Heritage Trust Company of New Mexico

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Heritage Trust Company of New Mexico was organized in Taos in 1994 as Northern New Mexico’s only independent trust company. HTrust was founded to provide the highest quality financial, investment and estate planning advice possible. We respect the traditions and values of our clients--the heritage of the past. Yet, with the lightening-fast computer technology of today, we`re able to offer information and recommendations that consider regional, national and even global opportunities.

An independent trust company is similar to a bank trust department without a bank’s need to attract deposits and make loans. At HTrust, we like that fact because we are not tied into the drama of making decisions about lending people money. We can focus on helping successful families manage, protect and distribute their assets.

Professionalism

Traditionally, Northern New Mexico residents have relied on family and trusted personal advisors to make key financial decisions. How to save for your children’s education, your own retirement years, or how to pass on as much as possible to your children and grand−children−−important questions like these are getting harder to answer. The world, even our beautiful corner of it, is getting more complex. Tax laws and laws governing trusts and estates change regularly. Planning for your life’s goals isn’t as simple as it used to be, and the need for trusted, competent advisors is more important than ever.

Independent trust companies like HTrust are staffed by individuals experienced in the management of assets, as well as knowledgeable about the laws established to administer these assets. HTrust utilizes financial and estate planners, investment managers, and administrators who are trained and skilled in the administration of a wide variety of accounts. Most individual trustees do not have this kind of expertise.

We would like to think that HTrust will be able to save you money. A trust company has the capability of performing many services in−house, which can prove less expensive than a personal trustee, who may have to hire other potentially higher−priced professionals. We have a competitive advantage with respect to trust tax compliance due to our affiliation with Winter Accountancy/TaosCPA.com. We can contract with independent investment managers for portfolio management at fees which are generally much more competitive than major brokerage firms.

At HTrust we generally charge a fee based upon a percentage of assets under management so we have a vested interest in seeing that your assets grow.

Independence and Impartiality

As an independent trust company all our recommendations are impartial. We sell no proprietary products. Our investment isn’t in generating commissions, but in assisting clients in making sound investments. We understand the unique business environment of New Mexico, yet we are able to offer information on investments that span the globe.

Professional trustees are able to mediate in any disputes and make impartial, unemotional, rational decisions based on the facts. HTrust administers assets under its control objectively and without the emotion that may be present if a family member is asked to serve in the capacity of trustee. This objectivity can avoid costly legal battles and can ensure that each beneficiary is treated fairly. We will strive to manage your trust assets rationally.

Perpetuity

HTrust will be there in the future to administer the trust’s assets whereas an individual can never provide this assurance. This permanence is vital for a trust to achieve its objectives. HTrust is an organization of professionals. While individuals within that organization may come and go, HTrust will continue to be there to service the needs of our clients. The organization is not dependent upon any one individual. Rather, HTrust will draw upon the collective resources of all employees, directors and advisors to ensure that your needs will be met.

Safety

HTrust must act as a prudent investor on behalf of its clients and is subject to significant and constant regulatory scrutiny. This high level of regulatory oversight requires HTrust to establish and maintain policies and safeguards to avoid the misappropriation of client funds and provide for the proper management of a client’s account. Regulators require that dual controls be maintained over all client assets.

At HTrust we bring together an independence of spirit and a respect for traditions of the past. We follow the principles of prudent investing and conservation of assets, assuring you of quality advice and counsel, independent of any particular product line or parent institution.