Resource Search

Trading policies implemented after the flash crash of May 2010 have reduced the level of individual stock dislocations but have not eliminated market volatility, which has persisted and even increased. Investors should seek protection from economic and market risks but without blindly forfeiting long-term returns.

Private split dollar can help freeze an estate, minimize gift taxes, provide access to cash values, and finance needed or desired insurance for family members. Properly structured, death benefits may be excluded from the insured's taxable estate and even passed to many successive generations if a dynasty-type trust is used.

Identifying potential hazards and doing advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. For example, repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards can help reduce the impact of these disasters.

Any business in an area hit by hurricanes or high winds should have a hurricane emergency response plan and a business continuity plan but also place the safety of employees and their families first. Everyone should have a personal evacuation plan and a disaster supplies kit, and know what to do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued.

The hedge fund industry is reinventing business models and best practices to address regulatory changes and investor demands for enhanced fund transparency, liquidity, and efficiency. Investors, fund managers, and regulators are looking to third-party administrators to provide objective risk assessment and reporting.

Prudence is required during summer regarding global assets, balancing uncertainties and risks against opportunities presented by low valuations and oversold markets. Japan and the United States offer buying opportunities, while European equities are more exposed to risk. Reducing risk in portfolios may provide a tactical hedge through the soft patch.

The Internal Revenue Service records more than 1 million tax-related cases of identity theft every year, and resolving these cases can be time-consuming. This newsletter identifies typical incidents and explains how to resolve them. It also discusses how intra-family loans can help to transfer wealth.

The financial risks associated with unplanned health care events need to be part of the financial planning process to guard against negative impacts to an investment portfolio or retirement income plan in the event of a catastrophe.

Private foundations face risk scenarios such as breach of contract, fiduciary liability, mismanagement of assets, wrongful acts of trustees, employment practices liability, and even possible kidnapping or extortion of trustees. To protect themselves and the foundation, directors and trustees should insist on appropriate insurance coverage.