A breakdown of three recent major developments.

Sanctions put wealth abroad at risk, but repatriating assets to a country on the brink of economic ruin is a dire proposition.

The fund would potentially offer multimillionaires exposure to a swath of assets unavailable on public markets, such as Silicon Valley unicorns, closely held corporations and even stakes in other buyout shops

Prices of materials like crude, gas, wheat and metals have become alarmingly erratic as a gulf emerges between buyers and sellers who are facing big financing strains.

Advocates see lower-cost transactions and greater access to the financial system, but critics worry about privacy.

Russian billionaires are shifting ownership stakes, ditching board roles and giving up control, all part of a race to get ahead of officials in the U.S., U.K. and EU and restructure their assets.