In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Paul Fabiano – Attorney-At-Law at PTF Legal – for a conversation that reaches back to Bridgeford’s earliest days. Paul played an important role in bringing Bridgeford its first trust relationship, beginning a long collaboration focused on using modern trust law to solve complex planning challenges for families and their advisors.

Drawing on Paul’s extensive experience in tax, estate, trust, business, and insurance planning, David and Paul explore the evolution of sophisticated trust planning, including income tax planning, asset protection, and directed trusts. They also discuss the curiosity and problem-solving mindset behind identifying new opportunities and improving existing planning structures.

The conversation highlights South Dakota’s continued evolution as a modern trust jurisdiction and the flexibility its laws provide for advanced planning, including the ability to pair professional trust administration with the continued involvement of a family’s existing advisors.

You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction & Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.

If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

STEP Miami Summit: October 21–22 | Coral Gables, FL

Bridgeford is looking forward to STEP Miami’s 2026 Summit, taking place October 21–22 at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.

This year’s sold-out summit, centered on the theme Shaping the Next Step in Legacy, will explore the evolving role of stewardship, governance, and long-term planning in preserving wealth across generations.

Ozzy Martinez, Senior Trust Officer at Bridgeford Trust Company and Managing Director of Bridgeford Global, and Sydney Warren, Managing Director at Bridgeford, will be available throughout the event. If you’ll be attending, we invite you to stop by Bridgeford’s exhibit table or contact us to arrange a time to connect.

During the summit, Bridgeford will also be co-hosting a private dinner with UMA Wealth on October 22, providing an additional opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends in the international planning community. Space is limited, but if you’re interested in joining us, please reach out to inquire about availability.

Cocktails at the Marina: October 29 | Fort Lauderdale, FL

Bridgeford is also looking forward to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where we’ll be co-hosting Cocktails at the Marina alongside our friends at Affinity on October 29.

Join us for cocktails and conversation during one of the world’s premier boating events! David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman, and Sydney Warren look forward to connecting with attendees!

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: The Shorely at Marina Village, 849 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Interested in attending? RSVP to be added to our guest list.

In connection with the boat show, we also recently explored how South Dakota trusts may be used in planning for yachts, private aircraft, and other unique assets. Read our article, Structuring Yachts and Private Aircraft with South Dakota Trusts, to learn more.

For additional information about these upcoming events or to schedule a time to connect with the Bridgeford team, please reach out through our contact page or call (605) 224-9189. We look forward to seeing you in South Florida!

  

While in Switzerland, David will also be hosting a gathering and leading a fireside chat in Zurich on Thursday, October 22. Colleagues and friends in the area are invited to join us for drinks and conversation, with additional details below!

The inaugural Pepperdine Summit will bring together business-owning families, family office professionals, and industry experts for discussions on multigenerational wealth planning, family governance, succession, philanthropy, and the evolving global financial landscape.

As part of the summit’s programming on October 19, David will participate in a panel discussion exploring the history and evolution of trust law, from its origins in medieval England to modern trust structures in the United States and beyond. The discussion will cover the emergence of progressive U.S. trust jurisdictions such as South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nevada, including planning opportunities involving Dynasty Trusts, Directed Trusts, asset protection, and decanting, as well as cross-border considerations for internationally connected families.

Join Us for Drinks in Zurich – October 22

Bridgeford Trust Company invites colleagues and friends in the area to join us for a gathering in Zurich on Thursday, October 22, alongside our friends at UMA Wealth, BFI Infinity, and Trusted Advisor! The evening will feature a fireside chat led by David Warren exploring the impact of domestic and international geopolitical uncertainty on trust planning, along with an opportunity to enjoy drinks, conversation, and connect with colleagues and friends.

Date & Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Location: Almodobar – Bleicherweg 68, 8002 Zurich

If you’re interested in joining us, please contact us so we can plan accordingly.

Unable to join us for drinks? David would still welcome the opportunity to connect while he’s in Switzerland. Please reach out if you’d like to coordinate a time to meet during his visit.

  

Rather than holding the asset individually, a yacht or aircraft may be owned through an LLC or other entity that is ultimately held within a properly designed trust. For families already incorporating South Dakota trusts into their estate and wealth planning, this can create additional opportunities around asset protection, privacy, control, and succession.

As the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show approaches, we look forward to connecting with clients, advisors, and industry professionals at Cocktails at the Marina on October 29, where we’ll have the opportunity to discuss trust planning considerations for yachts and other unique assets. If you’re attending the show, we hope you’ll join us! Event details and RSVP information are included below.

Asset Protection & Liability Considerations

Yachts and private aircraft are significant assets, but they also carry unique operational and liability considerations.

An appropriately structured ownership entity may help separate the asset from other personal or family holdings. That entity can then be incorporated into a broader South Dakota trust designed around the family’s asset protection and estate planning objectives.

Depending on the family’s circumstances and objectives, South Dakota’s Domestic Asset Protection Trust laws may provide an additional layer of protection against future third-party creditor claims while offering considerable flexibility in the design and administration of the trust.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Privacy is another important consideration for many families holding substantial assets.

