International Trusts CLE

Financial Events International is sponsoring a program entitled Trusts in a Time of Turmoil on June 19, 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Here is a description of this program:

The world’s markets are experiencing an unprecedented period of turmoil.  A major depression in the world’s principal economies could be looming which will impact on investment performance and returns for the foreseeable future. 

It is vital for professionals and trustees in the wealth management sector to get to grips with the impact of the downturn, and on how wealth structures should be positioned to cope with the eventual upturn.  Trustees need to be aware that investment performance and governance processes will come under increasing scrutiny from beneficiaries – an ”ostrich approach” will lead to further losses and liabilities for trustees.

This conference will look at the impact that recent events in the world markets will have on trustees and some practical and constructive ways that trustees can, and indeed should, position themselves and the structures they manage to mitigate the significant risks and liabilities. 

The principal themes of the conference will include:

• Trustee exposure to investment losses; exoneration and indemnity issues.
• Cross-border disputes and claims arising from investment losses: Swiss and Luxembourg case studies.
• Dealing with attacks from taxation authorities and volatility in tax legislation – the US and UK experience.
• PTCs and Foundations: how and where to establish such structures to manage risk, and a comparative analysis.
• Investment policy and delegation arrangements: ensuring compliance with trustees’ duties and best practice.
• Managing beneficiaries’ expectations: reviewing distribution policies and discretionary powers in the face of investment volatility.

The conference should be of interest for Trustees and their professional advisers, solicitors, accountants, private bankers and family office advisors, and wealth management professionals.