Conference programme - Friday 13 November

Legal and financial planning in an era of economic contraction

08.50 Chairman’s opening remarks

Henry Christensen III, partner, McDermott Will & Emery, USA

09.00 Keynote
Client expectations – the UK as a financial centre
In periods of doubt many clients are cautious of their assets’ future values. The UK has to consider the consequences of its changes in taxation and is one of the nations feeling the recession most severely. This keynote will offer views on trends in the private client sector and the impacts of new tax regimes for financial planning.
Roger Nightingale, global economist, Pointon York, UK

09.30 Panel debate
Financial institutions and private wealth
Financial institutions are going through an enforced overhaul, thanks to new legislation, capping salary and bonus as a starting point. This panel will look into aspects such as size and security of organizations as well as personal relationships and trust to identify what the decision-making factors are for high net worth clients turning to institutions to preserve their wealth in challenging times.
Steven Cantor, managing partner, Cantor & Webb, USA
Xandra Kleine-van Dijk, partner, Spigthoff, The Netherlands Antilles
Rob Withecombe, head of wealth advisory, Barclays Wealth, UK
Alexander Skoblo, partner, Salans, Russia

10.30 Break

11.00 Panel debate
Opportunities in a global financial crisis
During a global recession first thoughts go towards wealth preservation and asset protection. Planning with care is of great importance but are there any opportunities in these new financial circumstances? This panel will look at key considerations when volatile financial markets allow the shifting of assets and changing of structures.
Ineke Koele, partner, Benvalor, The Netherlands
Paul Patterson, head RBC Wealth Management British Isles
Mark Lea, managing director, Lea & White International, Hong Kong

12.00 Interactive Focus Groups
A. How and where to hold tax efficient funds in the future
IFCs are aware of the threats to their reputation. Establishing Tax Information Exchange Agreements and allowing for more innovative structures to be used are obvious reactions, while investment mentalities in different regions can also make differences. This discussion will look at jurisdictions and structures that – for the future – offer more unique opportunities for clients.
Bijal Ajinkya, partner, Nishith Desai Associates, India
Xandra Kleine-van Dijk, partner, Spigthoff, The Netherlands Antilles

B. Investment volatility and trustees' exposure to losses
In periods when many markets remain unpredictable volatility of investments is a threat to asset portfolios. This session will offer views on the vulnerability of structures and individuals involved, as well as covering the collapse of the now-infamous Madoff ponzi scheme, and how similar pit-falls can be avoided.
Joshua Rubenstein, co-managing partner, Katten Muchin Rosenman, USA
Chris Kenny, investment director, Smith & Williamson, UK

C. Confidentiality and disclosure of information within family structures
Conflicts between original intentions from a grantor and needs of beneficiaries are commonplace. In the light of more generations being involved in planning and structures this session will give an insight to how advisors can deal with different intentions, confidentiality and disclosure issues.
Walid Chiniara, principal, SHOORA – Family Business Advisors, UAE
Simon Rylatt, partner, Boodle Hatfield, UK

D. Disclosure of foreign assets
International financial centres in many jurisdictions have introduced voluntary disclosure and other similar initiatives. This discussion amongst practitioners will consider the use and benefits to clients as well as the consequences for IFCs.
Robert Amsterdam, partner, Amsterdam & Peroff, Canada & London
Mark Lea, managing director, Lea & White International, Hong Kong
Francis Rojas, partner, Withers, Switzerland

13.15 Knowledge Session: Philanthropy
Vernon Ellis, The Vernon Ellis Foundation, UK
Simon Weil, partner, Bircham Dyson Bell, UK

14.00 Lunch

15.00 Afternoon activities

19.00 Cocktail reception

19.45 Gala dinner (black tie)