The Importance of Legacy Planning & Estate Administration in a Volatile Global Economy

March 10, 2025 4 min read
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In today’s turbulent global economy, where tariffs and financial market volatility have become central issues, the role of legacy planning and estate administration has never been more critical. The global economic landscape, shaped by shifting political landscapes and unpredictable market forces, has significantly impacted how individuals and families approach wealth transfer and inheritance strategies. In particular, Inheritus Inc. has emerged as a key player in helping clients navigate these challenges, ensuring their assets are protected and passed on according to their wishes.

The Global Economic Shift: Tariffs and Market Volatility

Since the imposition of global tariffs, particularly those imposed between major economies like the United States and China, international trade has been upended. According to the World Bank, global tariffs have increased significantly since 2018 and dramatically in 2025, and this has led to broader economic disruptions. The volatility in trade has led to price fluctuations, which, in turn, impact the value of assets like real estate, stocks, and commodities. The stock market has become more volatile, with annual fluctuations averaging nearly 20% since 2020, compared to the historical norm of around 10%.

This environment of instability presents new risks and challenges for individuals who need to protect their wealth for future generations. These risks underscore the need for a more strategic approach to legacy planning—one that not only focuses on wealth transfer but also considers the preservation of assets in a volatile and unpredictable world.

The Critical Role of Legacy Planning

Legacy planning involves more than just creating a will or establishing a trust; it’s about taking a comprehensive approach to asset distribution and wealth management. It’s about ensuring that assets are preserved, protected, and distributed according to an individual’s wishes. With the market volatility driven by tariffs and economic shifts, legacy planning now requires additional layers of consideration, such as:

  1. Asset Protection: As the market swings unpredictably, legacy planning helps safeguard assets from external risks, whether from inflation, market downturns, or political instability.
  2. Tax Optimization: Changing tax policies, especially with international tariffs, have created new tax liabilities and opportunities. A strong legacy plan can minimize the tax burden on inherited wealth, leveraging strategies like tax-deferred growth or charitable contributions.
  3. Succession Planning for Family Businesses: In a volatile market, business continuity is essential. A well-thought-out estate plan ensures that a family business can continue to thrive without disruption, even during economic upheaval.
  4. Global Considerations: For families with international ties, navigating the complexities of cross-border estate planning has become even more critical. Tariffs, exchange rates, and international tax laws now play a pivotal role in how wealth is transferred globally.

Estate Administration: A Professional Necessity

Estate administration is the process of managing an estate after someone passes away, ensuring the orderly transfer of assets according to their will or trust. With global financial markets becoming more volatile, the complexities of estate administration have also increased.

The role of an estate administrator has expanded. Inheritus Inc., for instance, offers specialized solutions that address not just the distribution of assets but the nuanced challenges of estate management in a global economy. Key responsibilities now include:

  1. Managing Complex Investments: With financial markets more volatile, estate administrators must have a deep understanding of diverse investment portfolios—real estate, stocks, bonds, and alternative assets. Inheritus has the expertise to navigate these complexities, ensuring that assets are liquidated or managed efficiently.
  2. Dealing with Increased Debt and Liabilities: Rising tariffs and global trade tensions have put pressure on both businesses and individuals. Estate administrators now need to manage higher-than-usual debts and liabilities, sometimes across international borders. Inheritus’ expertise ensures that the estate is properly handled, protecting heirs from unnecessary financial burdens.
  3. Navigating Legal and Tax Complications: With changes to international trade and tax laws, estate administrators must be vigilant in managing the legal complexities of inheritance, ensuring that tax liabilities are minimized and that the estate complies with both domestic and international regulations.
  4. Ensuring Transparency and Fairness: The volatility in markets has the potential to create disputes among heirs, especially when it comes to dividing assets. Estate administrators must be neutral, transparent, and capable of resolving conflicts with fairness and clarity.

Why Inheritus Stands Out

As global tariffs and market volatility continue to reshape the economic landscape, Inheritus Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in legacy planning and estate administration. With decades of combined experience and a dedicated focus on navigating complex global financial scenarios, Inheritus helps families and individuals ensure that their wealth is properly protected and passed on.

Some key statistics underline the importance of estate planning in this context:

  • The number of trusts and estates administered by professionals like Inheritus has increased by over 30% in the past five years.
  • 72% of high-net-worth individuals have reported concerns about the potential erosion of their wealth due to market fluctuations and global economic uncertainty.
  • Nearly 60% of families with assets exceeding $5 million have updated their estate plans in the past 18 months, according to a recent survey by the American Estate Planning Council.

Conclusion

In the face of increasing tariffs and financial market volatility, legacy planning and estate administration are no longer optional considerations for individuals and families looking to protect their wealth. Through strategic planning, asset protection, and expert administration, firms like Inheritus Inc. offer invaluable software solutions that ensure wealth is preserved, efficiently managed, and passed on to the next generation—securely and in accordance with the client’s wishes.

As the world continues to experience economic uncertainties, now is the time for proactive planning to protect and secure your legacy for the future.

Richard Sanders, CPA, CA, CBV is a seasoned professional and Partner at a leading global Accounting firm, bringing over 35 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in Accounting & Finance, he has demonstrated a keen sense of the challenges to business management and growth throughout his career.

Having held key partnerships with several Accounting firms, Richard has a proven track record of success in advising businesses in areas ranging from Audit to Internal Controls, Tax and Valuations. His strategic thinking has been crucial in guiding organizations through periods of startup and growth.

As an advisory board member, Richard provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on Audit, Finance and Accounting. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s strategy and driving sustainable growth over the long term.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Accounting & Business Management from the University of Toronto. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Accounting industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Richard’s passion for success and his commitment to guiding businesses make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board.

Bob is a distinguished leader in Software M&A, bringing over 40 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in the Canadian & US Information Technology sectors, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges driving business innovation and fostering growth throughout his career.

Having held prominent roles within the Fortune 500, Bob has a proven track record of success in supercharging business growth. His strategic acumen and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in guiding organizations through periods of change and transformation.

As an advisory board member, Bob provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on business development, partnerships and strategic alliances. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s long-term strategy and driving sustainable growth.

Bob holds a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Ottawa. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Information Technology industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Bob’s passion for excellence and his unwavering commitment to the Software Industry make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board, driving the organization’s mission and vision forward with clarity and purpose.

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