In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Andy Morgan – CEO of Affinity, a global corporate services provider supporting private wealth and asset structuring – for a conversation on global expansion, entrepreneurship, and identifying opportunity across emerging sectors.

Andy shares how Affinity has evolved from its roots in luxury asset structuring, including yachts and aircraft, into a multifaceted global services firm supporting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and businesses across industries including e-gaming, sports, and private wealth. The discussion highlights how niche expertise, jurisdictional strategy, and a disciplined approach to growth have driven that evolution.

David and Andy also explore the importance of jurisdiction selection across industries, from trust planning to gaming regulation, and why it has a lasting impact. They draw clear parallels between their firms’ philosophies – particularly around independence, collaboration, and delivering meaningful solutions – while also discussing Affinity’s global footprint across the Isle of Man, Malta, Miami, Cyprus, and beyond, along with the strategy behind expanding into key markets in an increasingly global and evolving landscape.

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.

Bubbles by the Boats on March 26

As mentioned in this episode, Bridgeford Trust Company and Affinity are hosting a networking reception during the Palm Beach International Boat Show. If you’re in the area, join Sydney Warren – Managing Director at Bridgeford, who will be attending along with the Affinity team for an evening of connection and conversation during this exciting week in Palm Beach.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Malka Palm Beach (209 6th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401)
Register: RSVP to info@bridgefordtrust.com.

We hope you enjoy this latest episode from our Delivering Direction and Control podcast! If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode or our upcoming event with Affinity, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

The post Podcast Episode 56 – From Luxury Assets to Global Services with Andy Morgan appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

We value the opportunity for meaningful conversations around trust planning, including the advantages of South Dakota’s modern trust laws and Bridgeford’s independent, conflict-free approach. If you’ll be attending any of the events below, we would welcome the opportunity to meet, so please reach out if you’d like to schedule a time during the events!

Women Shaping Business Today: Perspectives That Matter – March 19 (Newport Beach)

Bridgeford Trust Company, in collaboration with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and Trusted Advisor, is pleased to host Women Shaping Business Today: Perspectives That Matter, an evening dedicated to celebrating the impact of women in business.

The program will feature a moderated panel discussion led by Sydney Warren, Managing Director at Bridgeford, with accomplished women leaders including Lisa Neal (Partner at Rutan & Tucker), Charlene Reynolds (Airport Director at John Wayne Airport), and Annette Walker (President of City of Hope Orange County), who will share insights on leadership, career growth, and navigating today’s professional landscape. A networking reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will follow the discussion.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location: Lido House – 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA
Register: Click here to RSVP.

STEP NY Breakfast – March 25 (New York City)

Bridgeford Trust Company, along with Trusted Advisor, Schroders Wealth Management, and Global Citizen Solutions, is co-hosting a private breakfast and discussion ahead of the STEP NY Institute.

The program will feature insights from speakers, along with time for networking with fellow attendees. David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman, and Doug Mikkonen, Senior VP & Senior Trust Officer, will share perspectives on onshore and offshore asset protection strategies, as well as privacy considerations under U.S. trust law.

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: The Smith – Midtown, New York, NY
Register: Click here to RSVP

STEP NY’s International Estate Planning Institute – March 25-27 (New York City)

Bridgeford Trust Company is proud to once again sponsor STEP New York’s 21st Annual International Estate Planning Institute, taking place at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. This premier event brings together leading professionals to discuss cross-border planning developments with a U.S. component.

David Warren and Doug Mikkonen will be in attendance throughout the conference, including the pre-institute cocktail reception, and will be available at our table during the event. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by to connect with us.

Bubbles by the Boats – March 26 (West Palm Beach, FL)

Bridgeford Trust Company and Affinity, a global corporate services provider supporting private wealth and asset structuring, are hosting a networking reception during the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Sydney Warren will be attending along with the Affinity team and looks forward to welcoming guests for an evening of conversation during this exciting week in Palm Beach.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Malka Palm Beach (209 6th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401)
Register: RSVP to info@bridgefordtrust.com.

IPCC Miami Global 2026 – April 24 (Coral Gables, FL)

Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to sponsor the 4th edition of the International Private Client Conference (IPCC): Miami Global 2026, which is held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel and brings together professionals focused on international private client, tax, and cross-border wealth planning.

Sydney Warren and Ozzy Martinez, Trust Officer at Bridgeford Trust Company and Managing Director of Bridgeford Global, will be at our exhibit table throughout the day. We would welcome the chance to meet if you are planning to attend.

We always value the opportunity to spend time with the advisors and professionals we work with across the country and internationally. If you’ll be attending any of these events, or will be in the area, please feel free to reach out to coordinate time to connect.

