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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...

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...

Trends Impactive Families, a chapter from the 2018 members-only publication FOX Foresight, identifies the three main forces—distrust in all major institutions by individuals, the rapid pace of innovation, and people everywhere living longer—that are influencing wealth management and affecting enterprising families. It summarizes learning by FOX sub...

The FOX Global Investment Survey is designed to aid wealth owners and family office executives in their review of the family's allocation decisions and investment performance each year. This report highlights critical areas as to how families structure their investment decision-making, allocate across their portfolios, staff their investment teams,...

FOX has been tracking family office interest in direct investing for the past decade, and our recent Family Office Study confirms that FOX families remain focused on this opportunity and are increasingly active. The opportunity to invest in privately-owned family businesses has clearly captured the attention of many families, and the growing influe...

How do you prepare younger family members to manage their wealth well and flourish in their own lives and in the family enterprise? Every family is challenged to find creative ways to engage family members in the process of learning—about the family and what it values and owns, as well as what it takes to care for these human and financial assets.T...

Family Office Practices, a chapter from the 2018 members-only publication FOX Foresight, highlights the key challenges that families are working on, including the scope and cost of services, the value of family learning, the role of governing boards, as well as the role of trustees. This chapter summarizes what we have been learning from ...

The 2018 Family Office Compensation and Benefits Report is designed to aid family office board members and executives in their review of the office’s compensation plan. The report highlights the key areas of family office compensation and benefits while providing you with invaluable perspective on your office’s plan relative to your peers.The ...