Thought Leader Series

Private equity is playing an increasingly large role in the global economy and impacting portfolio construction. Muted mark-to-market volatility and less short-term scrutiny in private equity appeals to investors and companies alike. One method by which a company ultimately exits private ownership i...

Standard homeowners and umbrella insurance policies do not include coverage for personal injuries such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, slander, and defamation. In this age of rapid and pervasive social movements such as #MeToo, prolific scandals all over the news, and the ability of...

As a strategic wealth coach (our term for my role at Ascent) I am often asked, “What does that mean?” I pause, raise my eyebrows, smile, and reply, “I’m a money coach, I help people deal with the emotional side of money.” This comment alone does not explain what a “wealth coach” is or what one does,...

Advantages of a Prenuptual AgreementPrenuptial agreements get a bad rap and carry a mostly negative stigma because they are associated with one spouse wanting to protect assets from the other upon a termination of the marriage by death or divorce. That may be one purpose, but these agreements can be...

The season for entertaining is here — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, New Year’s Eve, the Super Bowl, all great reasons to get together with family and friends. In addition to the excitement of planning, organizing and hosting a social event, the importance of managing risks associated with entert...

While folks residing on the coasts are keenly aware of the threats that hurricanes can pose in terms of water damage, most families are unaware that the main risk of water damage actually stems from within the home itself. We sat down with FOX member, Anne Martin, Senior Risk Management Specialist a...

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. -Benjamin FranklinYou’ve seen the news- wildfires are becoming a common occurrence. So much so that the term “megafire” is in the common vernacular. Wildfires used to spring up every few years in the Western U.S., but now they seem to be burning year-...

In the midst of a growth economy, risk factors are sometimes pushed to the periphery of a company’s focus. It’s no different for family offices. When those risks eventually come crashing into the forefront, they’re often unexpected and can be costly. Incorporating risk planning into your short-term ...

It’s natural to want to choose a family member or someone you know well to serve as your trustee. However, it sometimes also makes sense to choose a professional trustee like a bank or trust company as the trustee or co-trustee. The Pros of Using an Institution to Be Your TrusteeSelecting an in...

Increasing demands for data and the up and coming younger generation are impacting the technology needs of family offices. Many family offices are challenged to meet the growing reporting needs of family and board members. The modern conveniences of the mobile digital age are impacting businesses ev...