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

The post Bridgeford’s Upcoming Industry Events: March and April appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

As global families’ personal, financial, and geographic ties become more interconnected, cross-border considerations increasingly arise in trust discussions, including:

• Families with U.S. and non-U.S. beneficiaries
• Pre-immigration and mobility-driven planning
• Offshore assets held alongside U.S. investments
• Multigenerational families with ties to multiple jurisdictions

As these scenarios become more common, advisors are increasingly focused on trust solutions that offer flexibility and stability.

Foreign Grantor Trusts

One structure frequently used in international planning is the Foreign Grantor Trust (FGT). For U.S. tax purposes, a trust’s classification as “foreign” depends on satisfying both the court test and the control test as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. When properly structured, a South Dakota Foreign Grantor Trust may be treated as a foreign trust for U.S. tax purposes while remaining a U.S. trust from a legal and administrative standpoint.

This distinction plays an important role for international families, including foreign-born individuals living in the U.S., foreign persons holding U.S. assets, and families addressing repatriation, reporting, taxation, or privacy concerns. The ability to combine offshore-equivalent tax treatment with the stability and clarity of U.S. trust administration can be a compelling planning tool.

At the same time, maintaining the intended status of a Foreign Grantor Trust requires more than thoughtful drafting. Long-term success depends on disciplined fiduciary processes, consistent administration, and a clear understanding of both U.S. tax requirements and the legal framework governing the trust.

Domestic and Offshore Asset Protection

International families often face a choice between domestic and offshore asset protection, but effective asset protection strategies frequently incorporate elements of both. Domestic trust jurisdictions with progressive modern trust laws can offer stability, strong governance frameworks, and predictable fiduciary oversight. Offshore structures may also play a role in certain asset protection or international planning scenarios.

South Dakota law provides a framework that allows domestic and offshore asset protection strategies to be integrated within a single trust instrument. This approach allows families and their advisors to preserve the benefits of U.S.-based administration while maintaining access to offshore protections when needed. For international families navigating an evolving regulatory and transparency landscape, coordinated asset protection strategies offer a way to balance flexibility with control and long-term reliability.

Bridgeford Global: A Deliberate Approach to International Planning

At Bridgeford, international trust planning has continued to grow as advisors and families seek fiduciary partners with experience navigating both the technical and practical realities of cross-border structures. That growth has been driven by client needs and by the recognition that international trust work requires dedicated focus, specialized expertise, and consistent execution over time.

Bridgeford Global was established to support this expanding international footprint and the evolving needs of global families with cross-border trust structures. Operating as the worldwide planning entity within the Bridgeford family of companies, Bridgeford Global promotes the power of U.S. modern trust law, and South Dakota-based fiduciary solutions in particular, through its sister company, Bridgeford Trust Company. The team brings together professionals with experience in foreign trust administration, governance, and coordination, helping ensure that these structures are implemented thoughtfully and administered in a manner consistent with their long-term objectives.

For additional insight into the advantages of South Dakota trust law—including asset protection, privacy, directed trusts, and more—explore our educational brochure, which provides a deeper overview of important modern trust law concepts for international families and their advisors.

If you have questions about foreign trust structures, domestic and offshore asset protection, or Bridgeford’s approach to international trust planning, please reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

The post International Trust Planning for Global Families appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Steve Rosansky – President and CEO of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce – for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, community commitment, and what it takes to build (and rebuild) a thriving business organization.

Steve shares his personal path from real estate law and entrepreneurship to public service, serving nine years on the Newport Beach City Council, including a year as mayor, and how that experience shaped his approach to relationship-building, advocacy, and long-term community investment—values that closely align with Bridgeford’s own commitment to independence and community engagement as we continue to grow our presence in California.

The conversation then turns to one of the most compelling chapters of Steve’s career: stepping into Chamber leadership at a moment of real financial distress and helping guide a full turnaround while simultaneously reinventing programming and events to keep members engaged and ensure the Chamber remains relevant in a changing business landscape.

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.

Women Shaping Business Today: Perspectives That Matter on March 19

As mentioned in this episode, Bridgeford Trust Company is proud to collaborate with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce on our upcoming event, Women Shaping Business Today: Perspectives That Matter, taking place on March 19 at the Lido House in Newport Beach. The evening will feature a moderated panel discussion with accomplished women leaders sharing candid insights on leadership, career growth, and navigating today’s evolving business landscape. Learn more and register by clicking here.

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

The post Podcast Episode 55 – Leadership, Community, and Reinvention with Steve Rosansky appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

This event will feature a moderated panel discussion with accomplished women leaders from across the legal, public, and nonprofit sectors. Panelists will share candid insights on leadership, career growth, and challenges in today’s workplace, along with the paths they have navigated to lead with impact and resilience.

