Since 1992, Atlantic Trust’s Multi-Manager Investment Program (MMIP) has combined the internal management expertise that the firm is already known for with access to “best-in-class” external investment managers. But with $8.7 billion in assets under management (as of September 30, 2014), how does Atlantic Trust choose the right managers for its platform and, ultimately, its clients’ portfolios?...

Much has been said of the advantages of trusts for transferring wealth from one generation to the next, but what about trusts that are established specifically for the benefit of grandchildren or even great-grandchildren?   Ordinarily, gifts to anyone two or more generations below the donor (such as grandchildren or great grandchildren) are potentially subject to a generation-skipping...

  Transitioning into Later Life   Moving into retirement, helping aging family members and ensuring both legal and quality-of-life clarity can create a multi-generational perfect storm of challenges and decisions that affect not just those being cared for, but also the adult children facing a host of bewildering decisions that could affect their own financial and medical...

Retirement-minded individuals have the option of choosing between the tax-deductible benefits of a traditional investment retirement account or the tax-free earnings growth of a Roth IRA. But which one is right for your retirement plan? Eligibility Anyone under age 70 ½ with earned income is eligible for a traditional IRA, and anyone with an earned income that does not exceed the 2014...

Last week, Atlantic Trust hosted its second multi-generational family summit for clients with a focus on the growing importance of family legacy planning.   The Atlantic Trust G2G Impact Summit (Generation to Generation), was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on October 24-25. It brought together more than 100 clients from across the nation for two days of...

The Fed came through on a well telegraphed move to end its quantitative easing policy. Markets reacted negatively in the hours following the FOMC’s press release, but it was likely due to other components of the statement.   Growth               Underutilization of labor resources is gradually diminishing. The Fed had previously seen...

I am pleased to announce that Atlantic Trust’s own H. Scott Caven Jr. has been named as a 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas.   The award, presented by the university’s Texas Exes Alumni Association, annually recognizes up to six alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and through service to the University of Texas . Scott is...

Earlier this year, the Atlantic Trust Asset Allocation Committee stated that we were likely to see “less return and more volatility” relative to the highly profitable and benign environment of 2013. This has certainly come to pass over the last few weeks. Global equity markets have tumbled, with riskier parts of the market enduring the most pain.   We attribute the sell-off and rise in...

  Every year, thousands of vacationers from all over the world travel to Florida for its plentiful surf, sand and sunshine. What visitors may not know is that the absence of state income and estate taxes, combined with one of the country’s broadest homestead exemptions, also makes Florida an attractive destination for those looking to relocate or retire.   Before you can begin to...

  Every year, thousands of vacationers from all over the world travel to Florida for its plentiful surf, sand and sunshine. What visitors may not know is that the absence of state income and estate taxes, combined with one of the country’s broadest homestead exemptions, also makes Florida an attractive destination for those looking to relocate or retire.   Before you can begin to...

We are pleased to share that Atlantic Trust reached a record $25.4 billion in assets under management (AUM) at July 31, 2014, an increase of $1 billion from the previous fiscal quarter, reflecting market returns and strong client inflows.   The net inflows reflect a healthy blend of approximately 40% net client additions and 60% new client relationships, typically referrals from current...

It may be surprising to learn that Social Security remains the largest source of retirement income for Americans age 65 or older. However, there may be circumstances in which you may wish to claim benefits before reaching retirement age; it may also be beneficial to delay benefits until later in life in certain cases. Deciding when to begin claiming Social Security benefits depends on each...

      For better and worse, technology has permanently changed the way people interact. Perhaps you’ve done business with someone on the other side of the world or reconnected with an old friend on Facebook. On the other hand, maybe the guy sitting in front of you at the last movie you saw wouldn’t get off his cell phone.     Maybe you’ve tried to have a...

When it comes to charitable giving, choosing the right cause can be a difficult—and personal—decision to make. Even for those who have a preferred recipient in mind, thinking about how to give strategically can be just as challenging.   The truth is that strategic philanthropy—similar to intentional asset allocation—requires as much of a donor’s brain as it does his or her bank account....

We are pleased to announce that Atlantic Trust has been recognized as one of the top U.S. wealth management firms in the 2014 Luxury Brand Status Index™ (LBSI) Wealth Management survey! This independent research validates our dedication to serving as a trusted advisor to our clients and their families. Atlantic Trust is committed to providing investment excellence along with the highest quality...