Rothstein Kass Survey Finds Over 80 Percent of Single-Family Offices Now Offer Family Security Services

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of single-family offices offering clients family security services is on the rise, according to research published today by the Rothstein Kass Family Office Group (http://www.rkco.com/Site/FamilyOffices/CorpContent.aspx), a division of professional services firm Rothstein Kass (www.rkco.com). More than 80 percent of 151 executive directors surveyed in the first half of 2011 indicated that they now provide such support compared with roughly 60 percent in 2009. Results are featured in "Safe & Sound – How Single-Family Offices Are Addressing Family Security," a comprehensive study examining trends in the space. More than three-quarters of survey participants indicated that clients have had direct experience in dealing with a family security issue and nearly all agreed that the family's worth makes them a target. Almost 90 percent of executive directors expect that security threats to their clients will continue to intensify.

"The appeal of a wealth management model that integrates all aspects of family planning under a unified strategy continues to accelerate the proliferation of single-family offices across the globe. As our research shows, single-family offices today represent more wealth – both on average and in aggregate – than they did only a few years ago. At the same time, most wealthy individuals and families confront an ever-expanding array of threats to their security," said Rick Flynn, Principal and Head of the Rothstein Kass Family Office Group. "Sinister elements have become more sophisticated in their attacks, as technological advances in an increasingly global society enable their malfeasance. In recent years, we've observed a significant increase in the number of single-family office executive directors that are working in coordination with clients to identify risks and strengthen protections in light of the family's specific profile."

When asked to rate significant family security concerns, nearly 90 percent of survey respondents identified "trusting the wrong people." Other notable security concerns include:

• Identity theft (78 percent)
• Property being vandalized or stolen (72 percent)
• Self or loved ones being assaulted (71 percent)
• Self or loved ones getting into "trouble" (66 percent)
• Someone gaining access to personal information (64 percent)
• Security when traveling (57 percent)
• Someone gaining access to business information (52 percent)

About Rothstein Kass:

Rothstein Kass is a premier professional services firm that has served privately held and publicly traded companies, as well as high-net-worth individuals and families, for more than 50 years. As trusted advisors to our clients, Rothstein Kass provides accounting, auditing and tax services, as well as a full array of integrated services, to clients across industry spectrums and in all stages of organizational development. At the core of Rothstein Kass' remarkable success lies our commitment to hiring, developing and retaining employees that represent an entrepreneurial spirit mirroring that of the sophisticated business and financial services communities that we serve.

The Rothstein Kass Family Office Group offers a wide range of financial, wealth planning and lifestyle management services to family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Composed of seasoned financial professionals and certified public accountants, the Family Office Group applies proven expertise with the utmost discretion and attention. A division of the Rothstein Kass Commercial Services Group, the Family Office Group does not provide investment allocation, asset management or advisory services.

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SOURCE Rothstein Kass