Whittier Trust is a private, independent multi-family office and trust company founded in 1935 by members of the Whittier family to manage their Southern California oil wealth. Over nearly nine decades, the firm has grown into one of the largest independent trust companies on the West Coast, managing approximately $16 billion in assets for affluent families.
Investment Strategy
Whittier Trust manages customized investment portfolios for each client family, spanning public equities, fixed income, alternatives, and real estate. The firm’s investment approach emphasizes long-term wealth preservation and growth, with asset allocations tailored to individual family circumstances, goals, and risk preferences.
The alternatives program includes allocations to private equity, venture capital, real estate, and hedge fund managers. Whittier Trust leverages its aggregated client base to access institutional-quality managers and negotiate favorable terms. The firm’s Southern California location provides proximity to a vibrant venture capital and technology ecosystem, which informs the team’s evaluation of growth-oriented managers.
Whittier Trust’s independent trust company structure eliminates the conflicts inherent in bank-owned or publicly traded wealth management firms. The firm generates revenue solely from management fees aligned with client outcomes, without proprietary product sales or transaction-based compensation.
How to Approach
Fund managers should approach Whittier Trust’s investment team with institutional-quality materials emphasizing risk-adjusted performance, operational infrastructure, and alignment of interests. The firm evaluates managers across all alternative asset classes and maintains particular interest in managers with West Coast presence and sector expertise in technology, healthcare, and real estate. Whittier Trust values long-term manager relationships and consistent communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Trust's heritage?
Whittier Trust was established in 1935 by members of the Whittier family to manage their oil wealth and family trusts. The firm has since expanded to serve numerous affluent families across California and the western United States. Whittier Trust maintains its independence as a private trust company, which aligns its interests with clients rather than external shareholders.
How does Whittier Trust allocate to alternative investments?
Whittier Trust maintains an alternatives program that includes commitments to private equity, venture capital, real estate, and hedge fund managers. The firm's investment team evaluates external managers through a rigorous due diligence process and constructs customized portfolios for client families based on their individual objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
What types of client families does Whittier Trust serve?
Whittier Trust primarily serves ultra-high-net-worth families with investable assets typically starting at $10 million. The firm provides comprehensive services including investment management, trust and estate administration, tax planning, philanthropic advisory, and family governance consulting. Many client relationships span multiple generations.
