Guernsey presence felt at US estate planning conference

Guernsey’s fiduciary sector was represented at a prominent international estate planning conference in the United States.

Three representatives of Trust Corporation International attended the 11th annual International Estate Planning Institute event in Times Square, New York, where the firm was also a gold sponsor.

A distinguished panel of experts debated topics including US enforcement against offshore accounts, FATCA implementation, foreign investment in US real property and trustee liability issues: offshore vs. onshore.

Trust Corporation Executive Group Chairman Michael Betley, who attended the conference with directors Ken Wrigley and Andi Taylor, said: “Our presence at this important conference reflected the experience and expertise around international estate planning which exists in Guernsey.

“For some years now Trust Corporation has worked with clients in the United States and it was very helpful to hear the latest thinking on the hot topics, issues and developments the industry faces as we continue to develop our business servicing international families with a US connection.

“Unsurprisingly a recurring topic during the discussions was ‘common reporting standards’ which is a big focus for the global fiduciary industry at present.”
The event was attended by trust, bank and tax lawyers, trust officers, accountants, financial planners, investment advisers, bankers and estate planners.
 
Dominic Wheatley, the Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance, said: “Having a Guernsey presence at a leading fiduciary event in the US is important, particularly an event that attracts trust and estate practitioners, bankers and accountants from around the world. The US is a key market for us from a fiduciary and a funds perspective so to have Trust Corporation International out there demonstrating not only its own expertise but that of Guernsey as a whole is very positive for the Island.”