Featured Panelists

• Lisa Neal, Partner at Rutan & Tucker
• Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director at John Wayne Airport
• Annette Walker, President of City of Hope Orange County

Together, these leaders bring diverse perspectives shaped by decades of experience leading complex organizations, navigating evolving professional landscapes, and driving meaningful impact within their fields.

Following the discussion, guests are invited to continue the conversation during a networking reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Event Details

Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location: Lido House – 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Registration is now open! RSVP by clicking here.

Whether you are an established professional, an emerging leader, or committed to supporting women in business, this evening offers a thoughtful and engaging opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting evening in Newport Beach! If you have any questions, please contact info@bridgefordtrust.com.

The post Women Shaping Business Today: Perspectives That Matter – March 19 in Newport Beach appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

In the episode, David Warren, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford, joins hosts Mark Singer and Steve Target of Newton One Advisors for a wide-ranging conversation on modern trust planning, jurisdictional strategy, and why independence has become one of the most critical issues facing families, founders, and advisors today.

David shares the personal and professional journey that led him from practicing law and leadership roles at large financial institutions to building Bridgeford as a purpose-built, independent trust company. Along the way, he explains what initially troubled him about the traditional “bundled” financial services model, where banks act simultaneously as trustee, asset manager, lender, and insurance provider, and how those conflicts ultimately inspired a fundamentally different approach.

The discussion explores why trust situs matters, how modern trust statutes—particularly in leading jurisdictions like South Dakota—have reshaped asset protection, privacy, and fiduciary administration, and why directed trust structures have become essential tools for families operating in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment. David also addresses broader industry trends, including consolidation, private equity ownership of trust companies, and why he believes true fiduciary alignment requires long-term independence and clarity around succession and control.

Throughout the episode, David weaves in the mindset that shaped Bridgeford’s culture, from entrepreneurial influences like The 4-Hour Workweek and Think and Grow Rich to his belief that modern trust planning is not just about documents, but about building durable structures that can withstand disruption, regulatory change, and generational transition.

You can listen to this episode of the Newton Knowledge Podcast through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

If you have questions about any of the topics discussed in this episode, including trust situs, directed trusts, asset protection, or independent fiduciary solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

The post Importance of Trust Planning and Situs: Bridgeford Featured on the Newton Knowledge Podcast appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Yaasha Sabba – Chief Counsel at Sky Unlimited Law and a nationally recognized Personal Family Lawyer® – to explore Wealth 3.0: a more modern, integrated approach to planning that goes far beyond legal documents.

Yaasha shares the pivotal client story that shifted his career from patent law to estate and legacy planning, and why “having a trust” is not the same as having a plan that actually works. Together, David and Yaasha unpack the real-world consequences of poorly implemented planning, especially for founders and families building wealth in fast-moving environments where a disruption can derail everything.

The conversation also explores the practical realities of planning in today’s climate, including why privacy starts with foundational estate planning, how Wealth 3.0 shifts the focus from documents to education, organization, and decision-making, and why modern trust planning has become increasingly critical for families and founders navigating uncertainty.

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 and 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.

The post Podcast Episode 54 – Wealth 3.0: From Foundational Planning to Intentional Legacy with Yaasha Sabba appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

We look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations around trust planning, highlighting the power of South Dakota’s modern trust laws and Bridgeford’s independent and conflict-free approach. We hope to see you at one, or more, of the events below and welcome the opportunity to connect!

January 22: 5th Annual Trusted Advisor Summit (Santa Monica, CA)

Bridgeford Trust Company is excited to sponsor the 5th Annual Trusted Advisor Summit, celebrating five years of connection and collaboration within the Trusted Advisor community across music, entertainment, and sports.

David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman, will be speaking on From Superstar to Structure: Running the Financial Life of Talent Like a Family Office, a panel discussion examining how advisors are increasingly operating as full-scale family offices for talent—overseeing complex entities, investments, governance structures, and long-term strategy. The session will also feature insights from Justin Bass (MAI Capital Management), Alexandre Lin (SumIt Software), and Lisa Barringer and Reggie Gooden (360 Business Management), offering a practical look at how multidisciplinary teams support talent at the highest level.

If you’re interested in attending, please reach out to us for more information on this exclusive event!

January 22-23: 44th Annual International Tax Conference (Miami, FL)

Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to sponsor the 44th Annual International Tax Conference, a leading forum for international tax and estate planning professionals, hosted by the Florida Institute of CPAs in collaboration with the Tax Section of The Florida Bar. The conference brings together practitioners from across disciplines to examine current developments, cross-border planning considerations, and the evolving international tax landscape affecting families, businesses, and advisors.

Sydney Warren, Managing Director, will be attending and looks forward to connecting. Stop by our exhibit table to learn how South Dakota’s modern trust laws support sophisticated domestic and international planning.

