A deep-dive into the evolving landscape of wealth and inheritance taxes, exploring how global organisations like the OECD and G20 are shaping policy to avoid double taxation. This session will also discuss the ethical considerations surrounding wealth transfers and the responsibilities of ultra-wealthy individuals in protecting their legacies.

This session examines some of the inherent complexities of using and managing foreign trusts, foundations and underlying companies in family business succession planning with a focus on the delicate balance between direct and indirect (or no) trustee involvement in the business, local inheritance rules versus foreign forced heirship, the over-assertive settlor or protector with too many powers and other issues that can make the running of a wealth-holding structure troublesome and at risk of challenge from, among others, tax authorities.

When acquiring real estate assets like castles, vineyards, or palaces, challenges abound. This session will explore the intricacies or purchasing and managing trophy properties, including the impact of local tax laws, asset protection strategies, and wealth preservation through luxury real estate. 

Undue influence remains one of the most litigated — and most misunderstood — claims in trust and estate disputes. But what counts as coercion or manipulation can vary widely by jurisdiction. This session brings together two litigators from different legal cultures to compare how undue influence is pleaded, proved, and rebutted. They will facilitate a discussion about evidentiary burdens, the role of capacity assessments, presumptions of dominance, and the credibility challenges common to these emotionally fraught cases. They will bring examples from high-profile Florida appellate reversals and the Royal Court of Jersey court findings, and will be inviting their colleagues to share their own perspectives and experiences.

How far are ultra-wealthy clients really free to limit their family members' potential interests and claims in favour of giving very substantial assets to causes such as philanthropy and impact investing? Are we as advisors under any obligation (and in any position) to encourage such clients to do so? This session will consider theory and practice in this fraught subject where potential conflicts certainly abound.