead through and beyond the crisis, dealing with the immediate issues and looking toward the opportunities for recovery. Topics include leadership, cost optimization, virtual learning, talent management, career transition, sales effectiveness, rewards and benefits, and change management.
It is an unfortunate reality that in trying times some people will attempt to take advantage of situations for personal gain. Be alert to scams including (1) phishing emails that purport to provide help or solutions to the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, but are actually intended to induce a click that leads to ransomware, (2) price gouging, and (3) fake charities.
In light of COVID-19 and state and local stay-at-home orders, many businesses have greatly increased the number of remote workers. Firsttime remote workers—and some seasoned remote workers—need to be aware of hidden pitfalls in the gadgets and apps they are using while working from home.
By governmental command or voluntary decision, businesses of all kinds have been altering or limiting operations or closing their doors entirely. Often the business decisions are made apart from any thought of the potential insurance implications. In particular, businesses with commercial property insurance policies may not have been considering whether business interruptions coverage would apply. There are steps that businesses can take now to best position themselves to preserve whatever coverage they have.
Relief was offered when the First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed. The Act provided $104 Billion to help fight COVID-19 and protect workers and families from the health and economic impact of the virus. Other relief and guidelines are highlighted in this infographic for employers facing tough decisions under the pandemic environment.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury released a set of frequently asked questions late on April 6, 2020, to clarify several issues with Paycheck Protection Program loans. These FAQs present the SBA’s interpretation of several provisions of the program, in some cases contradicting interpretations from banks, lawyers, and other advisors. A summary of some of the most important FAQs is provided, along with guidance as to what applicants should do if they had already applied before this guidance was issued.
The unprecedented speed, intensity, and uncertainty of COVID-19 has created a host of new and complex challenges for wealthy families that are playing out across both financial and family dynamics. There's no doubt it is a financial and business challenge, but it is also a very human one. To assist family office leaders and the families they support see and solve the issues in the most effective ways, a set of discussion questions are provided to help leaders prioritize and address both the financial and logistical considerations, as well as the very human ones.