Bridgeford Published in Thomson Reuters’ Estate Planning: The U.S. Trust Industry Transformed
Over the past four decades, modern trust law has fundamentally reshaped the trust industry, giving advisors and their clients new opportunities to reduce conflicts of interest, increase flexibility, and preserve greater direction and control in their estate planning. Understanding these developments is becoming increasingly important for domestic and international families and the advisors who serve them.
In the latest issue of Estate Planning, a Thomson Reuters journal, Bridgeford Trust Company Co-Founder & Chairman, David Warren and Global Marketing & Digital Media Director, Melissa Roberson offer insights into these developments in their article, “The U.S. Trust Industry Transformed: The Rise of Modern Trust Law and Independent Trust Companies.”
The article explores the framework behind directed trusts and trust protectors, the emergence of independent trust companies, and the vital importance of trust jurisdiction selection. It also discusses how increasing consolidation within the trust industry may be reintroducing many of the structural conflicts that modern trust law was intended to address.
Click here to read the full article, published in Estate Planning, a Thomson Reuters journal, and available on Westlaw and Checkpoint.
To learn more about modern trust law, the independent trust company approach, and the planning opportunities available through top-tier U.S. trust jurisdictions, reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.
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Podcast Episode 59 – Investments and Independence with Jason Levey
Episode 59 is now available on Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast!
In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Jason Levey – Chief Executive Officer of Canterbury Consulting – to discuss the evolving landscape of investment consulting, family wealth planning, and independent advice.
Jason shares how Canterbury has remained independent since its founding in 1988, reflecting many of the same principles that have guided Bridgeford’s growth. The discussion explores why a conflict-free advisory model continues to matter as the financial services industry becomes increasingly consolidated.
The conversation addresses the challenges facing today’s ultra-high-net-worth families, including multi-generational wealth transfer, governance, philanthropy, and the often-overlooked “3%” of wealth planning that extends beyond investment performance. David and Jason also discuss artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, geopolitical uncertainty, and the importance of helping families navigate change while maintaining a long-term perspective.
You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.
Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.
If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.
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Bridgeford to Speak at Upcoming California Events
With upcoming events taking place in both Southern and Northern California this June, the Bridgeford team is looking forward to connecting with advisors and industry professionals across the state. As Bridgeford continues expanding its presence in California through Bridgeford Advisors’ Newport Beach and Bay Area offices, these events provide valuable opportunities to continue important conversations surrounding strategic trust planning, modern trust law, trust situs selection, and planning considerations for both domestic and international families.
STEP LA’s International Tax & Estate Planning Forum: June 1-2
Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to return as a featured speaker and headline sponsor of STEP LA’s 18th Annual International Tax & Estate Planning Forum taking place June 1-2, 2026, at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
This highly anticipated forum brings together leading professionals from around the world to discuss developments in international private client planning, with presentations from nationally and internationally recognized experts, including our Co-Founder & Chairman, David Warren.
David will speak on Monday, June 1, at 3:50 p.m. alongside Joan Crain of J Crain Consulting and Susan Rounds, Head of U.S. Wealth Planning at Deutsche Bank. Their panel discussion, “Crossing Continents and Generations: Family Governance as a Tool to Preserve Family Wealth and Harmony,” will explore what is at stake in preserving wealth across generations; a timely discussion you won’t want to miss!
David and Sydney Warren, Managing Director with Bridgeford, will also be available throughout the conference.
San Francisco EPC Summer Symposium & Social: June 12
Bridgeford Trust Company is also looking forward to speaking at and sponsoring the San Francisco Estate Planning Council’s 2026 Summer Symposium & Social. This year’s program will feature an exceptional lineup of discussions examining how the estate planning landscape continues to evolve following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
David Warren will participate in the 3:15 p.m. panel discussion, “Taxing the Non-Taxable Estates.” The panel will explore how planning conversations are increasingly shifting away from transfer taxes and toward income tax considerations as estate tax exemptions continue to rise.
David, Sydney Warren, and Doug Mikkonen, Senior Vice President & Senior Trust Officer, are looking forward to participating in this event as Bridgeford continues expanding its presence in Northern California through Bridgeford Advisors’ Bay Area office.
If you plan to attend either event and would like to arrange time to connect with our team, reach out to us at info@bridgefordtrust.com, call (605) 224-9189, or contact us through our website.
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Podcast Episode 58 – The Evolution of Asset Protection Planning with Josh Bennett
Episode 58 is now available on Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast!
In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – is joined by Josh Bennett, Esq. – Attorney & Asset Protection Expert – for a deep dive into the evolving world of asset protection planning.
Drawing on decades of experience representing clients across the United States and internationally, Josh shares insights on domestic and offshore asset protection strategies, creditor protection planning, privacy considerations, and the growing role of Directed Trusts. The conversation also explores how top-tier jurisdictions such as South Dakota have expanded planning opportunities by offering greater flexibility, protection, and long-term planning advantages through tools such as Trust Protectors and Investment Advisors.
Throughout the episode, Josh also reflects on themes in his book, The Ultimate Guide to Asset Preservation, emphasizing that effective asset protection planning is not about secrecy or avoiding obligations, but rather implementing responsible, well-structured planning designed to protect families and preserve wealth for future generations.
You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.
Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.
If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.
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Podcast Episode 57 – A Modern Approach to Trust and Estate Planning with Porzio, Bromberg & Newman
Episode 57 is now available on Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast!
In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – is joined by Deirdre Wheatley-Liss, Maria Galante, and Daniel Makoski of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C., a full-service law firm with a growing footprint across the East Coast, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Together, they discuss the evolving role of trust and estate planning in a rapidly changing world and what it means to deliver practical, client-centered legal guidance today.
The conversation explores key issues facing families and business owners, including asset protection, privacy, closely held business succession, international planning, and the increasing complexity surrounding immigration and cross-border matters. They also highlight Porzio’s continued growth, including its expanding immigration capabilities, unique Puerto Rico presence, and broader approach to problem-solving across legal, compliance, government affairs, and business advisory services.
Throughout the episode, David and the Porzio team emphasize the importance of collaboration, education, and leading with solutions as clients navigate uncertainty, evolving laws, and increasingly complex planning considerations.
You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.
Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.
If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.
The post Podcast Episode 57 – A Modern Approach to Trust and Estate Planning with Porzio, Bromberg & Newman appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.
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