Modern Family Offices and Private Trust Companies: A Creative Use of Purpose Trusts
In this episode, ACTEC Fellow Benita Park explains how purpose trusts can be used to own and govern modern family offices and private trust companies, offering a neutral, mission‑driven ownership structure that promotes continuity and family harmony across generations. She outlines the legal requirements of purpose trusts under the Uniform Trust Code, highlights jurisdictional variations, and discusses the tax uncertainties—both income and gift tax—surrounding these entities, noting the need for careful planning and potential IRS guidance. The conversation emphasizes that purpose trusts can mitigate ownership fragmentation, align governance with family values, and serve as an elegant solution for complex, multigenerational wealth structures.
Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Barriers, Bias, and Belonging (Pt. 2 of 3)
In part two of the three‑part series, neurodiversity advocate Haley Moss examines how workplace intentions often miss the mark, creating barriers, bias, and underemployment for neurodivergent professionals. She highlights both the business case—greater innovation, loyalty, and profitability when companies hire...
Private Trust Company Design Considerations for Family Wealth Planning
In this episode, ACTEC Fellow Elise McGee explains the key design considerations for private trust companies (PTCs) used by ultra‑high‑net‑worth families. She clarifies why a PTC should be separate from a family office, outlines regulatory choices between regulated and unregulated jurisdictions,...
Trust Funding Options
ACTEC Foundation released a series of podcasts tackling critical issues in trust and estate practice. Topics include charitable disaster relief compliance under 501(c)(3) rules, disaster‑preparedness guidance for estate planners, strategies for recruiting and mentoring the next generation of trust attorneys,...
Disaster Preparedness for Trust and Estate Planning
In this episode, ACTEC Fellow Jeff DeFrancisco recounts his personal experience surviving the 2025 Eaton Fire in California and outlines a three‑phase disaster recovery framework—short‑term, mid‑term, and long‑term. He offers concrete preparation tips for each phase, from evacuation plans and...