When The Chicago Trust Company fielded an inquiry from a prospective client about a $65 million trust 8 years ago, they knew the relationship was going to be unique. The patriarch had recently sold his manufacturing business and was seeking a partner who could serve as an unbiased participant in conversations about distribution of assets with multiple family stakeholders.

“The relationship came to us for our ability to internally manage fiduciary needs with corporate trustees, but also for our ability to provide custodial services, banking services, and general flexibility of offering and solutions across the Wintrust scope of service,” said Jennifer Czerwinski, Trust Officer, Senior Vice President, and North Region Team Lead for The Chicago Trust Company.

The client also wanted to work with other financial advisors, something a lot of other trust companies refuse to accommodate. The opposite is true for The Chicago Trust Company – it’s a part of every team’s goal to keep outside accountants and attorneys as a part of trust management for a better, more cohesive client service experience. Because of the accessibility, expertise, and flexibility of solutions The Chicago Trust Company was able to provide, Jennifer and team convinced the client to enter into a long-term partnership.

“There were lots of moving parts around this trust to navigate and the client needed someone to work with all of the different family groups involved to bring harmony to conversation and stability to asset distribution,” Czerwinski said. “We did the work to earn everyone’s trust and, as a result, have been able to grow our relationship beyond just our client to his extended legal and financial teams, as well as various family representatives.”

Now 8 years later, The Chicago Trust Company continues to serve as a trusted family advisor more than a year after their client’s passing, working in close partnership with his attorney to manage all facets of the trust with thoughtfulness and care.

“Our client’s goal was to have a team in place that would be introduced to the family and work with them while he was still here so that when he was gone, we’d be established as a trusted advisor to the family and continue as part of the broader group navigating this process,” Czerwinski said. “I’m proud to say more than a year later, we remain in possession of the trust and are still an important part of the family’s advisory group.”

Learn more about how The Chicago Trust Company can develop a comprehensive solution for any size trust you represent by clicking here or requesting an appointment today.