Information security in the family office context needs to a collaborative effort between the family, the office, and any intertwined vendors. This article from Plante Moran’s IT security consulting group discusses key factors in improving the security of the family office’s confidential information.
One of the things we’ve learned is that a family contract can be a valuable tool to help families build trust and avoid conflicts. We’ve also found that for a contract to work well, everyone who signs the contract should have a say in how the contract is written. That doesn’t mean you will get everything you want and, as you proba...
Family offices are complicated because of the scope of services they deliver, the high number and complexity of entities they oversee and the staff they must manage. These complexities can open the door to liability. Employing consistent policies and procedures, establishing an annual entity review process, maximizing protection provided by indemni...
This case study, coauthored by Pitcairn and Oakbrook Solutions, discusses the value proposition of data architecture to the Pitcairn family office. With many family offices striving to provide better quality client reporting experiences, this study will provide lessons learned and some insight on the value of client data and its stewardship a...
The validity of a corporation’s S election is a primary consideration with respect to federal and state tax return compliance and due diligence efforts. For an S election to be valid, a corporation must satisfy strict eligibility requirements. Among these requirements, a corporation must (1) have no more than 100 shareholders, (2) have only p...
For family members working in the business, the area of compensation overlaps with contentious considerations of fairness, equality, performance-management and long term engagement. This artcle itemises how families have approached this issue, and advocates some pathways to avoid disharmony.
The US Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion issued June 19, 2014, implemented a new standard for courts to employ in determining if a taxpayer may challenge whether the Internal Revenue Service has issued a summons in good faith. In light of the Service’s new procedures for administering Information Document Requests, including the potential...
With an estimated 82,000 variations of viruses and malware released every day by hackers, how can you keep your client data secure? There is no room for complacency when it comes to the security of your client data, yet it is easy to become apathetic when nearly every day another cybersecurity breach is reported. This article provide...
While it’s tempting to focus only on federal tax issues when buying a personal or business-use aircraft, state taxes need to be considered as well, because many states impose various types of sales, use and property taxes that can be significant. And many states are becoming much more aggressive in tracking down these aircraft in order t...
One issue aircraft operators face, which is arcane on the surface but has enormous safety and cost ramifications, is the authorization required from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly in what is known as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace – the airspace between 28,000 feet and 41,000 feet. This authorization is ...
Family businesses are an essential source of prosperity and stability to both our global economy and our society. The characteristics and practices of large, long-lived family businesses serve not only as a model for other family businesses but also for all companies that aspire to maintain an entrepreneurial spirit, innovate and maintain growth. T...
Effective Board oversight demands information that is current and relevant. However, the natural gaps that exist between what management communicates to the board and what the board needs to know, often creates inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of oversight. This report tackles these issues of disconnect between management and the board and offers...
Navigating increasing complexity and changing needs while demonstrating the value of a family office is no small feat. The day-to-day work of running an office often leaves little room to fully grasp the impact of the work being done to fulfill the family’s vision. This 2023 FOX Family Office Study explored several key components of family office o...
Family Businesses in the United States fuel the country’s economic engine. Research shows Family Businesses employ 59% of all US workers and generate 54% of GDP, (“2021 Contribution of Family Businesses to the US Economy”; Piper and Astrachan provided by FEUSA), yet they face challenges from Congress each day. Join Pat Soldano, Family Enterprise...
Demonstrating the value of a family office is no small feat. The pressing priorities of an office often leave little room to fully grasp the impact of the work being done to fulfill the family’s vision. This 2021 FOX Family Office Study explored several key components of family office operations such as cost, governance structure, education, and ri...