Fund groups face disruptive developments, as advances in financial technology, often called fintech, continue at an ever more rapid pace. Even as new efficiencies and opportunities blossom, regulators have pushed financial firms to recognize the dangers of technological failures. To prepare for the changes ushered in by fintech, it is important for fund boards, investment managers and separate account advisers to have a deep understanding of the issues and risks surrounding Fintech developments.
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In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), changing the way revenue is recognized. As of January 25, 2017, the FASB has issued ASUs to revise and clarify the guidance on the original Topic 606. In accordance with the core principle of Topic 606, there are five key steps to consider. Virtually all entities will be affected to some extent by the new guidance.
A rising generation of clients in their 20s and 30s turned to Jim Steiner, president of Abbot Downing, and asked him to share his insights, both as a parent and a wealth management leader. Through four memorable stories and thoughtful questions, Mr. Steiner reflected on matters of career, philanthropy, family, and leaving a legacy. He began with a cab ride in Chicago, learning to see with fresh eyes.
Families of significant wealth often own a diverse mix of assets, including multiple residences, less liquid alternative or private equity investments, and valuable collectibles, all of which requires more sophisticated planning. They also have somewhat different emotions about their wealth that can include, among others, fear that wealth can have a corrosive effect on future generations. Because no single advisor, no matter how talented, can serve their diverse needs, working with ultra-wealthy families requires a team approach and a well-integrated wealth management plan.
Ask a wealth management colleague to define “the cloud” and you are likely to get a vague response. Even among information technology experts, the term “cloud” may refer to different technologies that are only connected in a general sense. And despite the fact that cloud computing has quickly become the IT norm, the question remains: Is the cloud secure enough to support a wealth management firm’s critical company information and workflow? The truth is, not all clouds are equal, in infrastructure and in management.
In a competitive global marketplace, employers across the United States spend countless resources attempting to set themselves apart and claim their share of available business opportunities. Against that backdrop, it is easy to understand why employers will do everything possible to protect the confidential information they have created and the goodwill they have built with their customers. Employees are a critical element in building that success, but they can also be well-positioned to undermine such efforts when a relationship turns sour or where they are courted by a competitor.
Are you maximizing protection when it comes to your online activity?
As an uncertain business environment persists, board directors face multiple obstacles: new regulatory changes, issues related to globalization and digital acceleration, the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors being linked to company performance, and more. They are also grappling with the expanding roles and responsibilities. This survey explores the strategies public company boards of directors are considering, including how they plan to pursue growth and increase transparency around strategic shifts.
Protect your organization against cybersecurity. Be cyber smart and learn more about combatting ransomware in the time of COVID-19, how cybersecurity continues to be a top issue for retirement plans, and how to assess the gaps in your cyber coverage and reduce your exposure.
To advise more effectively, financial advisors to the rich seek to develop a profound understanding of their clients’ attitudes toward money and life. But there is so much more than the amount of a client’s assets that can affect his or her attitudes, goals, and tolerance for risk. In this full research report and through the lens of risk tolerance, family office advisors can learn ways that will not only help improve their wealthy clients’ risk-adjusted investment returns, but their emotional security and happiness as well.