February 9: 14th Annual Estate Planning Symposium (Key Biscayne, FL)

The Estate Planning Council of Greater Miami will host its 14th Annual Estate Planning Symposium, bringing together leading professionals from across the estate planning, tax, and wealth advisory community for a day of timely discussion and collaboration. Danielle Keeton, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer, will be attending the symposium and looks forward to connecting with attendees.

If you’re attending the symposium or would like to schedule time to meet with Danielle while she is in the area, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.

February 10-11: STEP Orange County’s 14th Annual Institute (Newport Beach, CA)

Bridgeford Trust Company is proud to once again serve as title sponsor of the STEP Orange County Institute on Tax, Estate Planning, and the World Economy, one of the region’s premier gatherings for trust and estate planning professionals. The Institute brings together leading practitioners to explore timely developments, practical planning strategies, and emerging global considerations shaping the future of estate and wealth planning.

David Warren will be speaking on Tax, Asset Protection, and Privacy Planning in Chaotic Times, sharing insights on how modern trust law can help families navigate increasing complexity and uncertainty. Throughout the conference, Doug Mikkonen, Senior Vice President & Senior Trust Officer, and Sydney Warren, Managing Director, will be at Bridgeford’s exhibit table and look forward to connecting with attendees. If you haven’t registered yet, we encourage you to do so and join us for this important event!

February 12: Bridgeford Bay Area Launch Event (Menlo Park, CA)

As we recently announced, Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to introduce Bridgeford Bay Area, a new office established by its sister company, Bridgeford Advisors (dba Bridgeford), located in Menlo Park. To celebrate this expansion, we invite you to join us for our Bridgeford Bay Area Launch Event! The evening will feature a timely discussion on the power of trust jurisdiction selection—particularly around asset protection, privacy, and tax planning—followed by a networking reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Event details and registration information can be found here: https://bridgeford-bay-area.eventbrite.com

We value the opportunity these events provide to engage with advisors navigating increasingly complex planning considerations for their clients. If you’re attending any of the conferences listed above and would like to connect with a member of the Bridgeford team, we would be happy to arrange a time to meet.

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

The post Bridgeford to Sponsor and Speak at Upcoming Industry Events appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

Located at 149 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 1090, Menlo Park, California, Bridgeford’s Bay Area office strengthens our ability to work closely with families and their advisors throughout Northern California and the broader West Coast. The Bay Area has long been a center of innovation, entrepreneurship, and multigenerational wealth, making it a natural extension of Bridgeford’s long-standing work with sophisticated families navigating complex planning needs.

This expansion builds on the successful launches of Bridgeford’s offices in Miami, Newport Beach, and Philadelphia, reflecting the growing demand for independent and strategic trust planning. As families navigate increasing complexity driven by tax uncertainty, regulatory change, and global considerations, Bridgeford’s expanded footprint allows for closer collaboration with families and their advisors across key regions.

David Warren, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company and President and CEO of Bridgeford Advisors, shared the following perspective on Bridgeford’s most recent expansion: “Fiercely independent and conflict-free, Bridgeford’s expansion into Northern California is a natural evolution following the great success of our Southern California office working with families and their advisors. The power of modern trust law continues to resonate with California residents and their advisors across the state, particularly in the areas of state and federal tax planning, asset protection, and privacy.”

Bridgeford Bay Area Launch Event: February 12

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Bridgeford’s new office with an evening that will feature a timely discussion on the power of trust jurisdiction selection—particularly around asset protection, privacy, and tax planning—along with time to connect with members of the Bridgeford team and fellow professionals over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Date & Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5:00pm PST
Location: Hotel Nia – 200 Independence Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Registration: Space is limited so please register early by clicking here.

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

The post Bridgeford Bay Area: Expanding the Power of Modern Trust Law appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Alex Segal – Partner at Silberman Zaretsky PC – to explore the highly nuanced world of trust and estate planning for visual artists.

Alex shares how his practice focuses on representing painters, sculptors, and conceptual artists, and why traditional estate planning approaches often fall short for this unique client base. The conversation examines the deeply personal nature of artwork, the challenges of illiquid yet high-value assets, and the planning strategies required to balance legacy preservation, tax efficiency, asset protection, and privacy.

Throughout the discussion, David and Alex cover several key planning tools for visual artists, including asset protection strategies, valuation considerations such as blockage discounts, and the role of dynasty trusts and foundations in preserving artistic legacies. They also explore why directed trusts are particularly well suited for holding artwork, allowing families to separate fiduciary administration from artistic oversight while maintaining flexibility as circumstances and planning objectives evolve.

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 and 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.

The post Podcast Episode 53 – Planning for Artists: Trusts, Legacy, and Non-Traditional Assets with Alex Segal appeared first on Bridgeford Trust Company.