Power failures, IT system crashes, supply chain problems or a flu epidemic can cripple a family office as completely as a natural disaster or terrorist attack. Developing and implementing a business continuity plan can help bolster a family business's defenses against such risks and serve as a first line of defense against losses.
This guide covers wealth management and tax planning strategies to consider before year-end and into 2012. Topics include tax management, wealth transfer planning, education funding, philanthropy, retirement, liabilities management, insurance, business owner issues, tax implications of health care reform, and building a strategic plan.
Entities that do not satisfy the conditions of the new Family Office Rule may continue to operate as a family office until March 30, 2012, when they must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission or change their operations to qualify for exclusion from registration.
The marginal utility of the Fed's tools is decreasing. And relying on that one agency to turn activity from the greatest recession on record does not seem logical. The rest of Washington needs to notice the economic malaise and work together to resolve some of the economic challenges we face.
In addition to significant savings, cloud computing offers on-demand availability, flexibility and scalability. However, cloud computing is not without its risks. Concerns about the security of data storage and applications in the cloud evidence the need for businesses to protect intellectual property, personally identifiable information and other sensitive information.
In the wake of SEC regulation, the best course of action for every family with a family office is to identify promptly the most desirable options for bringing their family into compliance by March 30, 2012 and, at the same time, helping it to turn arid compliance dollars into an optimal structure for achieving its long-term value.
The cost of President Obama's proposed $447 billion Jobs Act would be shouldered by wealthy individuals and their families. And while the proposed credits and deductions for businesses and workers are temporary, the revenue raisers would be detrimental by permanently changing the tax law.
Travel providers offer the destination expertise and global contacts to plan one-of-a-kind vacations. Beyond those two capabilities, in choosing a travel provider, look for someone who offers customized vacation planning, provides knowledgeable travel tips based on past experience, and offers 24-hour emergency assistance during the trip.
The SEC recently adopted Rule 13h-1, which imposes registration and reporting obligations on large traders. Private funds, family offices, investment advisors, and individuals all could qualify, depending on how actively they trade certain types of securities. The rule went into effect October 3, and large traders must identify themselves by December 1.
The selection of an appropriate interior designer, architect, or landscape professional for a project is not unlike choosing other professionals as one always checks on reputation, appropriate licensing, and insurance. However, there are certain aspects of hiring talent that must be addressed to optimize the client/talent relationship.