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One of the key benefits of having a financial plan is how it can inform decisions regarding spending patterns and investment strategy. There are two questions that often come up during the process of developing a financial plan: How much risk should I take in my portfolio, assuming different spending levels and if I seem to have enough to cover rou...

This white paper collects research highlights from earlier papers by Generation Investment Management on five key subjects: Climate Change, Pandemics, Real Needs at the Base and Peak of the Economic Pyramid, Water, and Demographics.

Liquidity, in simplest terms, is the ability to meet your financial obligations, to cover your interest, principal and expenses. It is commonly thought of ready cash or the ability to convert assets to cash, quickly and without a loss. Why is liquidity important? Having enough cash to handle those shocks and surprises that inevitably occur will hel...

Altair looks at why bank custody ensures greater safety of client assets in this Worth magazine article.

How much capital does your family have? Is there enough to secure a stable and happy future for you and your children, or even for your children’s children? When the topic is one of financial capital, these are likely familiar questions to anyone dealing with wealth transfer concerns. But what many families often fail to see is the opportunity to b...

One of the greatest concerns among wealthy parents is that the family’s great fortune might inadvertently lead to misfortune for their children. Raising responsible children in affluence is a life-long task requiring patience and persistence. Like learning to read, financial literacy is a process that is best started in early childhood. Teachable m...

Under certain conditions, illiquid wealth can quickly evaporate, or worse – assets can suddenly start to behave like liabilities. If you are successful, then you are wealthy – on paper. Illiquid assets carry a high potential for risk on the balance sheet. But individuals who hold illiquid assets tend to have many wealth planning opportu...

The fundamental problem with the art and collectibles market is opaqueness in transactions. This article explains how transactional standards for fine art and collectibles compare to real estate and the role of a title insurer in art transactions.

Artwork or other collectibles often comprise a special part of a family's assets. In addition to holding deep personal meaning, they may have significant financial value. While these items should be viewed just like other assets such as real estate or financial investments, there are some unique factors and complexities to consider.

The global law firm Withers has witnessed an increase in the number of art-related cases coming before the English courts. Although individuals and entities involved in these art disputes will attempt to resolve their differences out of court and through settlement, they often end up in litigation, which carries financial costs. It is important to ...

Art ownership disputes occur every day in the market, which may include historical theft or traditional liens and encumbrances. Buyers, sellers, museums and fiduciaries should be aware of liability issues created by lack of transparency in art and collectibles transactions.

No Lapse Guarantee (NLG) policies, or policies with NLG riders are attractive to some insureds. The premise behind these policies is that as long as the premium is paid on time each year, the death benefit is guaranteed. Thus, many insureds, advisors, and trustees are under the impression that these policies do not require ongoing review. This is a...

It is frequently suggested that that family offices should mimic institutions and adopt an institutionally disciplined and process-oriented approach when managing their investment portfolios. Through a process-oriented approach, institutions and family offices can be more effective and produce more efficient long-term results.While this concept is ...

Family business owners begin their adventures balancing two priorities: keeping the business as an integral part of an ever-expanding family and creating a profitable, sustainable organization. In the end, family is the guiding force behind the company’s success; maximizing value for the next generation is sometimes more important than maximi...

With more people investing more money in art and fine collectibles, whether for purely aesthetic or for strategic financial purposes, awareness of the risks associated with these investments and the ways to protect these assets is vital. Collectors should pay particular atte...