If you own property in an area affected by earthquakes, you are at risk for loss. But with proper planning and preparation, you can reduce your risk. In this paper, HUB International offers an earthquake safety checklist to help you avoid the pitfalls and minimize material and financial losses.
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...
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...
Emerging market equities have become a dedicated asset class, and developing countries are now key contributors to world economic growth. This paper from Parametric explores some portfolio construction concepts that can help investors take advantage of emerging market opportunities to achieve superior long-term returns.
As their personal wealth and educational levels have increased, women have sought a more equal and active role in family governance, philanthropy, and business and financial planning. This article from RayLign explores the changes that have empowered women and how those changing roles affect family leadership, decision-making and relationships.
Independent research by Altair Advisers finds that active investment management can provide persistent outperformance and protection in down markets, compared with passive management. However, patience and thorough, ongoing qualitative due diligence are prerequisites.
Online criminals are working through legitimate sites to place spyware or other malicious programs on the computers of ordinary users, according to Trends in Badware 2007, a report by StopBadware. Criminals can access users' private information through links and software placed on these sites. The report outlines current practices, lists compromise...
Community investing makes financing available for disadvantaged people in poorly served areas, offers capital for small businesses and helps local organizations provide community services. In this article, Atlantic Trust Wealth Management describes vehicles for community investing, defines the risks and offers a few specific fund recommendations.
Investors can win bigger profits in commodity futures trading by keeping a close eye on inventory, according to a research paper available though Knowledge@Wharton. The research shows how to gauge inventory levels by looking at the relationship between prices of commodities on the futures market and in the cash market, where they are sold for immed...
Absolute return funds deserve a place in anyone's investment portfolio, according to a research paper from Liberty Gateway Investment Management Co. Rather than trying to fit these and other alternative investments into a traditional portfolio, Liberty recommends looking at traditional and alternative investments simultaneously to create the best p...
International Financial Services London offers its take on the international market for private wealth in a report titled "International Private Wealth Management 2007." IFSL analyzes the size, structure and key developments for the market of individuals with at least $1 million in investable assets.
Socially responsible investing lets investors use their investment capital for advocacy – to advance a social cause or a values-driven position. In this paper, the Threshold Group defines SRI, shows how it fits into wealth management and provides points for families to consider in exploring whether to consider this approach for their investment por...
While banks need strong online security systems, Internet users need to help in making sure online banking is secure by using anti-virus software, according to a report by Deutsche Bank. The researchers found that more than 30 percent of Internet users in Germany do not bank online because of security concerns.
Private trust companies can protect and enhance a family's wealth, but the ownership options need to be weighed carefully. In this article, Michael Stanford-Tuck of Bermuda-based Appleby Global discusses such choices as the non-charitable purpose trust, the Cayman Islands' STAR trust and the British Virgin Islands' VISTA trust.
Many clients have heard about family meetings — meetings that go beyond regular, quarterly reviews of planning items or investment results — either from their advisors or from other families of wealth. Some experiences have been wonderful while others have been less successful. Although most clients have some idea as to what family meetings are a...