South Dakota’s nationally recognized privacy and quiet trust statutes provide families and their advisors with significant flexibility when establishing trusts for long-term wealth planning. These laws are designed to provide privacy—not secrecy—and can help protect sensitive family and trust information from public disclosure.

For families already focused on maintaining discretion around their businesses, investments, residences, and other holdings, considering privacy when structuring ownership of a yacht or private aircraft can be a natural extension of the broader planning process.

Directed Trusts & Flexibility

South Dakota’s directed trust laws are particularly well suited for assets that require specialized knowledge or ongoing management.

A Directed Trust separates trust administration from investment, distribution, and other designated decision-making responsibilities. This allows families to retain trusted advisors or other designated fiduciaries while an independent South Dakota trustee provides trust administration.

For yachts and private aircraft, that flexibility can be especially valuable. Families may already work with aviation professionals, yacht managers, family offices, or other advisors who understand the asset and the family’s objectives. A Directed Trust can allow those relationships and areas of expertise to remain part of the overall structure.

Planning for the Next Generation

Ownership of a yacht or aircraft can raise important long-term questions. Who should own the asset in the future? Who should be permitted to use it? Who will make decisions about maintenance, expenses, or an eventual sale?

A properly drafted trust can establish a framework for those decisions in advance. For families using Dynasty Trusts or other multigenerational planning strategies, a yacht or private aircraft can become part of the same long-term approach used for businesses, real estate, investments, and other significant family assets.

For families that own or are considering the purchase of a yacht or private aircraft, South Dakota trust planning can provide direction, control, and flexibility in how these assets are owned, managed, protected, and ultimately passed to future generations.

Join Us During the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Bridgeford Trust Company and Affinity will host Cocktails at the Marina during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, bringing together clients, advisors, and industry professionals for an evening of conversation and connection.

October 29, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
The Shorely at Marina Village
849 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
RSVP to join us!

To learn more about how South Dakota trust planning may support yachts, private aircraft, and other unique assets, call (605) 224-9189 or contact us online.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Lauren Klein – Co-Founder & Attorney at Flourish Law Group, PLLC – to discuss a more personalized approach to estate planning centered on education, empowerment, and understanding the unique needs of each family.

Lauren shares her journey from Biglaw to co-founding Flourish Law Group and explores the importance of planning beyond the documents. The conversation includes special needs trust planning, probate avoidance, privacy, and the role education plays in helping families make informed planning decisions. Lauren also discusses Flourish’s Estate Planning for Busy Parents webinar, designed to make foundational estate planning concepts more accessible.

Finally, Lauren shares the inspiration behind Legal + Wealthy, the community she founded, and the Legal + Wealthy Podcast. She and David discuss wealth building within the legal profession, the pressures attorneys face, and the importance of mental health, well-being, and creating a more sustainable definition of professional success.

You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction & Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.

If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

2026 Innovator of the Year Awards: October 7 | Irvine, CA

Bridgeford is proud to sponsor the Orange County Business Journal’s 2026 Innovator of the Year Awards, taking place on October 7 at the Irvine Marriott, with the luncheon and awards held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Now in its twelfth year, the awards program recognizes Orange County individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership and innovation across a variety of industries and disciplines.

Sydney Warren, Managing Director, is serving as a judge for this year’s awards. Sydney and David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman, will also be hosting a Bridgeford table at the event. If you’ll be in the area and would like to attend, contact us – we’d be happy to have you join us!

2027 Economic Forecast: October 9 | Newport Beach, CA

Bridgeford is also pleased to sponsor the 2027 Economic Forecast, presented by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and featuring UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. The event will be held on October 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.

This annual event brings together Orange County business leaders for insights on the economic outlook and trends shaping the region. This year’s featured speaker is Christopher Schwarz, Professor of Finance and Faculty Director of the Todd & Lisa Halbrook Center for Investment & Wealth Management at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.

David and Sydney will again be hosting a Bridgeford table and look forward to connecting with members of the Orange County business community. If you’re interested in joining us for the event, contact us to reserve a seat at Bridgeford’s table.

For additional information or questions about these upcoming events, please reach out to us through our contact page or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

Located at 104 W 40th Street, near Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Bridgeford NYC is situated in one of the world’s leading centers for financial services, law, investment management, and private wealth. The new office provides an important local connection for our work with sophisticated families and the advisors who serve them throughout New York and the broader Northeast.

Bridgeford NYC joins our existing offices in Miami, Newport Beach, Philadelphia, and the Bay Area, continuing Bridgeford’s strategic expansion into key markets nationwide. Together, these locations support our broader commitment to building strong relationships with families and advisors while expanding the reach of Bridgeford’s independent and strategic approach to trust planning.

David Warren, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company and President and CEO of Bridgeford Advisors, shared the following perspective on Bridgeford’s new presence in New York:

“New York City is another natural expansion for Bridgeford, given our deep ties and connection to ‘the city that never sleeps.’ Since our inception, NYC was among the first major financial markets to embrace Bridgeford and the power of modern trust law, and we are thrilled to put our flag in the ground in the heart of Manhattan and formally become part of the city’s domestic and international professional community.”

