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Fund groups face disruptive developments, as advances in financial technology, often called fintech, continue at an ever more rapid pace. Even as new efficiencies and opportunities blossom, regulators have pushed financial firms to recognize the dangers of technological failures. To prepare for the changes ushered in by fintech, it is important for fund boards, investment managers and separate account advisers to have a deep understanding of the issues and risks surrounding Fintech developments.

A rising generation of clients in their 20s and 30s turned to Jim Steiner, president of Abbot Downing, and asked him to share his insights, both as a parent and a wealth management leader. Through four memorable stories and thoughtful questions, Mr. Steiner reflected on matters of career, philanthropy, family, and leaving a legacy. He began with a cab ride in Chicago, learning to see with fresh eyes.

Families of significant wealth often own a diverse mix of assets, including multiple residences, less liquid alternative or private equity investments, and valuable collectibles, all of which requires more sophisticated planning. They also have somewhat different emotions about their wealth that can include, among others, fear that wealth can have a corrosive effect on future generations. Because no single advisor, no matter how talented, can serve their diverse needs, working with ultra-wealthy families requires a team approach and a well-integrated wealth management plan.

Ask a wealth management colleague to define “the cloud” and you are likely to get a vague response. Even among information technology experts, the term “cloud” may refer to different technologies that are only connected in a general sense. And despite the fact that cloud computing has quickly become the IT norm, the question remains: Is the cloud secure enough to support a wealth management firm’s critical company information and workflow? The truth is, not all clouds are equal, in infrastructure and in management.

The hedge fund industry got started in Greenwich when the location offered access to the best talent, tax and business incentives, and proximity to key executives’ homes. These important factors and the trend towards a private investment model have been shifting and accelerating the location of hedge funds and private equity firms to Palm Beach County. Location might be everything, but without the right talent it doesn’t mean anything. A well-planned talent strategy can mitigate the risk of disruption to both productivity and company culture.

Strong cybersecurity for protecting sensitive client data is a critical capability for any Registered Investment Advisor firm. In 2013, Hardy Reed—one of the first firms to earn the Center for Fiduciary Excellence certification—considered cloud services as an option for its IT needs. They wanted to look at alternate options to replacing their in-house server. Two factors were particularly important: heightened security concerns for protecting client information and the need to enable advisors and staff to serve clients while on the road.

Cybercriminals targets the financial industry 300 times more frequently than any other industry, resulting in mega breaches and millions of records stolen through hacktivism, malware, social engineering, phishing, and other applications. The harsh consequences of remaining vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches are costly, and the number one threat to cybersecurity is the uninformed employee. As cybercrime becomes commonplace, it’s essential to learn about the current cybersecurity landscape, the tools a financial firm needs, and best practices for keeping your firm protected.

For family offices of all profiles—large and small, established and brand new—there are dozens of technology solutions available. In the first of the Family Office Series report, the focus is on technology, a topic that some families find daunting and neglect at their own risk. To simplify the landscape, the report identifies key reasons why family offices may need technology solutions and offer a review of the leading platforms and solution-providers currently available.

Taking a risk assessment is a crucial part in developing a business continuity plan. In this podcast, learn more about the critical activities that can help your business continue the normal, day-to-day functions when a crisis hits. An IT Business Continuity Checklist is also provided to help you assess your company’s remote work capabilities.

With multiple states rolling out phased access to COVID-19 vaccines, many employers are considering whether they want to require employees to be vaccinated, how to encourage employee vaccinations, and the implications of vaccine policies for their businesses. Some top questions are answered to help employers address the issues surrounding the vaccination.