Asset planning for the future: a Trust from First National Bank Alaska.

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The Trust Department at First National Bank Alaska is a quiet powerhouse amid the state's financial services providers.

It's not big, but its customers know their investments are handled by the weight and experience of Alaska's largest, strongest locally owned bank. It's not flashy, but it would be difficult to find a group of money managers more familiar with Alaska's market.

Bob Tannahill, Senior Trust Officer, says his department is the perfect size. "We're small enough to know you personally, but big enough to be effective. With more than 90 years combined experience in trust management in Alaska, the five-member Trust Committee is focused and results-oriented."

WHAT'S A TRUST?

A trust is a vehicle designed to help plan for and manage assets, for the present and/or future benefit of the trust maker (usually called the "grantor") or his or her heirs.

A trust is an entity that exists wholly within a document but is legally able to own assets such as property, money, stocks and bonds or other assets. A trust's assets are held and managed by one person, co-trustees or an institution for the benefit of another. One can establish a trust for many reasons, such as reducing estate taxes or making tax-advantaged gifts to a qualified charity. The terms and assets of a trust may remain confidential, even after the death of the grantor.

If your prior experience or knowledge of trusts is limited, the trust officers at First National Bank will talk with you and your attorney about the process of establishing and administering a trust. The potential grantor is presented with investment alternatives, together with the pros and cons of each.

SAFETY, SECURITY MANAGED LOCALLY

The bank has a tradition of financial strength that dates back more than 80 years. The five-member committee is committed to creating financial solutions designed to meet Alaskans' needs.

The Trust Committee helps Alaskans succeed through a two-part philosophy: preservation of principle, and reasonable rates of return over time.

Each aspect of every trust is implemented locally, from investment decisions to processing work. Account records are maintained in Anchorage...