Bridgeford NYC Launch Event: November 4

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Bridgeford NYC with a ribbon cutting in partnership with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to connect with the Bridgeford team and fellow professionals. David Warren will also share insights on trust jurisdiction selection and the benefits of modern trust law for asset protection, privacy, and tax planning.

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Bar Cima – 30 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018
Registration: Space is limited, so register early by clicking here.

For more information about Bridgeford’s expansion into New York City, or to connect with our team, please contact us via our contact page or by calling (605) 224-9189.

  

If you’ll be attending IPAVision or the STEP LatAm Conference, we’d love to connect. Please reach out to coordinate a time to meet with our team while we’re there.

IPAVision 2026: September 14-17 | Atlanta, GA

Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to participate in IPAVision 2026, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives’ premier annual event. The conference brings together more than 500 influential leaders and stakeholders to explore macroeconomic and investment management trends and innovative solutions within the alternative investments industry.

David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company, will be attending and speaking on a panel titled Beyond the Exchange: PPLI, PPVA & the Insurance-Wrapper Playbook on Monday, September 14, from 2:50 to 3:40 p.m. David will join Loren Wengerd of Integrity Financial Corporation and moderator Sommer Keplar of the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives to explore PPLI and PPVA structures, the IRS Investor Control Doctrine, and implementation considerations for complex alternative investment portfolios.

STEP LatAm Conference: September 16-18 | São Paulo, Brazil

Bridgeford Trust Company will once again sponsor the sold-out STEP LatAm Conference, taking place September 16-18 in São Paulo, Brazil. The conference brings together trust and estate practitioners from across Latin America and around the world to explore developments and planning considerations affecting internationally connected families and their advisors.

Sydney Warren, Managing Director, and Ozzy Martinez, Senior Trust Officer, will be on-site throughout the conference. If you are attending, we invite you to visit Bridgeford’s exhibit table to meet our team and learn more about our independent approach to trust and fiduciary services, international trust planning services, and the power of South Dakota’s modern trust laws.

OCBJ Women in Business Awards: September 17 | Irvine, CA

Bridgeford Trust Company is proud to sponsor the Orange County Business Journal’s Women in Business Awards, taking place September 17 at the Irvine Marriott.

This annual program recognizes the accomplishments and leadership of outstanding women in Orange County’s business community. We are pleased to support an event that celebrates their contributions and continued impact throughout the region.

Follow Bridgeford Trust Company on LinkedIn for event updates, or reach out directly at (605) 224-9189 or through our contact form.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Skyler Wanberg – Executive VP, Legacy Funding at Leverage Capital Partners – for a conversation on innovative premium funding strategies and the role life insurance can play in sophisticated legacy planning.

Skyler shares his entrepreneurial journey—from launching a life insurance brokerage at 19 to building and exiting companies across several industries before ultimately returning to insurance. David and Skyler then compare traditional premium financing with Leverage Capital Partners’ model, examining how existing assets and customized funding structures may be used to fund large life insurance policies with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Through examples involving professional athletes, business owners, and multigenerational families, they explore how these strategies may support estate tax planning, create tax-advantaged income, and preserve wealth across generations. They also discuss the importance of independent trustees and advisors, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Private Placement Life Insurance, and how these tools can work alongside South Dakota trusts as part of a comprehensive legacy plan.

You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction & Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.

If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

This honor reflects the continued growth and momentum of Bridgeford and the independent, conflict-free fiduciary model on which the company was founded. Since 2012, Bridgeford has grown into South Dakota’s oldest and largest independently owned trust company, serving families across the United States and around the world while working collaboratively with their attorneys, financial advisors, family offices, and other trusted professionals.

As Bridgeford continues to expand its national and international presence, the company remains fiercely independent and committed to sophisticated trust administration and fiduciary services, collaboration with advisors, and education around modern trust law. Through speaking engagements, published articles, educational videos, podcasts, and other initiatives, Bridgeford continues to help professionals and families better understand sophisticated trust planning opportunities.

David reflected on Bridgeford’s longstanding connection to the Miami community, saying:

“Long before we launched our office on Brickell in 2020, Bridgeford had the pleasure of bringing the very best of modern U.S. fiduciary services to advisors and families in South Florida and across Latin America. With its uniquely international and vibrant business culture, Miami is a community Bridgeford is very proud to be a part of, and I am extremely grateful for this recognition.”

David’s Miami Titan 100 honor follows his recent selection as a shortlisted nominee for the 2026 Orange County Executive Forum & Leadership Awards. Together, these recognitions reflect David’s leadership and Bridgeford’s continued growth as an independent trust company serving families and their advisors across the country and around the world.

The 2026 Miami Titan 100 Honorees will be celebrated on November 19, 2026, at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami. Bridgeford congratulates David and all of this year’s honorees and looks forward to joining Miami’s business community for the awards celebration in November!