Publications
U.S. Trust and Estate Planning 美國信託規劃實務（英文部分）
Chapter 5 The Rise of the Global Family Office
What is a Family Office? How does a Family Office typically add value?
A Family Office is a private wealth advisory entity established by an individual or family to manage wealth and provide a variety of personal and financial services. Family Offices serve high-net-worth individuals and families, offering a comprehensive approach to managing their financial affairs and providing services beyond traditional wealth management. Family Offices typically provide some, if not all, of the following services:
In essence, a Family Office acts as a centralized entity that coordinates and manages all aspects of a family’s wealth, aiming to preserve and grow their wealth while providing a suite of bespoke services to meet their unique needs.
1. Wealth Management:
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- Investment management, asset allocation, and risk management.
- Property management, rent collection and lease renewals.
- Developing and implementing investment strategies aligned with the family’s goals and risk tolerance.
2. Tax Services:
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- Tax planning and compliance.
- Tax risk mitigation and analysis.
- Strategies to minimize tax liabilities and maximize tax efficiency.
3. Legal Services:
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- Estate planning, including the creation of wills and trusts.
- Legal advice on establishing and managing closely held family businesses.
4. Succession Planning:
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- Developing plans for the transition of wealth and business to the next generation.
- Ensuring the continuity of family values and objectives.
5. Risk Management:
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- Evaluating and managing risks associated with the family’s assets and activities.
- Managing the family’s risk exposure to various incidents and investments.
6. Insurance Management
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- Comparing, procuring and managing insurance policies.
- Planning for liquidity to pay estate taxes and other expenses, ensuring that the estate can pass to heirs without being diminished.
7. Administrative Services:
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- Handling day-to-day administrative tasks, such as bill payments, financial reporting, bookkeeping, and record-keeping.
- Managing household staff and personal affairs.
8. Lifestyle Management:
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- Personal services such as travel arrangements and luxury purchases.
- Assistance with health and wellness, education, and other personal needs.
9. Philanthropy
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- Providing advice on philanthropy, charitable giving, and legacy planning.
(A) Customization: Tailored solutions that align with the family’s specific needs and goals.
(B) Control and Privacy: Greater control over investments and decision-making, with a high level of privacy.
(C) Holistic Approach: Integration of various aspects of wealth management, from investments to lifestyle services, under one roof.
(D) Long-Term Planning: Focus on long-term wealth preservation and intergenerational transfer.
In essence, a Family Office acts as a centralized entity that coordinates and manages all aspects of a family’s wealth, aiming to preserve and grow their wealth while providing a suite of bespoke services to meet their unique needs.
