Most companies begin life small and take on private investors as a means of enhancing growth through capital buildout or expanding marketing efforts. If successful, founders of the company or newer investors may decide to monetize the value they have created, or realize that access to more diversified funding is required. One method by which a comp...
Art collections are unique and very personal assets. Planning to build and maintain a collection, and ensuring its future, requires balancing special rules applied to collectibles and the personal and financial realities of individuals or families. When collectors, their families, and their trusted advisors engage in purposeful planning for art col...
Families who successfully navigate the complexity of wealth through multiple generations tend to do things differently. They recognize the need to establish a framework for decision-making that includes creating foundational documents—also viewed as the “Cornerstone Statement”—that feature their values, vision, and mission for the wealth over many ...
Most of the time when families gather, the focus is purely social—reconnecting, reminiscing, and “rest and relaxation” as a group. Occasionally, family members may also gather for limited financial management tasks, such as settling a loved one’s estate, or planning for how to manage shared assets such as land or a family va...
2018 brought radical transformation in the federal tax landscape. The effects continue to cascade through the economy, and individuals, families and businesses are striving to find equilibrium amid the change. Of course, radical transformations can occur at the individual level as well. A good wealth plan anticipates personal disruptions, transitio...
No matter where your business is located or operating, if your company suffers a data breach you may have legal compliance and reporting obligations or face possible fines and lawsuits. With legislation passing in South Dakota and Alabama at the beginning of April 2018, all 50 states now have data breach notification laws that businesses are requir...
It is not uncommon for a related or “friendly” party to desire to make a loan at a lower interest rate than what is available in an arms-length transaction on the open market. This is often the case when loans are made between relatives, business owners and their businesses, and employers and their employees. However, if the lender does...
Section 1061 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposes a new three-year holding period for gains derived by a partnership that are passed through to the holder of a carried interest to qualify as long-term gains. This change is effective for any allocations of income or sales of carried interests on or after January 1, 2018, and it applies to newly-gran...
Much has been written comparing the administrative, financial, and programmatic criteria of private foundations and donor advised funds. It is often presented as an “either/or” choice. It’s important to know that the two can be used in tandem to achieve complementary goals of families and other donors. Some examples are illustrate...
Every year during tax season the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases the “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. With the increased number of data breaches, it is important to remain vigilant when sharing your personal data and responding to demands for tax payments. Here are some tips to help you avoid tax scams and identity theft.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law in December and made sweeping changes to many laws affecting tax-exempt organizations. Several changes combined to eliminate the tax incentive for many taxpayers to make charitable contributions. With anticipated declines in contributions, charities may be looking for more creative sources of fundraisin...
Global investors need to have an open mind. At any given time, many countries and markets around the world may appear to be rife with risks and problems, and yet in many cases, these countries may also offer sources of return that may not be evident at first glance. The best global managers are the ones that probe below the surface and find those s...
CFOs are feeling the rising pressure of leveraging new technology, such as cloud computing, robotic process automation, and various analytical tools, to improve the performance of their organizations. Beyond the basics, the finance organization needs to be a driver in implementing new technology to better manage financial and business information u...
After an extended period of isolation, China underwent an economic reform by opening up to the international community and foreign investment. The country moved fast to catch up with the developed world, and the new way forward—“socialism with Chinese characteristics”—has made China more vital, creative, and economically fre...
As the realities of digital change, evolve, and grow, the CIO position has become more critical. The CIO as “IT operator” is a construct of the past. The role has evolved to include business strategy co-creator, change instigator, and innovator. Successful CIOs operate in an environment of cohesive collaboration to bridge the long-stand...