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A tough economy can bring out the worst or the best in families who face difficult discussions and decisions about reducing philanthropic efforts, selling or changing a family business, or coping with a family member's problems. This article from RayLign Advisory contends that solid financial information and a no-nonsense approach to emotional subt...

Monitoring hedge fund performance day to day is next to impossible when funds disclose returns monthly or even less frequently. Markov Processes International makes the case for a computer modeling solution that uses low-frequency data, such as observed monthly fund returns, to infer and forecast daily returns. This replication strategy can provide...

A new report from Origami Capital Partners makes the case for purchasing hedge fund interests on a secondary basis. The author not only explains how the hedge fund secondary market works but also examines the benefits and challenges of investing in that market.

With market turbulence and a down economy, investors may be searching for safe-harbor assets. The Artist Rare Instrument Fund makes the case for considering antique Italian violins and cellos as assets with steady, long-term capital appreciation. The article offers suggestions for moving into the market as a private investor or someone who buys int...

An increasing number of families are contemplating whether the family foundation should continue in perpetuity or have a limited lifespan, according to a Foundation Center survey of more than 1,000 family foundations. The survey explores the decision-making, options and strategies for limited-life foundations as well as the rationale for perpetuity...

A privately structured stock pledge and loan agreement may work well for ultra-wealthy investors looking to minimize risk in equity and fixed-income portfolios or to monetize the securities in their portfolios. In this article, LBS Financial Services describes the benefits and explains the steps in creating this agreement, which can protect and mon...

With estate tax repeal less likely, grantor trusts are gaining attention as a way to optimize existing tax exemptions. Because grantor trusts offer income tax and estate tax benefits, they also can be a powerful tool for removing assets from a taxable estate. This article from Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management explains the types of trusts, h...

A new paper from Liebowitz Associates makes the case for a strong performance management system, noting its ability to help firms adapt to change, integrate business initiatives and execute strategies more quickly. The author also discusses the steps involved in implementing a well-structured performance management system.

Organizations that invest in leadership development perform better than those that don't. Challenging economic times underscore this fact even more, according to independent reports collected by the Center for Creative Leadership. Studies show investment in leadership development improves financial performance, attracts and retains talent, driv...

Increasingly, U.S. foundations are funding international causes either through direct giving to overseas recipients or U.S.-based international programs. Foundation Source offers information and guidelines to help private foundations legally and effectively fund these international efforts without violating U.S. tax law.

We believe the reason many bond investors are maintaining high balances in low-yielding money markets right now is because they've been scared into thinking the value of their investment will decline sharply if interest rates rise. They may well be right. They may be wrong. We do not know with certainty. However, we do know with certainty that appr...

With the IRS intensifying its focus on taxpayer non-compliance, ultra-wealthy individuals are wise to take steps now to reduce the likelihood of an audit and ensure they are fully prepared if one should occur in the future. A new white paper from HUB International offers some guidance for proactive taxpayers.

Coaching can be a transformational process, helping individuals overcome obstacles, solve problems, make significant changes and accomplish lofty goals. Conscious Connection provides an overview of coaching, discussing the work of a professional coach and offering tips to ensure selection of the right coach.

A simple, periodic verification of the credit-worthiness of an insurance company and the adequacy of the policy funding is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the Uniform Prudent Investor Act. A paper from J.R. Katz recommends that reviews of policy suitability include financial strength and claims paying ability, cost competitiveness, pr...

Family business consultant Kenneth Kaye discusses some characteristics that facilitate trust among family members in two types of enterprises – family offices and family-owned businesses – as well as a conflict resolution intervention that capitalizes on humans' instinctive propensity to trust.