In an illustrative, legal analysis on the ownership treatment of bitcoin under the U.S. State property law, the focus turns to California law for guidance on whether bitcoin ownership should be recognized as a property right. Although there are possible challenges to treating bitcoin as property, they do not undercut the legitimacy of such rights o...
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Assuming funds of funds offer nothing in return—or that you get less than you pay for—is a mistake for a surprisingly broad group of investors. That perspective becomes clearer when taking a closer review of the reason investment committees focus their attention on high-level strategic thinking and asset allocation, rather than on picki...
Jessica Jackley, cofounder of KIVA, the world’s first microfinance website, shares her unique wisdom on financial inclusion and social justice. Jessica highlights stories and lessons from her book, Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least, as well as experiences from her own life as an entreprene...
One of the most common concerns families have revolves around how to share wealth with family members without encouraging entitlement. With forethought and care, giving well and wisely can bring families together and strengthen the bonds between generations. The steps to giving wisely—and fostering flourishing over entitlement—include clarifying yo...
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 beg...
After falling from over $100 a barrel to its low point of $26 in February 2016, prices for crude oil have now risen to about $50 a barrel. While that’s nearly a 100 percent increase, oil is still comparatively cheap. But the current state of crude oil also necessitates a look at other investments that move with the price of oil—directly...
Traditional economic theory teaches that humans will make rational decisions when presented with all the facts and appropriate alternatives. Research shows, however, that in many instances investors make irrational decisions driven by our prehistoric “lizard brain.” These are the reactions developed over many years to promote survival a...
The optimism and market strength seen in 2016 continued into the first quarter of this year with equity markets showing notable advances. International stocks showed their promise in the first three months of the year as emerging markets rallied 11.45 percent and developed international markets gained 7.39 percent. U.S. stocks were still in the rac...
Private family trust companies have increased in popularity in recent years, and several states have adopted statutes specific to them. This compiled information compares state trust law requirements for Virtual Representation, Nonjudicial Settlement Agreements and Nonjudicial Modification Agreements in selected states that have PFTC statutes, incl...
The potential value of a high net worth victim to a cyber-criminal and the uniquely complex lives of the high net worth, place them at higher risk of cybercrime. Trusted employees or third parties help care for their children, manage their finances, maintain their homes, automobiles and valuable collections, and more. Each of these connections crea...
Seventy-seven percent of employees want voluntary benefits. But with so many options available in today's market, it's crucial to choose the right benefits, based on your employees' demographics, claims history, and expressed wants and needs. A good place to start is to know the trending voluntary benefits and when top employers are off...
The enterprise-wide accounting and finance platforms that other industries employ have not historically satisfied the unique information and reporting requirements of private wealth management firms and family offices. Fortunately, material advances in investment accounting technology, as well as fresh ideas around accounting best practices have em...
With President Trump often communicating policy via Twitter, investors are once again finding messaging can be costly—one mere tweet from Trump blasting the pricing of an F-35 fighter jet caused Lockheed Martin to shed $2 billion of market value within minutes. Since the likely market outcome usually lies somewhere in between extreme bullish ...
In the healthcare industry, a multitude of factors have driven a transition from a fee-for-service model toward a fee-for-value approach, which emphasizes the quality and outcome of care delivered. This emerging trend could present interesting investment opportunities that is also in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development ...
If your boat is hauled out for winter storage, here are some suggestions on what to do before, during, and after the haulout. Each recommended step will help you ensure that your vessel will be ready for safe and reliable cruising again next year.