commentary

The altruistic next generation of family business leaders is the driving force behind families increasingly integrating philanthropy into their business practices, but they want to effect positive change now, rather than leave charity to the family legacy.

Technology is democratising giving and enabling family philanthropists to respond and measure in real-time. However, the Covid-19 crisis has not—and will not—change the fundamental patterns of giving, only exacerbate existing issues.

The Chancellor laid out a supportive package of measures to help businesses, while having one eye on a longer-term plan to balance public finances. Despite recent speculation about changes to Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and the introduction of a Wealth Tax, the current thresholds have been maintained for the time being.

Bethany McLean, journalist and author of several books about businesses gone wrong, is the guest in the latest episode of Ruffer Radio.

McLean specialises in casting light on the shadier corners of the financial world, renowned for her exposé of the Enron scandal in the early 2000s.

We all know that 2020 was an incredible, and terrible, year. The pandemic caused the worst recession for centuries, along with an appalling death toll and suffering. Meanwhile financial assets pushed ever upwards, surfing a wave of liquidity meant to counteract the impact of the pandemic.

The chart below shows that it was also a record year for share issuance, surpassing even the heady days of 1999-2000.