Curtis Cusinato comments in Postmedia's Canadian Family Offices on the complex legal issues that can arise for family offices in Canada when investing. These include:

• Setting up an investment structure that meets applicable security laws. Family offices need to be compliant with applicable provincial securities laws, including adviser registration requirements, and numerous details need to be assessed, including whether any exemptions might apply.
• Deciding whether or not to branch out into multiple industries. Family offices that do so should be especially diligent and aware of any additional legal risks.

Curtis says that many family offices have historically done everything themselves, especially with respect to private equity, but added complexities associated with new investment structures and portfolios require expertise in multiple areas.