A short article from TaylorWessing highlights the benefits of a Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility, including a shorter taxable period, lesser tax penalties and the guarantee of no criminal prosecution than would be otherwise available within the UK tax regime. For an individual eligible for the LDF, in the great majority of cases the LDF will offer...
KPMG Australia explores six areas related to family business succession: preparation, leadership change, new directions, governance as a priority, performance measurement and pride in the family business. The report focuses on Australian families but offers suggestions and insights that can be useful to families anywhere.
When implemented responsibly, a successful foreign exchange hedging strategy can go beyond mitigating foreign exchange risk to actually improving the bottom line of a global business, according to a paper from SVB Capital. The author addresses the impact of currency exchange rates as well as best practices for implementing a hedging strategy.
Hammond Associates puts empirical studies of asset allocation in perspective, starting with the 1988 study by Brinson, Hood and Beebower and working through subsequent research efforts. The author believes these often quoted and sometimes misinterpreted studies are limited in scope and the types of assets they explore and, thus, do not provide usef...
Credit Suisse researchers compare styles that have worked since the Feb. 5 market low with those that have worked up to the mid-January peak. Low P/E and low P/B have been two of the few styles to outperform in both periods. Researchers screen for outperform-rated stocks that trade on a P/E and P/B discount to their sector and the market and have e...
A new white paper from DLS Capital Management provides a high-level view of deep value investing, defining the strategy and addressing the benefits of deep value investing, deep value investing myths and key factors for investors to consider when evaluating value managers.
Confronted by the effects of the most significant economic downturn in the post-war era, angel investors want more certainty and earlier exits. In this paper, Landmark Angels discusses a strategy to increase the success of angel venture investments and the likelihood of better and earlier returns.
When a family needs to add to their domestic staff, they often call upon their family office for assistance in overseeing the process. This paper from Mahler Private Staffing provides an overview of the steps involved in hiring domestic staff, as well as questions to ask when assessing search firms.
At its best, family philanthropy provides families with an opportunity to reinvigorate their grantmaking, inviting the contribution of fresh and original ideas and approaches from younger generations, and bringing families together in pursuit of a mission inspired by common values. Research conducted for Credit Suisse shows the diversity of experie...
Tough economic times have cultural institutions examining their inventories to decide which items should have ownership transferred to other institutions or individuals by sale, exchange or grant. This paper from Withers LLP notes the increased need for donors of charitable gifts to make their intentions and restrictions on the gifts clear in solid...
Investors should focus on identifying valuation opportunities. We currently see value opportunities in U.S. quality growth stocks, which have the added benefit of providing long-term equity performance combined with insulation from overall market volatility.
The authors explore the impact of the current economic downturn on philanthropy and provide recommendations for philanthropists and their advisors on charitable giving during these difficult times. Case studies show how a range of entrepreneurial philanthropists are responding to the challenges brought about by the recession.
We believe the proliferation of alternative investments is a real and worrisome phenomenon. While the competitive pressures have abated somewhat, they will be back in short order. The key will be to drive alternative portfolios away from the crowd and to deliberately opt for strategies and managers that are structurally risk averse and low beta.
The planning landscape is likely to change even more as families seek to provide a sustainable pool of wealth not only for succeeding generations but also for the current generation. Nease, Lagana, Eden & Culley Inc. highlights the most significant of these changes and some of the advantages they present for planners and clients who are prepared to...
Just released in the end of May 2010 by the CFA Institute, this is the first attempt by the CFA Institute to set forth thoughts on what should be included and comprises an investment policy statement. I had the opportunity to provide input when meeting with co-author Bob Dannhauser at the CFA Institute as part of the drafting process, and the final...