In an era of globalization, corporations may continually find themselves exposed to potential abuses. Thoughtful investors, who recognize the social and business implications of a company's human rights policies, will have a better understanding of both the risks and opportunities to which a company may be exposed.
Companies that are responsive to the changing economic, social and environmental landscape, brought about by trends related to climate change, will create opportunities (that will not come without challenges) to grow their businesses and, in turn, create wealth for their stakeholders.
As the management and control of a family office passes to a younger generation, it is common for new leadership to reassess many of the organization's strategic elements against a new measurement criteria, a necessary process that can lead to difficult and transformational decisions. For many, the single-family offices that remain will bear little...
Independence, freedom, the ability to choose their own destiny and focus on giving back to their community are the things that motivate extremely affluent women. The ability to pursue work they are passionate about, develop their personal strengths and be of service to those less fortunate make today's wealthiest women happy and fulfilled.
The current financial crisis has caused many individuals to re-evaluate the role that money plays in their lives and has given families the perfect incentive to have realistic conversations about money. Noting that family advisors and mental health professionals long have advocated "financial parenting," this paper offers guidance for raising finan...
Most parents strive to give their children a solid education. Yet among some wealthy families, one area of schooling could use a little more parental TLC. It won't lead to a diploma or show up on anyone's curriculum vitae. But without a solid understanding of their family's wealth, some members of the next generation may be ill-equipped for it.
Preserving family stories is as valuable a legacy as passing on material possessions. This white paper discusses the various media that families can use to preserve precious memories and other elements of their histories. In addition, the paper offers professional guidance for undertaking such a project.
One key to helping develop greatness in the next generation is to encourage entrepreneurship. The formula for encouraging entrepreneurship will differ among families and may need to be adjusted to fit the needs of individual family members. It is important for families to recognize some of the unique issues they face and to think in advance of the...
This is the first in a series of three articles based on the notion that wealth planners have a unique opportunity to help client families succeed over multiple generations. In this installment, the author looks at the differences in thought and outcome between a transfer plan and a transition plan.
An excellent trust beneficiary addresses the fact of his trust's existence and its implications for his life at increasing levels of understanding, moving from assimilating fundamental information to successfully managing relationships to seeking personal well-being and fulfillment. Instead of being the focal point of the beneficiary's life, the tr...
The charitable lead trust can be used effectively for the ultra-wealthy to pass property, at death or during life, to charity and family members. The trust is particularly effective for individuals who want to address their charitable interests and also set aside money for future generations' medical, educational or other needs.
Social campaigning, or advocacy, can bring societal wrongs to light and better humanity. But how can a charity or social group raise government and individual awareness of a societal problem enough to help many people in need and give a voice to the disadvantaged? This report from New Philanthropy Capital offers guidance for charities and their don...
Individuals give to charitable causes with hopes that they are making a difference. Unfortunately, they rarely are given enough information to assess the success of individual programs. This white paper from Newdea discusses how donors and non-profits can work together to create a standard platform for information so that both know which programs a...
Family businesses are perceived as having endemic problems, such as governance and succession issues, but their strengths – long-term perspective, stable leadership and strong identity – can give them a competitive advantage. This report from Barclays Wealth examines how family businesses are faring in today's challenging economic, financial and op...
Despite its challenges, the current economic environment offers opportunities that can benefit family-owned businesses. This article from the Beringer Group encourages family businesses to consider the possibilities that may exist in acquisitions, corporate restructurings, internal buyouts, succession planning and estate planning.