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Equity markets around the globe advanced into new high territory in October, with the S&P 500 posting a total return of 16.9% YTD. Global fundamentals remain supportive with many indicators signaling the potential for further gains. While volatility has been notably absent from markets this year, and as each dip seems to bring a fresh wave of buyers, in life it is never a good idea to be complacent. Extended periods of economic growth and rising markets can obscure underlying structural imbalances which often become strikingly obvious when a “relief valve” is triggered.

On November 9, the Senate released its description of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Like the House version that was released earlier, this bill proposes sweeping changes to the Internal Revenue Code that would dramatically impact individuals and corporations. The proponents of this bill indicate that it simplifies the tax code, cuts taxes for the "middle class," and brings our corporate tax structure in line with the rest of the modern world, thereby eliminating the incentive to keep company profits overseas.

New discoveries and venture capital investments in the bioscience industry are occurring at a breathtaking pace and have led to the emergence of “personalized medicine” which recognizes the need for tailored treatments. From genome sequencing to CAR T-Cell therapy, scientific medical discoveries are having a significant impact on the human condition and their influence will continue to grow in the future.

Having an entrepreneurial culture can help nurture a family legacy by providing pathways for family members to invest in new enterprises and regularly recharge the wealth for future generations. Although it may be challenging to re-energize a family, a dynamic culture of growth can flourish within a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. A family interested in being a family of legacy should examine their current culture to determine if they have what it takes to be an entrepreneurial family.

The world has gone through seismic change since the current generation of family business leaders first joined their family firms. Today’s next gens are educated, ambitious, globally minded and socially engaged. Given that they may pursue different paths in the future—whether as stewards, transformers, intrapreneurs or entrepreneurs—to follow their passion and make their mark in the world, the current generation must prepare, equip and support the next gen to be successful.

When you hear the phrase “estate planning,” the first thought that comes to mind may be taxes. But estate planning is about more than just reducing taxes.

Impact investments can be made in all corners of the world, in frontier and emerging markets, developed economies and our local neighborhoods. When successfully implemented, impact investing can potentially produce a sustainable pool of capital that can work for generations, as well as help align financial capital with your passions, beliefs and objectives.

The United States is home to tens of thousands of family foundations that have and continue to make positive contributions to society. It’s also not uncommon for the foundations’ boards of directors to play a leading role. Reflecting on the philanthropic journey and the family engagement and ties at the heart of it, here are seven profiles that present the philanthropic practices and structures of multigenerational family foundations that created lasting legacies of impact.

The term “Outsourced Chief Investment Officer” (OCIO) has gained popularity in the investment industry as investment consultants, banks and small wealth management firms are now offering OCIO services to foundations, endowments and nonprofits. You may be considering this model instead of the self-managed or consultant model used in the past. To help your organization evaluate potential OCIO providers, we recommend taking the “T” test.

Few, if any, roles are more significant in ensuring a foundation's success than that of the board chair. This may be why many people find assuming this position a daunting project. And yet the successful businessperson who serves as chair of a family foundation dedicated to a cause that was dear to his or her parents' hearts or the community leader who serves as chair of an independent foundation that provides deserving youth with life-changing opportunities will tell you that few roles are more rewarding.