Program | Wealth & Trust 360

12:00 – 1:00 PM

General Session

Fiduciary or forgotten: The standard that separates advisors from the rest 

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting regulatory priorities and a new presidential administration, the fiduciary standard is more than a legal obligation — it’s a defining principle that separates trusted advisors from transactional intermediaries. We’ll explore the urgent relevance of fiduciary duty in 2026 and beyond, as advisors face mounting pressure to demonstrate value, integrity and foresight in an era of digital disruption and political change.  

2026 takeaway: Leave with the mindset, tools and strategies to navigate change and thrive.

• Andrew Reinhart, Managing Director and Chief Fiduciary Officer, Wells Fargo

1:00 – 1:15 PM

Break

1:15 – 2:00 PM

Concurrent Sessions I

Estate planning for cyber property: Electronic communications, cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens and the metaverse 

New types of property without tangible form are evolving rapidly, from ubiquitous electronic communications such as email and text messages to the generally understood realm of cryptocurrency, the growing use of ethereal non-fungible tokens and the fringes of the metaverse. Without an understanding of these assets, estate planners will lack the sophistication necessary to provide sage advice to their estate planning clients. 

2026 takeaway: Get the tools to protect digital wealth, prevent costly oversights and confidently guide clients through the complexities of modern trust management. 

• Gerry Beyer, Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law

From burden to benefit: How strategic trust termination protects value and reduces risk

As trust portfolios evolve and legacy structures reach their natural conclusion, the termination of small trusts — whether general, GST, non-GST or charitable — has become a pressing technical challenge for fiduciary professionals. With increasing scrutiny from regulators, shifting tax landscapes and heightened expectations for precision, the process of winding down trusts demands more than administrative closure — it requires strategic execution. We’ll explore why this topic is critical now, as outdated or mismanaged terminations can trigger unintended tax consequences, legal exposure and reputational damage.  

2026 takeaway: Learn practical guidance to ensure compliance, minimize risk and maintain client trust. 

• Rita Diaz, Partner, Hahn & Hahn LLP

2:00 – 2:15 PM

Break

2:15 – 3:00 PM

Concurrent Sessions II

Special charitable financial planning opportunities for February 2026 

Market fluctuations, interest rate changes, OBBBA, SECURE, SECURE 2.0, other new legislation — the changes never seem to stop! But with change comes opportunity, including for clients with charitable interests. We’ll review the strategies available to help clients take advantage of these special opportunities, and we’ll share the latest decision-making research results revealing the words, phrases and conversation strategies that are most effective in communicating with donors during times like these. 

2026 takeaway: Understand all the changes in charitable financial planning and maximize opportunities.  

• Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP®, Professor, School of Financial Planning, Texas Tech University

From overwhelmed to optimized: Freeing up time during the week with AI 

Feeling buried in tasks and short on time? This session brings together a panel of practitioners who’ve turned to AI to reclaim their workweek. Each panelist will share a real-world challenge they faced, the AI tools or techniques they used to address it, and the tangible impact it had on their workflow and client service. Whether you’re a trust administrator, advisor or simply curious about how AI can serve your clients more effectively, you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can apply immediately. 

2026 takeaway: Gain real-world insights that position you to stay ahead of the curve with AI. 

• Speakers coming soon 

Trusted, not liable: Staying in your lane while delivering more value

Trust and fiduciary advisors are often the first call clients make when navigating complex financial and estate matters. But how far can you go before you’ve gone too far? Where’s the line between being helpful and being liable? This session tackles the urgent need to define professional boundaries in an era of blurred roles and rising expectations. With clients seeking holistic guidance, advisors must balance being a trusted resource with avoiding unauthorized tax or legal advice. 

2026 takeaway: Learn how to confidently offer insights, ask the right questions and guide clients toward appropriate professionals — while reinforcing your role as a trusted, but not liable, advisor.

• Matt McColl, Director of Tax, Trust and Estate, Schwab

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 – 4:15 PM

Concurrent Sessions III

Beneficiaries behaving badly: Best practices for challenging clients  

In today’s increasingly complex fiduciary landscape, trust and estate professionals are encountering a growing number of challenging beneficiaries — those who are misinformed, emotionally reactive or aggressively pursuing entitlements. Whether it’s a primary beneficiary demanding early distributions or a remainder beneficiary contesting trustee decisions, these interactions can escalate quickly, threatening both the integrity of the trust and the advisor’s professional standing. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for managing difficult conversations, documenting decisions, and protecting themselves and their institutions. 

2026 takeaway: Leave with proven techniques to navigate emotionally charged situations, maintain professional boundaries and protect the integrity of your fiduciary role.

• Sharon A. Buck, CTFA®, CFP®, CPWA®, CLU®, ChFC®, Executive Director/Vice-President, Senior Trust Advisor, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A

Beyond good intentions: Practical administration strategies for special needs trusts 

Administering special needs trusts is more than a fiduciary duty — it’s a high-stakes balancing act with real economic consequences. We’ll dive into the practical realities of special needs trust administration, offering proven strategies to navigate complex rules, avoid common pitfalls, and serve beneficiaries with both empathy and precision.

2026 takeaway: Gain tools and insights to confidently manage special needs trusts in a shifting legal and economic landscape.

• Pamela Olsen, Pamela Olsen Law

4:15 – 5:00 PM

General Session