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Based on a global survey of high-net worth individuals, including almost 300 family business owners, the eighth instalment of Barclays Wealth Insights provides fresh analysis into the state of family businesses around the world today. The report will assess the current situation and prospects of family businesses, and examine in detail their un...

Wealthy families struggle to find advice needed to launch a philanthropic foundation or to select charities to which to donate, according to a survey of wealthy individuals and family offices in Europe by U.K.-based New Philanthropy Capital. Other challenges include finding ways to network with other donors and measuring the success of donations.

Donating appreciated securities to charities may provide tax advantages over making cash donations by reducing capital gains taxes. This report from Fidelity Investments explores the issue, providing assistance in calculating tax savings and explaining how a donor advised fund can reduce paperwork to make these donations easier.

Social entrepreneurship cuts across disciplines to tackle social, economic and political issues and create sustainable change for the greater good. This issue of Global Giving Matters takes an in-depth look at this approach, reporting on the challenges that social engineers face and the opportunities for philanthropists to move the field forward.

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...

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.

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.

New breed philanthropists want their charitable activities to run with the same vigor as their business empires. This article from Credit Suisse gives several examples, including the Sainsbury retail dynasty's philanthropic model, which channels packages of support through specialized trusts.

When it comes to reaching your family’s financial objectives and perpetuating its wealth, integrated family wealth planning is critical. A family governance system can significantly facilitate that process. This evergreen guide offers best practices and key elements of an effective family governance system, one that can be instrumental and flexible...

An inherited fortune may come with strings attached as wealthy families make a college education or job experience a condition of inheritance. About 60 percent of families with more than $10 million in assets place stipulations like these, according to a report on attaining and retaining wealth from Barclays Wealth. The report also discusses the im...

Family businesses are most at risk for financial troubles based on a lack of formal succession planning and preparation, and on family business owners' personal financial issues, according to MassMutual Financial Group's 2007 American Family Business Survey. The survey also found that family businesses are growing in jobs and revenues, and ...

Entrepreneurs have become increasingly important players in the global economy and have amassed fortunes in doing so. While a worldwide financial crisis would seem to work against them, some entrepreneurs see today's challenging economic environment as the land of opportunity. This report from Barclays Wealth explores what makes entrepreneurs succe...

Too often, family disputes over power and money are settled publicly in the courts, creating rifts among family members that may linger for decades. This article from Withers Bergman emphasizes the importance of transparency among family members and recommends non-legal solutions, such as the formation of a family council, regular family meetings, ...

A new paper from Butterfield Private Office outlines private trust companies and how ultra-wealthy individuals and families can use them to manage a wide variety of assets while retaining a large measure of control over the administration of those assets.

Researchers from the Bank for International Settlements delve into why some companies remain private and how well the philosophy has worked for them. While control seems to be a key factor in companies remaining private, research by BIS shows privately held companies operate as efficiently as those that have gone public.