This whitepaper examines the evolution and function of currency markets and examines the impact of currency risk on international asset portfolios. It goes on to explore how currency risk can be managed and describes currency solutions available to institutional investors.
As the deleveraging process unfolds, areas of particular interest for distressed funds exist not only in failed banks but also banks that will dispose of bad assets during the next several years. Distressed debt is not for the faint of heart. The intellect involved in mapping out such investment strategies takes a highly creative team of top pedigr...
If a family wants to increase its economic capital, it must work on its human capital – its emotional, social and intellectual competencies. Although it may be challenging to keep economics from dominating emotional life and vice versa, sharing assets can provide an opportunity to develop family members who are financially and organizationall...
Whether a grantor is struggling with ensuring that a trust fulfills the intentions for which it was established or simply wants to sleep better at night knowing the trust assets will be managed and monitored effectively, the directed trust statute provides the flexibility and incentives needed to improve the long-term outcome.
In 2012, total charitable giving rose to $316 billion in the United States, driven by an $8 billion increase in gifts by individuals. This year, individual donations are likely to continue growing, spurred by tax changes, the improving economy and donor-friendly IRA rules. Here are five reasons why 2013 is a great year to give.
Selecting one’s home state as the situs may be a convenient or easy answer. However, the ability to implement a trust that may last forever, eliminate additional transfer taxes after funding and avoid state income taxes may provide the financial incentive to stray from home, or at least to consider it.
Parents want to do what is best for their children and teach them appropriate life lessons at appropriate developmental stages. Knowing what to teach children when is an art, something at which every caring parent wants to be successful. The skill building pyramid outlined in this paper provides a means to gain clarity as to what, specifically, par...
When the time comes for assets to be dispersed among heirs, everyday objects of sentimental value can become contested belongings. Many parents admit to worrying about the sibling rivalries this process may stir up. Yet, uncertain how to confront these issues, many tend to simply hope for the best. A better course of action: proactive discussion, a...
Planning discussions about wishes are often reduced to how wealth should be distributed or utilized when the principal dies. However, wealthy individuals may be better served by a much broader discussion of how to build a family legacy that generates social and economic wealth, creates family unity and transcends time.
In light of the increased cyber fraud of email accounts, firms should adopt client callout practices to confirm third-party wire requests received through email. Faxes, voice mail messages and emails should not be used to verify wire transactions. Client education makes these types of money movement controls more acceptable and encourages clients t...
Despite marked improvement, economic and market conditions have not returned to “normal.” Opinions differ, but perhaps normal is defined best by what is abnormal. By identifying and examining the issues that stand out as extraordinary, investors can understand how their reversion will impact economic growth and the markets.
The authors review some best practices for building and managing a reinsurance portfolio, including what it takes to do effective sourcing of reinsurance business, thoughts on pricing and underwriting the book, what it means to optimize a reinsurance portfolio, and effective risk management practices.
The allocation of receipts and disbursements between principal and interest are critical to the proper design and administration of trusts. Individuals creating trusts should have an appreciation and basic understanding of these concepts so the trusts will operate consistent with the settlors’ intentions and provide the intended benefits.
Many employers have implemented wellness programs to help contain health plan costs and decrease absenteeism. While many of these programs have existed for some time, new regulations issued by the Departments of Labor, Treasury and Health & Human Services require plan sponsors to modify wellness programs for plan years beginning on or after Jan...
Approached the right way, a prenuptial agreement can strengthen the bonds of marriage and encourage a productive, healthy discussion of finances and expectations. Many religions require a discussion of finances in premarital counseling, but talking about money is very difficult and not a topic many people are accustomed to discussing.