There are significant advantages of using Cowlitz Bank as trustee, personal representative, conservator, or as fiduciary of a special needs trust. Some of the benefits include:
Cowlitz Bank does not use any proprietary investment products and uses a variety of advisors, broker/dealers, and financial planners to assist in managing our clients’ assets. Cost efficient model portfolios are also used when appropriate to achieve proper diversification.
Cowlitz Bank is very well capitalized and fully accountable for the Trust Departments activities. Some non-bank financial services firms and independent trust operations have very limited capital. Brokerage firms have access to more capital however claims or losses may be subject to arbitration.
Our department can accommodate assets or accounts beyond the scope of traditional trust companies or banks. Our fee structure allows our personnel to pursue customer service objectives without being constrained by an asset fee budget used by most trust management providers.
We employ staff with extensive experience in business management, investments, insurance, law, taxation and traditional banking.
Irrevocable Trusts may enjoy a distinct income tax advantage through an administration located in the State of Washington. Although this advantage may be limited because of beneficiary or asset location, we have found that the avoidance of state income taxes can assist in the retention of valuable assets for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries. *Please consult your Tax Advisor or Consultant for tax benefits
Cowlitz Bank Trust Services is subject to periodic reviews by the FDIC, the State of Washington, and our own internal bank auditors. A Trust Committee and a Trust Investment Committee review all new accounts and annually review and approve the investment allocations and selections for all accounts. This oversight is unmatched by non-bank money managers and independent trustees.
Disclosure:
Investment products are not obligations of, guaranteed by any bank including Cowlitz Bank or any Cowlitz Bank affiliate, nor are they insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve, or any other agency. An investment in such products involves investment risk, including possible loss of principal.