Guest: David Hammarberg, Partner at McKonly & Asbury

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with David Hammarberg – Partner at McKonly & Asbury. David Hammarberg has been an integral part of Bridgeford’s family of companies from the start, serving as our outsourced IT Director. With his extensive expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, and overall company security, he has played a crucial role in shaping our approach to protecting sensitive data.

Listen in as they explore how data leaks, such as the Pandora Papers, and the rise of cyber threats have transformed the IT industry. Drawing on David Hammarberg’s insights, they discuss how Bridgeford has navigated these challenges, focusing on key issues like social engineering, employee training (or the lack thereof), and vendor management.

Bridgeford’s commitment to protecting client privacy is reinforced by our decision to establish our trust charter in South Dakota, a state known for its strong trust privacy laws. This episode concludes with a discussion on how Bridgeford leverages both South Dakota fiduciary law and cutting-edge cybersecurity measures. David Hammarberg shares industry best practices, the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity, and strategies for maintaining a balance between efficient business operations and robust security protocols.

Guest: Michael Parker, Managing Director at Insight Consultants

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Michael Parker – Managing Director at Insight Consultants, an award-winning communications consultancy in Dublin, Ireland. Michael shares his journey through various senior positions in politics and business, detailing how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial focus and led to the founding of Insight Consultants.

As David and Michael continue, they explore Ireland’s tax benefits and asset protection opportunities. They specifically discuss the advantages of Ireland’s pro-business environment, including its status as having the world’s lowest corporate tax rate and being the fastest-growing economy in the EU driven by trade. These factors contribute to Ireland being known as the “Silicon Valley of Europe.”

The conversation also addresses concerns about stability and security amid uncertainties in the U.S. Many are seeking a “flight to safety,” considering moving assets offshore to find a stable and secure atmosphere outside the U.S., and Ireland emerges as a top choice for those seeking a safe haven. As the conversation wraps up, listeners will see a hybrid solution emerge combining Ireland’s benefits with the tax, privacy, and asset protection advantages of the U.S., particularly in a jurisdiction such as South Dakota, creating a powerful planning solution and offering a new strategy for advisors to discuss with their clients.