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In the last few years, hackers and cyber criminals have become much more sophisticated in how they steal private information, which has led to massive data breaches. These data breaches not only cost an organization hundreds of thousands of dollars in fixes and possible fines, they can ruin a long-established reputation in a matter of hours. Puttin...

Lending or transporting your artwork is one of the most vulnerable times when you are susceptible to losses. When it comes to protecting your artwork against those losses, this checklist will help you understand the benefits of working with vendors that have the right level of experience and reputation to help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to placing a value on your fine art collection, it is important to understand and debunk the appraisal myths. It begins with correcting the myth that an appraisal is not needed when in fact it is crucial to establish and protect your valuable collection. Know the facts and guard yourself against the myths that could place your fine ar...

If you are wondering how it is possible that everyone in your family is offering an excuse for missing the family meeting date, then it is time for some new ideas or approaches to turn these meetings into events that no one wants to miss. How? By planning a purposeful family event that also happens to include the family meeting. In addition, it wil...

So, you need to hire someone to work at your home—a housekeeper, a chef, or a personal assistant. You have decided not to contract these services to a local company, and your family office does not hire staff for you. It is up to you to fill this position. Before letting a stranger into your home, it is important to understand the domestic em...

The legal qualifications for a trustee are simple: the person must be over the age of 18 and legally competent to manage his/her own affairs. The practical qualifications, however, are much more complicated. Most importantly, a trustee must have the skill set to properly administer the trust and meet the needs of the beneficiaries and must possess ...

Shifting to strategic philanthropy often comes out of personal experience and the desire to make a difference. But how do individuals go about setting up and running a change-targeted foundation? Springbanc Philanthropy offers advice for making the transition, gives suggestions for strategy and provides a tax filing calendar for foundations.

New tax regulations from the Internal Revenue Service should have companies reviewing their business aircraft ownership structure and operations, according to a report from the law firm Wiley Rein. Depending on how this structure is set up, companies may find themselves subject to federal excise taxes on air transportation beginning January 1.

Flash drives and laptops may pose a threat to company security as employees take confidential information outside the office, according to a survey from Tower Software. The U.K.-based company found that 55 percent of surveyed employees store work-related e-mails, files and documents in locations other than a secure, shared computer network.

Investors are well advised to take into account the interest rate environment when considering wealth transfer options. A new white paper from Fiduciary Trust points out the importance of interest rates in creating trusts, reviewing estate plans and loaning money to family members. The paper then examines three wealth transfer options that work wel...

Pre-nuptial agreements and marriage agreements are not binding under English law, leaving the details of divorce settlements largely in the hands of judges. But decisions rendered in the past five years show that judges are now taking pre-nups more seriously. This article from Withers shows how an appeals court has interpreted the importance of a p...

International investors are showing increased interest in UK residential property as they seek to widen their investment portfolios and asset class mix. A report from Knight Frank Residential Research explores this trend, taking a look at drivers of demand, regulations for cross-border investment and the outlook for 2008 and beyond.

Anti-money laundering investigations have become complex, global efforts that may involve funding for terrorist networks. Navigant Consulting devotes an issue of its IQ quarterly publication to exploring AML compliance technology, the state of AML enforcement in the UK and the impact of money laundering inquiries on financial institutions. Navigant...

Charities face a particular challenge in building and maintaining a balanced portfolio of investments that will provide a secure return. In its 12th Compendium of Investment for Charities, Sarasin & Partners provides assistance by exploring investment options and offering suggestions for how to plan a charity investment policy, put asset allocation...

Taxing bodies in the UK and the United States are taking a closer look at debt-related strategies by hedge funds that are now tax exempt. And as investment strategies become more diverse, this interest by fiscal authorities can only be expected to increase. This paper from PricewaterhouseCoopers explores the potential ramifications for global hedge...