When appointing a trustee, grantors face many different options. They can choose an individual, like a relative, accountant or attorney. They may select an institution, such as a bank trust company or investment firm, or turn to an independent corporate trustee. Here’s a snapshot of one family’s...

By Kevin Sheehan and Kristen Bauer The impact of wealth, whether it arrives through the opportunistic sale of an operating business or a much-anticipated trust distribution, brings a wave of responsibility for any wealth owner or beneficiary. When managing and protecting these assets, the savvy weal...

Photos by Tom Dempster South Dakota is a paradox – a place of unparalleled beauty, home to some of nature’s most extraordinary wonders. It feels wild, untouched by the modern world. Yet at the same time, South Dakota is financially savvy, cutting edge and very discreet – offering the most attr...

By John Fetter Most people would say that they are concerned about the security of their financial information and the degree to which financial institutions properly defend against online attacks. This concern is reinforced by the frequency of news stories reporting on breaches and magnified for in...

By David Bauman It’s not that I don’t love the frenetic streets of the city…dodging the taxis that push through crowds of pedestrians in Manhattan. But when I reach my rare book gallery, I look around at the mahogany and the leather bindings of calf, morocco and vellum, and I breathe in. Here ...

By Mary A. Akkerman Today more than ever, wealthy families rely on their advisors to help them traverse the complex world of estate and trust administration. South Dakota’s advantageous trust legislation makes the state a worthwhile option to protect clients’ assets. Here are three important ben...

By Stanley M. Joffe Once upon a time, as the world became increasingly globalized, it was easier for all taxpayers to move investments through financial institutions outside of their country of residence. Vast amounts of money were kept offshore and went untaxed to the extent that taxpayers failed t...