Search Results

The new administration has turned 2009 into a year of changes in state, gift and income tax laws – and more changes are expected before the year ends. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) provides an update on the extension of the IRA charitable rollover as well as changes to the gift tax annual exclusion, the generation-skipping transfer tax, and family...

Charities submit grant proposals; funders read the proposals and decide where to make their contributions. Both groups benefit when grants are structured to create the greatest positive impact and make prudent use of available funds. In this paper, New Philanthropy Capital looks at what makes grants successful and how they can be structured best.

Bank of America's 2008 study of philanthropy offers a closer look at giving, including reasons why ultra-wealthy families give to charity and how much they give, why families stop giving, how they transmit charitable values to their children and the types of philanthropic advice they seek from advisors.

An economic downturn increases crime and potential risk for ultra-wealthy families. This research paper from Insite Security notes evidence of criminal action against wealthy employers by their staffs during hard times and offers tips on what families can do to reduce the likelihood of being victimized.

Insurance companies face the same economic challenges as other businesses, so policyholders and advisors may be wondering what to expect if an insurer becomes insolvent. This article from the M Financial Group provides answers about what happens when an insurer is sold or goes into receivership.

New breed philanthropists want their charitable activities to run with the same vigor as their business empires. This article from Credit Suisse gives several examples, including the Sainsbury retail dynasty's philanthropic model, which channels packages of support through specialized trusts.

If you own property in an area affected by earthquakes, you are at risk for loss. But with proper planning and preparation, you can reduce your risk. In this paper, HUB International offers an earthquake safety checklist to help you avoid the pitfalls and minimize material and financial losses.

Anti-money laundering investigations have become complex, global efforts that may involve funding for terrorist networks. Navigant Consulting devotes an issue of its IQ quarterly publication to exploring AML compliance technology, the state of AML enforcement in the UK and the impact of money laundering inquiries on financial institutions. Navigant...

Pre-nuptial agreements and marriage agreements are not binding under English law, leaving the details of divorce settlements largely in the hands of judges. But decisions rendered in the past five years show that judges are now taking pre-nups more seriously. This article from Withers shows how an appeals court has interpreted the importance of a p...

Online criminals are working through legitimate sites to place spyware or other malicious programs on the computers of ordinary users, according to Trends in Badware 2007, a report by StopBadware. Criminals can access users' private information through links and software placed on these sites. The report outlines current practices, lists compromise...

Community investing makes financing available for disadvantaged people in poorly served areas, offers capital for small businesses and helps local organizations provide community services. In this article, Atlantic Trust Wealth Management describes vehicles for community investing, defines the risks and offers a few specific fund recommendations.

Socially responsible investing lets investors use their investment capital for advocacy – to advance a social cause or a values-driven position. In this paper, the Threshold Group defines SRI, shows how it fits into wealth management and provides points for families to consider in exploring whether to consider this approach for their investment por...

While banks need strong online security systems, Internet users need to help in making sure online banking is secure by using anti-virus software, according to a report by Deutsche Bank. The researchers found that more than 30 percent of Internet users in Germany do not bank online because of security concerns.

Social entrepreneurship cuts across disciplines to tackle social, economic and political issues and create sustainable change for the greater good. This issue of Global Giving Matters takes an in-depth look at this approach, reporting on the challenges that social engineers face and the opportunities for philanthropists to move the field forward.

Donating appreciated securities to charities may provide tax advantages over making cash donations by reducing capital gains taxes. This report from Fidelity Investments explores the issue, providing assistance in calculating tax savings and explaining how a donor advised fund can reduce paperwork to make these donations easier.