Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my assets are safe?

The State of Vermont, in granting the charter to the Trust Company of Vermont, made the initial determination that TCV is a sound organization, adequately staffed and capitalized to perform trust services. Trust assets, whether held by the Trust Company of Vermont or by a bank trust department, are not subject to FDIC insurance. The reason for this is that state and federal law requires banks and trust companies to keep assets separate from the bank or trust company.

The Trust Company of Vermont holds all of its client assets with Northern Trust. Furthermore, we are subject to on-site examinations by bank regulators, and we maintain substantial insurance coverage protecting client funds against wrongdoing, errors and omissions and financial failure.

How does Trust Company of Vermont differ from stockbrokers, financial planners and bank trust departments?

The primary difference is our unique corporate status as an independent trust company, locally controlled. We are free from the influences of an owner that may have products to sell and/or might be insensitive to the needs of our customer. This allows us to make our investment decisions solely for the benefit of the client or the trust beneficiaries.

Another difference is our fee arrangements. Trust Company of Vermont avoids all conflicts of interests when charging fees and we fully disclose all fees in a simple and understandable manner.

Furthermore, we are unique in pricing our accounts by relationships rather than individual accounts. This encourages needed trust accounts for family members regardless of size.

Although Trust Company of Vermont is permitted to receive compensation from certain mutual funds (12b-1 and other administrative fees), we have elected not to, in order to enhance the investment return for our client accounts. We want to be free of any self interest when making recommendations.

Is TCV bound to a “fiduciary” standard?

Yes, and we always have been. The “fiduciary standard” requires putting a client’s interests ahead of one’s own. Some advisors need only meet a “suitability” standard in investments they recommend. This has been in the news recently in anticipation of Department of Labor rule changes to expand fiduciary standard requirements, with the goal of helping consumers avoid unnecessary or hidden fees in retirement account investments.

How easy is opening an account at Trust Company of Vermont? Can I transfer assets to the Trust Company of Vermont without incurring fees or taxes?

Whether you are moving funds from a bank trust department, broker or financial planner, transferring assets is simple. In most cases, securities are transferred, not sold, to avoid unnecessary capital gains. Most stocks, bonds, and mutual funds can be transferred in two days with the cooperation of the transferring institution.

Will I earn a better rate of return on funds than I do now?

This is our goal. We offer the skill of 13 proven investment managers averaging approximately 30 years experience. We have attracted this talent because we offer employee ownership, encourage customer contact and customization, and provide the resources to manage assets well.