More than Wealth Management: The Whittier Difference
A fresh perspective from a recent addition to the team: Sharon Perlin joined Whittier Trust Company in January 2023. With nearly 20 years of experience providing legal counsel, she frequently remarks on the distinctive qualities that set Whittier apart from other companies in the wealth management field. “Although there are countless ways in which Whittier stands out,” Sharon […]
Exceptional Returns With Hybrid Investing
Whittier Trust’s internal investment team selectively partners with outside managers to yield higher returns. We call it our hybrid architecture. Our clients call it the best of both worlds. Internal + External Investing The investments we make on behalf of our clients fall into two categories: those our internal investment team manages directly and those we allocate […]
Guarding Ultrawealthy Clients and Their Networks From Identity Theft
Many ultrahigh net worth clients spend a good portion of their lifetime building their wealth. Losing that wealth due to identity theft is a nightmare scenario — one that is becoming increasingly common in today’s world, as AI automation and efficiencies allow bad actors to increase the scale and impact of their attacks. Although a recent study […]
The Overlooked Key to Multigenerational Wealth: Proactive Estate Planning
For many ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), it’s easy to believe there will always be time to address estate planning. The demands of running a business, managing investments and nurturing family relationships often take precedence. But estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the inevitable; it’s about ensuring your wealth survives — and thrives — for generations to come, even […]
Market Insights – First Quarter 2025
Shifting Gears In The Economic Cycle The U.S. economy has now remained resilient to the massive post-pandemic inflation shock for well over two years. As a result, the economic outlook has changed dramatically from the inflation peak in June 2022. We trace this progression to assess where we stand now and what lies ahead. The […]
Whittier Trust Celebrates 60 Years in the Pacific Northwest
Company Proudly Marks 25th Anniversary in Seattle Whittier Trust, the oldest multi-family office headquartered on the West Coast, celebrates two major milestones in 2025: 60 years of service to the Pacific Northwest and the 25th anniversary of our Seattle office. Our legacy in the Pacific Northwest began in the 1960s with founder Paul Whittier’s vision and […]
Strategic Wealth Planning for UHNWIs for the Second Trump Administration
The new year will present challenges and opportunities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals as they re-evaluate their portfolios and long-term financial plans in light of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Strong partnerships between UHNW clients and their advisors will be essential during this transition and the ensuing four years. Proactive planning will be key, especially given potential […]
Who Should Be the Trustee of My Real Estate Portfolio?
Make sure your family’s property assets are stewarded from one generation to the next. The story of family wealth-creation in the West is not complete without a discussion of the role real estate has played in building multi-generational legacies. This is true throughout the region but specifically so in California. Almost every entrepreneur has a balance sheet that […]
Getting Started in Private Market Investment
Investor interest in private markets has surged over the past decade. To understand why, it’s essential to grasp what these investments entail and the factors driving their growth. Here, we offer insights into the complexities and benefits of private market investments and outline Whittier Trust‘s distinctive approach. Demystifying Private Market Alternatives Private market alternatives might sound exotic, but they’re […]
Navigating a Challenging Landscape: Key Considerations for UHNWIs Amid Interest Rate Cuts
In September 2024 we saw a Fed interest rate cut of 0.5 percentage points and another rate cut of 0.25 in November. Now, as we start 2025, The Fed is considering additional rate cuts. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), shifts in interest rates carry significant implications for wealth management strategies. Lower interest rates—though more elevated than in prior cycles—can influence everything from […]