Resource Search

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.

A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Kaestner case means that more out-of-state residents will be able to fully realize the benefits of Tennessee's progressive trust laws and zero income tax on non-residents. Previously, many states relied on the residence of a trust beneficiary as one of the criteria for taxing a trust. In essence, the new ruling makes that criteria alone unconstitutional.

While laws in the United States generally allow trust property to be protected from the creditors of beneficiaries, there has traditionally been an exception to these protections where property in a trust is derived from a beneficiary’s own contributions to the trust. In rejecting this traditional rule, some states have modernized their laws, via statute, to allow creditor-protected self-settled trusts under certain circumstances. Some key provisions of these laws are summarized for comparison.

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.

With so many potential tax changes ahead, it's time to make sure you're checking all the boxes on things you can do to protect your wealth. Now is the time to ensure your wealth plan reflects any changes in your circumstances or goals, the economic landscape, and the current tax environment. Review this checklist for potential strategies to consider, and work with your wealth management to take action prior to the December 31 deadline.