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Creating an estate plan can be a complex process, but it ensures security for surviving family members, serves as a core element of long-term wealth strategy and contributes to the family's long-term stability. Neuberger Berman covers the essentials of creating an estate plan, including basic planning documents, legal issues and lifetime wealth tra...

New research from Frontier Market Asset Management finds frontier markets are much more likely to be influenced by local politics and economic conditions than by the prices of three major commodities (oil, copper and gold). To the report's author, this means frontier markets offer useful diversification for global portfolios.

Because individuals are more vulnerable in a medical situation when traveling abroad, they are wise to assess risks and create an actionable plan to protect their health and well-being before they leave home. WorldClinic Inc. offers a helpful checklist of six things to consider as part of that preparation for travel.

Purchasing or building a yacht can be a time-consuming and complicated process, particularly for buyers who are unfamiliar with the industry and the specifics of yacht construction. The Global SuperYacht Group explains the role of a maritime advisor and how he or she can streamline the process and protect the buyer.

To be competitive, advisors need to determine and consistently demonstrate what makes them unique and relevant to ultra-wealthy clients. This workbook from Natixis Global Associates helps advisors define what they stand for, understand how they are perceived, determine the priorities and needs of clients, create a personal brand message, develop an...

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear a case this spring that addresses employees' right to free speech and privacy on company-owned cell phones. Among the questions raised is whether employers have the right to examine employees' cell phone records and obtain lists of their cell-phone conversations. Willis North America explores the i...

A short article from HUB International highlights changes in the new federal health reform law, with a focus on issues affecting employer health plans (An individual mandate also applies.) The firm has detailed information available, including effective date discussions, that it plans to post to its website (www.hubinternational.com/reform).

Even with the safeguards afforded by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, there still are certain circumstances under which medical privacy is not protected. A new paper from Health Champion notes these areas of vulnerability and offers advice for keeping personal medical information as secure as possible.

The federal estate tax is scheduled for repeal in 2010, with a less generous version expected to go into effect in 2011. This has Congress considering proposals that could change estate and gift tax laws. This paper from U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management explores six of these proposals – including limits on the generation-skippi...

Experiencing an investment loss is bad enough, but that situation is even worse when those losses cannot be used to reduce tax liability. Rothstein Kass explores the recent Garnett decision by the U.S. Tax Court, which broadened the rules used to determine whether participation in a business activity can be considered passive activity. This designa...

As a tool for the successful management of capital, the investment committee has been a serious disappointment. This paper discusses the reasons why investment committees tend to subtract, rather than add, value and proposes a new approach to the use of the investment committee.

A tough economy can bring out the worst or the best in families who face difficult discussions and decisions about reducing philanthropic efforts, selling or changing a family business, or coping with a family member's problems. This article from RayLign Advisory contends that solid financial information and a no-nonsense approach to emotional subt...

Monitoring hedge fund performance day to day is next to impossible when funds disclose returns monthly or even less frequently. Markov Processes International makes the case for a computer modeling solution that uses low-frequency data, such as observed monthly fund returns, to infer and forecast daily returns. This replication strategy can provide...

A new report from Origami Capital Partners makes the case for purchasing hedge fund interests on a secondary basis. The author not only explains how the hedge fund secondary market works but also examines the benefits and challenges of investing in that market.

With market turbulence and a down economy, investors may be searching for safe-harbor assets. The Artist Rare Instrument Fund makes the case for considering antique Italian violins and cellos as assets with steady, long-term capital appreciation. The article offers suggestions for moving into the market as a private investor or someone who buys int...