Conference programme - Friday 12 November

Wealth on the move

08.50 Chairman’s opening remarks
Henry Christensen III, partner, McDermott Will & Emery, UK

09.00 Keynote: The client’s view
This keynote will provide a multi-national client’s perspective on how to select different advisers for different needs and how to make those advisers interact efficiently.

09.30 Panel: Low tax – the way forward?
Onshore advisors are having to make strategic decisions about tax, as leading offshore jurisdictions adopt low tax rather than no-tax regimes. This session will look at selected offshore and onshore jurisdictions and how they have chosen to compete through their tax regimes. It will include case studies of jurisdictions that have successfully implemented low tax regimes and double taxation treaties. It will also include an update on changes to the UK tax regime, and suitable offshore structuring options.
Ineke Koele, Koele PC, The Netherlands
Duncan Osborne, Osborne Helman Knebel & Deleery, USA

10.15 Coffee

10.45 Management workshop: Building a successful private client department or law firm
What will private client firms and practices look like in five years’ time? Where is my practice headed, should I remain a single jurisdiction firm? Issues covered will include how to attract young lawyers to private client practice, new dynamics in private client practices (e.g. corporate lawyers moving into private client work), and how to source new business in the BRIC countries. Billing models will also be discussed - are the big firms too expensive, and how are the niche firms faring? Delegates will work in groups to discuss the topic and share tips.
Claire Maurice, Maurice Turnor Gardner, UK
Anthony Morton-Hooper, partner, Mishcon de Reya, UK

12.15 Interactive focus groups

A. Criminal enforcement and the United States
This session will provide an update on Justice Department actions, US taxes and reporting under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. The practical applications of this legislation, which reaches well beyond the US’ borders, will also be addressed.
Marnin Michaels, partner, Baker & McKenzie, Switzerland
Bruce Ross, partner, Holland & Knight, USA

B. Focus on the Middle East as a new money centre, and on the representation of clients from the region
This focus group will cover topics such as Sharia Law, the use of trusts in the Middle East, and issues important to clients from these countries.
Paul Stibbard, joint head of wealth management, Baker & McKenzie, UK

C. Civil law foundations and other forms of ownership of property in multi-jurisdictional situations
How does a civil law foundation differ from a trust and is it better, or at least satisfactory, in many cases? This panel will compare the powers and duties of trustees to the powers and duties of foundation boards. The nature of “founder’s rights” and the relative value of letters of wishes for trusts and civil law foundations will also be examined. Jurisdictions discussed will include the Channel Islands, The Netherlands, France, Italy and Liechtenstein.

13.30 Lunch

14.30 Afternoon activities

19.00 Cocktail reception

19.45 Gala Dinner (black tie)