Pay attention to securities laws when planning your estate

Description

Abstract: If one’s assets include unregistered securities, such as restricted stock or interests in hedge funds or private equity funds, it’s critical to consider the securities law implications of various estate planning strategies. This article explains the four main laws under the federal securities regulation regime and details the issues of transferring unregistered securities, either as outright gifts or to trusts or other estate planning vehicles. A sidebar explains the short-swing profit rule and how it may affect certain transfers for estate planning purposes.