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In a more challenging investment environment, families are more frequently seeking to partner with investment advisors that manage the entire relationship, leading to a dramatic increase in demand for family office providers. Multifamily offices have emerged as an attractive structure because of their solutions-driven approach and capacity for shared resources.

Monitoring hedge fund performance day to day is next to impossible when funds disclose returns monthly or even less frequently. Markov Processes International makes the case for a computer modeling solution that uses low-frequency data, such as observed monthly fund returns, to infer and forecast daily returns. This replication strategy can provide timely information useful in managing risk or developing potential hedging strategies.

An increasing number of families are contemplating whether the family foundation should continue in perpetuity or have a limited lifespan, according to a Foundation Center survey of more than 1,000 family foundations. The survey explores the decision-making, options and strategies for limited-life foundations as well as the rationale for perpetuity.

All offshore trust companies with any UK nexus should consider their UK exposure and the position of their trusteeships given the extremely detrimental tax effects that can arise through a determination of UK fiscal residency. The guidance also is very relevant, Withers says, in the context of private trust companies with UK resident directors.

A client alert from Baker & McKenzie offers insight into HMRC's draft guidance setting out the agency's view on the application of the new trustee residency rules to non-UK resident corporate trustees.

As the current economic crisis continues to unfold, financial institutions must focus not only on the immediate situation but also on the likely long-term effects. If history is any guide, Kroll says, they will see a substantial increase in fraud claims, legal disputes and regulatory actions.

A new paper from Global Superyacht Club makes the case for fractional ownership of luxury yachts, noting savings of time and money on maintenance, crewing, management, safety and security procedures, planning, provisioning and relocation delivery.

Look for new drivers of economic growth in China once the current stimulus package loses steam in two to three years, say analysts for Trusted Sources. They predict an accelerated transfer of rural labor into the cities, driving development of service industries and new investments in all types of urban infrastructure.

In a new research report from Deutsche Bank, analysts examine the causes and effects of what is likely to become Germany's worst economic downturn of the post-war period. Looking ahead, analysts believe stabilization could set in gradually in the second half of this year, but they do not expect an upturn until 2010.

While British investors are more cautious and pessimistic than they were six months ago, their confidence has not declined as much as might be expected given the severity of market sell-offs. A biannual survey by the Investment Management Association also finds there is a growing group of investors who see the credit crunch as providing good investment opportunities.