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As insurance companies continue to face challenges due to the recent economic turmoil, many clients and advisors have expressed concern. In this environment, it is easy to lose sight of the proven policyholder protections that continue to be provided by the life insurance industry, including regulatory and third-party oversight and mechanisms to su...

As the financial services industry works to rebound from the financial crisis, analysis of the impact on life insurance carriers, reinsurers and products continues. While carrier financial strength and market volatility remain a concern, some are seeing positive signs in the marketplace that will help to restore confidence for both existing policyh...

The ultra-wealthy oftentimes treat life insurance as a stagnant asset, buying it and then giving it only cursory reviews. This is not the wisest course of action, though, as it can lead not only to under-performing policies but also missed opportunities to increase death benefits, reduce premiums and improve the overall performance of life insuranc...

Long-term care insurance, a meaningful solution to the long-term care risk exposure facing the ultra-wealthy, also can be a flexible and economical employee benefit, particularly in light of its statutory classification and tax treatment.

Competitive state premium taxes and modern domestic trust laws, as well as improved domestic regulatory costs and state consumer laws for insurance policies have resulted in much larger life insurance contracts being issued onshore versus the traditional route of offshore. Consequently, types of trusts, states, insurance companies and policies all ...

Many officers of family offices serve on boards of directors for family-owned businesses or companies in which they have made equity investments. If these companies move into distressed status, litigation by investors and creditors may follow – and agents of family offices may appear to have the deepest pockets. This report from JD Ford & Company c...

An economic downturn can accentuate the drivers of fraud and misconduct within companies, according to KPMG's third national integrity survey. Researchers found that 75 percent of employees had observed or knew of wrongdoing within their organizations. Ethics and compliance programs seemed to make employees more willing to report the misconduct the...

A new paper from Withers examines a privy council decision upholding, in large part, a post-nuptial agreement made by a wealthy couple. Given the landmark decision in MacLeod v MacLeod, the authors say, some couples may want to clarify the financial arrangements between them by entering into a post-nuptial agreement.

As the current economic crisis continues to unfold, financial institutions must focus not only on the immediate situation but also on the likely long-term effects. If history is any guide, Kroll says, they will see a substantial increase in fraud claims, legal disputes and regulatory actions.

Life insurance policy owners should avoid projecting today's economic environment into the future, causing them to choose products that lock in long-term mortality and interest rates. A new paper from Pelagos Advisors says such a move not only ensures long-term underperformance but also sacrifices the flexibility to take advantage of conditions as ...

A new market analysis from Fortigent LLC assesses international currency trends and offers recommendations for sophisticated investors looking to mitigate risks to their portfolios over both short- and long-term time horizons.

Insurance companies face the same economic challenges as other businesses, so policyholders and advisors may be wondering what to expect if an insurer becomes insolvent. This article from the M Financial Group provides answers about what happens when an insurer is sold or goes into receivership.

An economic downturn increases crime and potential risk for ultra-wealthy families. This research paper from Insite Security notes evidence of criminal action against wealthy employers by their staffs during hard times and offers tips on what families can do to reduce the likelihood of being victimized.

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects machines and devices to one another. Today’s devices have between 6 to 9 sensors capturing and transmitting data to help all industries become more efficient, productive and safer. The 2020 annual global economic potential across all sectors is estimated up to $14.4 trillion—that is the current GDP ...

The rise of the connected objects known as the Internet of Things (IoT) will rival past technological marvels, such as the printing press, the steam engine, and electricity. As IoT solves problems that have plagued businesses for decades, it will also create entirely new dilemmas across all sectors and for all industries. Concerns over privacy, cyb...