Private Client 2015: Trust & Advisory Services Analysis
In this edition we also include the leading trustees, private bankers and accountants serving the private client industry.
RBC Wealth Management leads our research in trust and advisory services with an impressive 18 names recommended. Alan Binnington specialises in establishing and administering trust and fiduciary structures for high net worth individuals and their families, with a particular focus on those connected to the UK. He also has experience in servicing the wealth management and estate planning needs of clients from Europe, Asia and the US and is a “star” in the market. Liz Taylor advises clients from the Middle East on trust structures, and is a “great solution-finder”. Liz Le Poidevin is praised for her “thorough approach” to trust administration, while Sarajane Kempster is a “great operator” in the field. John Heaps mainly advises clients on establishing UK trusts and is commended for his “personable manner”. In London, Paul Patterson is deputy chair of the firm’s ultra-high net worth international division and is recommended by clients for his “technical abilities”. Guernsey-based Sarah-Jane Parker is a “top talent” who specialises in European trusts and fiduciary structures for high net worth individuals and their families.
Rawlinson & Hunter receives 11 inclusions across six offices. In London, the “unbeatable” Simon Jennings is a trust specialist, who advises on issues of tax residence and UK tax for foreign domiciliaries. Mark Harris advises on all aspects of UK taxation affecting private and entrepreneurial clients and is praised for his “excellent attention to detail”. Jersey-based Kathryn Tully focuses her practice on the formation and management of fiduciary and corporate structures, often working with private individuals and firms with UK connections. Her “responsive and pragmatic” approach impresses clients who commend her “insightful advice”. Alan Milgate in Grand Cayman has over 20 years of international experience in the establishment and ongoing administration of Cayman Islands trusts and companies, and is “internationally renowned”. Kenneth Morgan from the British Virgin Islands boasts exceptional experience in private banking and trust work, with an offshore career spanning almost 50 years.
Butterfield Trust garners seven inclusions in this edition. Four names are highlighted from the firm’s Guernsey office, including managing director Paul Hodgson. He is a “true specialist” in managed and private trust companies and clients appreciate his “no nonsense advice”. Alison Parry advises on succession planning and international retirement plans and impresses with her “creative approach” to client needs. Timothy Colclough has recently been named managing director of the firm’s Bahamas office and boasts “vast experience” in local and international trust structures. In Geneva, Jim Parker is a “prominent name” in the market and is described as a “font of knowledge” by peers.
Six names are included from Rothschild Trust. Executive vice chairman Paul Stibbard in the firm’s London office has “unsurpassed expertise” in complex cross-border tax, trust and succession issues, including the succession of substantial family-owned businesses. Britta Pfister from the firm’s Singapore office is a trust and tax specialist while managing director in Guernsey Emma Roberts is a “pleasure to do business with”.
David Kilshaw at Ernst & Young in London comes “very highly rated” in our research for his work in private client tax advice. Also in London, head of Deloitte’s family office team Paula Higgleton is a “leading name in the field” and “exceptionally able” on all private client matters.
Geneva-based Daniel Martineau is the executive chairman of Summit Trust International where he advises clients on trusts and estate planning, with a “particular expertise” in offshore matters.
The “exceptionally bright” Nick Moss, founder of Virtus Trust Limited in Guernsey, advises clients on the structuring of complex offshore trusts and related investment portfolios.
In Bermuda, the “sensational” Randall Krebs from Meritus Trust Company Limited advises clients on creating trusts and other structures for wealthy families, charities and for business applications. He also assists in modifying existing structures or resolving contentious issues. Michelle Wolfe is also recommended from the firm.
Steve Akers is a managing director of Bessemer Trust in Dallas where he also holds the title of senior fiduciary counsel for the southwest region. He is an “outstanding” estate planner whose clients laud his “unbreakable focus”. Michael Marquez is the Florida region head for the firm and is “greatly respected” by peers.
