Moving from a Single to Multi-Family Office
How it works, why it’s advantageous, and what to expect in the transition By Kimberly Frasca-Delaney, Senior Vice President and Client Advisor for Whittier Trust Company Sometimes when family finances grow in size and complexity, the answer is to go simpler, not bigger. After devoting years to building your own family office, it can be […]
Whittier Trust Recognized as a Quantum Certified Workplace™ in the Puget Sound
Honor marks the fifth consecutive recognition of the Seattle office’s exceptional workplace and employee culture Whittier Trust’s Seattle office has been recognized as a 2026 Quantum Certified Workplace™ in Washington. This marks half a decade of continuous recognition for workplace excellence in the Pacific Northwest. The Quantum Certified Workplace designation is awarded to organizations that demonstrate a sustained focus on […]
The Key to Good Estate Planning? Talking About It
Don’t let potential discomfort stop your from discussing your wishes By Sharon Perlin, Senior Vice President and Client Advisor for Whittier Trust Company Many people are afraid to talk about what happens when they die. Some think it’s bad luck, while others prefer to avoid the discussion because it can be uncomfortable. Still others think […]
Alternative Investments
How to make non-traditional assets work for you By Eric Derrington, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for Whittier Trust Company When people talk about asset classes, they often cite cash, bonds, and publicly traded stocks. “Alternative investments” are sometimes added as a catchall category—but alternatives are far from homogeneous. At their core, alternative […]
Charitable Giving After a Liquidity Event
Philanthropic strategy for newly realized wealth By Amanda Buntmann, Vice President, Client Advisor, Philanthropic Services, Whittier Trust A liquidity event often begins with spreadsheets, attorneys, and tax projections. But for many wealthy families, the more consequential questions emerge afterward. In one early meeting following a significant business sale, three generations gathered around the table: a […]
No Crypto. No Gold. The Institutional Discipline Behind the Zero
Why the world’s best-managed money isn’t chasing the headlinesBy Whit Batchelor, Executive Vice President and Client Advisor, Whittier Trust The recently released 2026 Global Family Office Report by J.P. Morgan was a survey of 333 single-family offices, across 30 countries, with an average net worth of $1.6 billion. While their assets were significant, another striking […]
When Wealth Decisions Become Family Decisions
Creating the right structure to align generations on family legacy and long-term wealthBy Brian G. Bissell, Senior Vice President, Client Advisor, Whittier Trust Wealth planning can be straightforward when one person holds the reins. A single decision-maker with a clear vision can work efficiently with a team of specialists, such as financial advisors and estate […]
A Philanthropic Write-Off for the 70-Plus Set
How qualified charitable distributions work and how they can help offset tax burdens By Gregg Millward, Whittier Trust Client Advisor Anyone nearing the age of 70 should be aware that you will soon have some age-specific tax rules to consider in managing your money. The good news is that many of them are quite beneficial. […]
Planning for a Major Philanthropic Gift
Three steps to making a transformational donationBy Whittier Trust A major gift to a university, hospital, museum, or other well-known institution can be a transformative undertaking for both you and the intended recipient. Perhaps you’re considering a substantial sum for an organization you already support, or maybe you have no prior relationship at all. Either […]
Next Generation Philanthropy: How to Approach International Giving Strategically
Philanthropy is becoming an increasingly important way to engage the next generation. As families look to prepare rising generations for greater responsibility, many are expanding the conversation beyond local giving to include global impact. With that comes new considerations, from evaluating international nonprofits to navigating cross-border complexity and aligning giving with long-term intentions. In this […]