ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Christiana Trust Building on a Tradition of Sophisticated Asset Management Service The need for personal and professional trust, tax and investment services has never been greater. Individuals and families with substantial assets want workable; effective ways to help them minimize the impact of income and estate taxes, manage their financial assets, and ensure that they and their beneficiaries will be secure and protected irrespective of what the future may bring. Corporations, government entities, and non-profit groups desire high-quality, value-added services and products that can enhance their income and further their strategic interests. We start with a simple premise: combine superior, informed asset management services provided by experienced professionals with the built-in advantages provided by our multiple jurisdictions. In this way, our client s interests are always served. Our dedicated people are committed to ensuring that all of our individual and institutional clients receive the personal attention they deserve and the services that are crucial to meeting their strategic goals. GEORGE READ II HOUSE New Castle, Delaware Scenes of Historic Colonial New Castle, one of Delaware s earliest settlements, have been reproduced with permission from original artwork by Halus Haines III, an award winning Delaware artist. Scenes from New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC were commissioned by the law firm of Harvey Pennington LTD and reproduced with permission.
Benefiting from Our Approach to Investment Management Most trustees don t give their clients any choices when it comes to the management of their assets. At Christiana Trust, we take a different approach to investment management. Our clients may use an advisor with whom they are comfortable. In that way, our clients gain access to specialist with expertise and performance that can reach across a range of sectors and styles. We believe that we can only fully understand each client s specific financial, tax or strategic goals by asking questions, by listening carefully to the answers, and by determining each client s needs and expectations. A full, mutual understanding of each client s objectives allows Christiana Trust to deliver. The ultimate aim of our comprehensive, multi-faceted asset management approach is simple: to ensure that our clients obtain the results and the performance that meets their expectations and allows them to work with advisors with whom they are comfortable ANDALUSIA, HOME of NICOLAS BIDDLE Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Services for individuals and families In addition to our unique approach to investment management, Christiana Trust offers individuals and families a variety of trust, custody, and other asset management services. Trust Services Carefully implemented trust and asset management strategies can be instrumental in providing for the continued well-being of individuals and their families. However, a trust s effectiveness depends greatly on the ability of the trustee. When Christiana Trust is chosen to serve as trustee, it does so in a personal and experienced manner that s tailored to meet each client s requirements and expectations. We recognize that many individuals do not have a full understanding of their trust and investment options. Many firms are not using the approach we follow. We are an organization staffed by experienced, knowledgeable, and caring professionals committed to personal service. We work closely with our clients and their other professional advisors through every step of the process as we facilitate and help implement an effective financial management program. We review the client s needs, learn about his or her specific family situation, tax status, ability to tolerate investment risk, and any other particular requirements. Working with the client s trusted advisors, we provide the facilities to implement a strategy that will meet the client s needs and objectives. SUPREME COURT BUILDING Washington, DC
Investment Flexibility Delaware law permits the freedom to include higher risk assets, such as foreign equities or stock options, in a trust portfolio if the trustee determines that including such securities would help meet the trust s overall investment objectives. In making investment decisions, a Delaware trust permits the consideration of the anticipated life of the trust, the tax ramifications of an investment, the needs of beneficiaries, and general economic conditions. Directed Trusts Christiana Trust offers directed trusts in Delaware for those clients who wish to work with a trusted investment advisor but want to use a trust in their planning strategy. We provide the fiduciary services necessary to ensure that the trust operates smoothly. We also offer similar support to individuals who wish to manage their own trust investments. Tax Advantages We can act as a trustee in a number of jurisdictions. However, a trust established in Delaware does not have to pay Delaware income or capital gains taxes when there are no Delaware beneficiaries. Similarly, nonresident beneficiaries do not pay state tax on trust income or gains. Nevada does not have a state income tax. A trust governed by Nevada law may be structured to reduce a grantor s state income tax liability. Nevada also has no state gift, death or inheritance taxes. Decanting Existing irrevocable trusts frequently lack modern administrative provisions that permit the grantor to direct investments; limit fiduciary liability to the fiduciary s direct actions; and protect trust beneficiaries through a generously-worded spendthrift provision. As an alternative to costly court reformation, Delaware offers decanting legislation as an option to correct the problem. It s also an excellent way for irrevocable trusts created in non- Delaware jurisdictions to obtain the Delaware advantage. This legislation enables the trustee of an existing trust that is authorized to distribute principal to create a new trust and distribute the assets of the first trust to the second under certain circumstances.
Custody Services Large custody bank sophistication and execution combined with personal attention and service are the focus of our custody services. Our tested state of-the-art technology and Delaware and Nevada locations combined with administrative flexibility ensure that our clients receive custody services that are second-to-none. We handle the securities and perform all the administrative tasks with a penchant for detail and a level of individualized service that is unsurpassed. Our services include: Executing buy/sell orders Collecting, depositing, disbursing, and reinvesting income Maintaining accurate and timely records of all transactions Providing regular reports detailing all account activity Supplying tax information THE ACADEMY Third and Harmony Streets
Services for corporations and institutions Christiana Trust provides the services businesses and other organizations need to save taxes, protect their assets from lawsuits and creditors, and limit liability. A trust established as a Delaware statutory trust provides for a flexible and unique special purpose entity with a number of uses. As escrow agent, we can hold cash and marketable securities as a stake holder pending the completion of various agreements. Corporations, financial advisors, non-profit organizations, and government entities have utilized us for the follow services: Statutory Trusts Delaware statutory trusts are used for asset securitization, leveraged lease financings, investment funds, and in a variety of other transactions. A statutory trust can be a separate special purpose entity that may carry on any lawful business or activity. Moreover, a statutory trust may have a special purpose, perpetual existence, and provide indemnification for its trustees and the trust s beneficial owners against claims. Christiana Trust can work with clients and their advisors to implement a statutory trust structure for a maximum advantage. We work closely with our client s legal and financial advisors in all aspects of a statutory trust arrangement. Through it all, our experienced, knowledgeable staff does everything possible to assist our clients, facilitate and implement each transaction. VAN LEUVENIGH HOUSE New Castle, Delaware
CITY HALL New York City, New York Investment Holding Companies & Similar Special Purpose Entities Corporations establishing an investment holding company or a special purpose entity in Delaware and Nevada can use this approach to achieve a variety of business objectives. The entity must be carefully structured and operated if it is to succeed as part of an effective planning strategy and meet the client s goals. For investment holding companies, we seek to facilitate the implementation of the client s Delaware or Nevada connections. Establishing as many connections as possible between a holding company and Delaware or Nevada is essential. Christiana Trust can provide the nexus, custodial services, and investment support that assists in creating substance in Delaware or Nevada. Escrow Our experience as an objective third party has given us invaluable insight into what it takes to provide premier escrow agency services for a variety of corporate and institutional clients. Christiana Trust s knowledgeable and committed professionals provide escrow agency services for a wide range of transactions.
An Invitation We extend an invitation to you to join the other individuals, families, financial advisors, businesses, and institutions who have found Christiana Trust to be a firm uniquely responsive to client needs. Whether you are interested in trusts or other asset management services, the professionals at Christiana Trust would be happy to show you how you can reach your goals and meet your strategic objectives.