Under the Basswood Tree Podcast

Season 2 Episode 05: The Strategic Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning is more than drafting a will - it’s about aligning your assets, beneficiaries, and tax strategy into one cohesive plan. In this episode, Chris Klug and Gina Lee explain how thoughtful coordination and ongoing review safeguard both your wealth and your legacy. Many people believe estate planning begins and ends with a...

FBAR and FATCA compliance doesn’t start at the filing deadline, it starts with early planning. In Part 2 of our FBAR and FATCA series, Rudo Mugwagwa and Gina Lee move from understanding the rules to addressing where filings most often break down and how to avoid those issues. For U.S. persons with foreign accounts, global families, financial institutions, and compliance teams, this episode highlig...

In this episode of the Under the Basswood Tree podcast, Basswood Counsel attorneys Rudo Mugwagwa and Gina Lee explain two U.S. cross-border reporting regimes that are often confused: FBAR and FATCA. The discussion breaks down what each regime is designed to do, how they differ, where they overlap, and why many taxpayers and institutions struggle to understand how the rules fit together. The episod...

In this episode of the Under the Basswood Tree podcast, Chris Klug and Gina Lee continue the Coming to America series with a focused look at the U.S. tax considerations non-U.S. businesses face once operations begin. They walk through key issues to evaluate- from federal and state incentives to transfer pricing, treaty benefits, real estate considerations, and exit planning. The conversation highl...

Hazvinei Mugwagwa continues the Talking M&A series with a practical walkthrough of the M&A transaction process—from early discovery and letters of intent to due diligence, closing, and post-transaction integration. Designed for founders, business owners, and executives, this conversation demystifies what really happens behind the scenes and why early planning matters. Hazvinei explores com...

In this episode of the Under the Basswood Tree podcast, Chris Klug and Gina Lee explore what it really means for non-U.S. companies to “come to America.” They break down U.S. tax concepts, entity structuring considerations, and common pitfalls that can arise without thoughtful planning. This episode provides a clear, strategic starting point for foreign businesses entering the U.S. market.

In this episode of the Under the Basswood Tree podcast, Hazvinei Mugwagwa and Jephte Lanthia reflect on a year marked by significant regulatory change across securities, fintech, and digital assets. They discuss how the U.S. has moved toward a more market-friendly, clarity-driven approach — and what that means for businesses planning ahead. From stablecoin frameworks to the future of tokenization,...

In this special episode of the Under the Basswood Tree Podcast, recorded during Basswood Counsel’s First Anniversary Event on October 28th, Chris Klug and Gina Lee break down the most significant tax changes introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—and what these updates mean for individuals, families, and businesses. From expanded deductions and enhanced credits to major improvements in pa...

In this special first-anniversary episode of the Under the Basswood Tree podcast, Basswood Counsel co-founders Meg Charles and Chris Klug reflect on the firm’s founding story and the values that continue to shape its growth. From redefining what true legal partnership means to practicing law with authenticity, care, and soul, they share how Basswood was built on collaboration, trust, and purpose....

What happens to your business when it’s time to step away—whether by choice, circumstance, or opportunity? In this episode of Under the Basswood Tree podcast, Hazvinei Mugwagwa and Chris Klug delve into the essentials of business succession planning and why it should begin long before an exit is on the horizon. They explore how entity structure, estate planning, and tax considerations intersect to...

Rudo Mugwagwa and compliance professional Abbie McMillan continue their conversation on the fast-evolving world of digital assets, exploring how emerging technologies, shifting investor trends, and new regulatory measures are redefining compliance expectations for financial institutions and investment funds. They share valuable insights on how AI and machine learning are enhancing transaction moni...

AI is reshaping the way financial institutions approach anti-money laundering (AML) compliance — but with every opportunity comes new risks. In this episode, Rudo Mugwagwa and compliance professional Abbie McMillan dive into how AI is being applied in the financial sector, from investment funds to digital asset platforms. They examine how emerging technologies are reshaping compliance programs, re...

Can the U.S. effectively balance innovation with investor protection in crypto? Jephte Lanthia and Rudo Mugwagwa explore the GENIUS Act, shifting SEC priorities, and the roles of key agencies such as the SEC and CFTC in shaping crypto regulation. They break down what the new rules mean for businesses, investors, and fintech startups. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders and investors...

From expanded deductions and extended rate cuts to new credits and planning strategies, Gina Lee, Renee Tiun, and Chris Klug walk us through what individuals and families need to know under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Tune in for a discussion on the most significant changes—and gain practical insights to help navigate tax planning under the new law.

In this episode, Chris Klug and Gina Lee break down how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant changes for U.S. businesses. From expanded business tax deductions to updated compliance rules, they discuss what companies need to know to stay ahead. Tune in for insights on business tax planning under the OBBBA.

Hazvinei Mugwagwa takes a closer look at the critical role of preparation and planning in a successful M&A transaction. Haz highlights why assembling the right advisors—from lawyers to accountants to bankers—can make or break a deal. From letters of intent to confidentiality agreements, this episode explores how early decisions shape the success or failure of the deal.

Gina Lee and Christopher Klug break down the U.S. Exit Tax and what it means for citizens and long-term green card holders considering expatriation. They walk through the key tests that determine “covered expatriate” status, the mechanics of the mark-to-market regime, and strategies for mitigating unintended tax consequences. Whether you're planning your exit or advising someone who is, this episo...

On April 21, 2025, Paul S. Atkins was sworn into office as the 34th Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Basswood Counsel attorneys Jephte Lanthia and Haz Mugwagwa sat down to discuss the current regulatory landscape for market participants, including investors, the crypto industry, the IPO market, and private funds, and what to expect under the Atkins chairmanship.

Good governance is about being intentional in establishing an effective organization, pulling together various components and resources to complete tasks and monitoring their progress to make adjustments. Implementing or adopting AI is no different from any other strategic undertaking, so it should be on the Board’s agenda. Tune in to the premiere episode of Under the Basswood Tree Podcast.