In this set of short articles, WTAS addresses topics ranging from the tax impact of employee bonuses to factors to consider in assessing the fair market value of alternative investments. The authors also discuss changes in state personal and corporate tax rates, the impact of widening state budget gaps on state taxes, and complications of the curre...
A brief paper from Health Advocate Inc. provides an overview of health advocacy, explaining not only the concept but also how this new specialty service can help individuals deftly navigate the healthcare system in order to get the right services and to make sound medical decisions.
The 2010 health care legislation imposes numerous new taxes and mandates. This summary from Glenmede highlights key tax changes to which individuals and businesses may become subject. It combines the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act enacted in March.
This PriceWaterhouseCoopers study of global private banking and wealth management provides insight into the themes and trends affecting the world of wealth management as well as practical suggestions for actions wealth managers should be taking. The study is conveniently divided into six sections covering performance, client service, products and s...
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.
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).
Organizations that invest in leadership development perform better than those that don't. Challenging economic times underscore this fact even more, according to independent reports collected by the Center for Creative Leadership. Studies show investment in leadership development improves financial performance, attracts and retains talent, driv...
Deutsche Bank details the benefits, rationale and structures for short selling in making the case for the United States and European Union arriving at an equivalent regulatory framework for short selling. Currently, varied rules raise the cost of compliance, complicate assessment of market conditions and increase legal risks, the authors say.
When a family needs to add to their domestic staff, they often call upon their family office for assistance in overseeing the process. This paper from Mahler Private Staffing provides an overview of the steps involved in hiring domestic staff, as well as questions to ask when assessing search firms.
Family offices should develop an understanding of the requirements for health care benefit plans, implement the requirements on a timely basis and then continually monitor ongoing compliance.
The author explores the advantages and disadvantages of the outsourced CIO model relative to non-discretionary models and suggests how investors might think about choosing between the two models.
The SEC recently adopted Rule 13h-1, which imposes registration and reporting obligations on large traders. Private funds, family offices, investment advisors, and individuals all could qualify, depending on how actively they trade certain types of securities. The rule went into effect October 3, and large traders must identify themselves by Decemb...
The marginal utility of the Fed's tools is decreasing. And relying on that one agency to turn activity from the greatest recession on record does not seem logical. The rest of Washington needs to notice the economic malaise and work together to resolve some of the economic challenges we face.
The cost of President Obama's proposed $447 billion Jobs Act would be shouldered by wealthy individuals and their families. And while the proposed credits and deductions for businesses and workers are temporary, the revenue raisers would be detrimental by permanently changing the tax law.