Tracing the Evolution of Wealth Planning: An Origin Story of R.E. Lee International's Global Success

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As R.E. Lee International  approaches its 70th anniversary milestone, its journey through the  intricate world of life insurance, and especially the evolving needs of generations who rely on its assurance, stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to its patrons. In this series of brief insight articles, we explore one of the industry’s true innovators, and a peek into the world of high net worth individual (HNWI) personal wealth planning. 

With a rich history spanning seven decades, R.E. Lee International has had the privilege of witnessing the metamorphosis of estate planning, tracing it back to the 1950s — a time when life insurance and wealth planning were largely enigmatic.

In the post-war 1950’s, "wealth planning" was a phrase rarely heard outside of the dining rooms of influential families with vast inherited fortunes. From the 1950s to the 1970s, however, a significant shift occurred in the landscape of estate planning and wealth management. This period was marked by a primary focus on two key aspects: tax efficiency and traditional investment strategies. At the time, tax considerations held a paramount position in the realm of managing wealth. The estate taxes of that era were notably high, compelling individuals and families to prioritize strategic tax planning as an integral component of their financial management.

Estate planning emerged as a central theme during this period, reflecting the desire of families to safeguard their accumulated assets and pass them on to the succeeding generations while minimizing the burdensome implications of taxation. To achieve these objectives, a range of sophisticated tools and strategies such as trusts and gifting mechanisms took on significant roles in the arena of wealth preservation and legacy creation.