Investment Management

July 24, 2020

WHITEPAPER | Valuation of Independent Trust Companies

In this whitepaper we review the history of trust companies and how consolidation in the banking industry, changing consumer preferences, and favorable trust law changes have led to the proliferation of independent trust companies. We analyze the average trust company’s income statement and industry-wide trends, such as trust companies’ relative immunity to fee pressure. We consider valuation “rules-of-thumb,” and why they often fail to address the issues specific to a given firm. Finally, we consider the various valuation methodologies, including the use of discounted cash flow models and guideline public company analysis, and how the use of multiple valuation approaches can serve to generate tests of reasonableness against which the different indications can be evaluated.

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When RIA Owners Disagree on Value
When RIA Owners Disagree on Value

Choosing the Appraiser, the Process, and the Rules of Engagement

Valuation disputes among RIA owners require more than a defensible appraisal—they also require a clear process for selecting a qualified, independent appraiser and establishing fair rules of engagement. Thoughtful dispute-resolution provisions can help parties reach a credible conclusion even when perspectives on value differ.
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Mercer Capital to Sponsor the Association of Trust Organizations 2026 Annual Meeting
Mercer Capital to Sponsor the Association of Trust Organizations 2026 Annual Meeting
Mercer Capital is pleased to sponsor the Association of Trust Organizations’ 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place September 21-23, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. Matt Crow, Brooks Hamner, and Zach Milam will attend on behalf of the firm.The 2026 Annual Meeting is a 1.5-day conference designed exclusively for the trust industry and will feature more than 13 hours of roundtables, panels, and networking. One of the featured sessions is Tuesday afternoon’s Session VI, “What Makes a Trust Company Worth More? Building Value Before the Deal,” which will be moderated by Matt Crow. The panel will explore the factors that drive valuation, how buyers and sellers evaluate opportunities, and what firms can do today to maximize enterprise value.Matt Crow, CFA, ASA, is the CEO of Mercer Capital and leads the firm’s Investment Management Industry team. He works with RIAs, independent trust companies, broker-dealers, and investment consulting firms on valuation matters related to corporate planning and reorganization, transactions, employee stock ownership plans, tax issues, and intangible asset valuations. Matt is also a frequent contributor to Mercer Capital’s RIA Valuation Insights blog.Brooks Hamner, CFA, ASA, is a Senior Vice President and a senior member of Mercer Capital’s Investment Management Industry team. He provides valuation services to RIAs, independent trust companies, asset managers, wealth management firms, broker-dealers, and investment consultants, and he also advises clients buying or selling their business.Zach Milam, CFA, is a Vice President and a senior member of Mercer Capital’s Investment Management Industry team. He has experience in corporate planning and reorganizations, financial reporting, fairness opinions, litigation support, employee stock ownership plans, and estate and gift tax planning and compliance matters.Mercer Capital regularly works with RIAs, independent trust companies, broker-dealers, and other investment management clients on valuation and advisory matters, and the firm looks forward to connecting with attendees in Park City. Visit the conference website to learn more about this year’s Annual Meeting: https://trustorgs.com/annual-meeting/.
The Margin RIA Buyers Actually Underwrite
The Margin RIA Buyers Actually Underwrite

Why the Post-Closing Cost Structure Matters More Than the Historical Margin

RIA buyers often focus less on a seller’s historical margin than on the earnings the business can generate after closing under the buyer’s operating model. Differences in integration strategy, cost structure, and platform capabilities can lead buyers to underwrite materially different margins and values.
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