Strategic Partnership. Local Accountability.
West Bank’s Investment Management & Trust Department helps families maximize their financial resources through strategic planning and personalized wealth management. When legal matters arise, our experienced trust professionals collaborate closely with your attorney and other advisors to ensure a seamless and informed process.
As your trustee or executor, we bring integrity and sound investment judgement to the management of your financial plan. At West Bank, you can rely on us to be responsive, unbiased, and dedicated to serving your trust, estate, and investment needs.
We are here to support your goals, now and for generations to come.
To learn more, contact our Investment & Trust team at 515-222-2300 or 1-800-810-2301.
Investment Management FAQs Trust FAQs Estate Settlement FAQs

Investment Management Account
• Regular portfolio monitoring and review
• In-house expertise of equity and fixed income
• Portfolio asset allocation
• Personal Investment Policy Statement
Living Trust
• Professional trust administration
• Collaboration with existing tax and estate planning advisors
• Gifting strategy assistance
• Bill payment and IRA distribution management services
• Charitable giving solutions
Testamentary Trusts
• Estate asset management
• Interpreting the terms of wills, codicils, and trusts
• Working with legal advisors, CPAs, and trustees to determine value of estate
• Estate asset distribution
Investment products provided are:
Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee
Investment Management FAQs
What type of investment accounts does West Bank offer?
We offer a variety of accounts including IRAs, Investment Management Accounts, and managed portfolios tailored to your financial needs.
What is an IRA (Individual Retirement Account)?
An IRA is a savings account that offers tax breaks to help you save for your retirement. With this account, you can invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that can help grow your savings over time.
What is the difference between a Traditional and Roth IRA?
Traditional IRA: You don’t pay taxes now, but you pay taxes when you take your money out.
Roth IRA: You pay taxes now, so there are no taxes when you take the money out later.
How is my investment portfolio managed?
Your portfolio is managed by experienced professionals who align your investments with your goals and risk tolerance.
What is the minimum investment required to get started?
Minimum requirements vary by account type. Please contact us directly to discuss what works best for you.
How often will I receive updates on my portfolio performance?
Clients receive regular performance reports and have access to online tools for real-time updates.
What fees are associated with Investment Management Services?
Fees depend on the services and account types. Please contact our Investment & Trust Department at 1-800-810-2301.
How does West Bank assess my risk tolerance and financial goals?
We start with a personal consultation and risk assessment to design a strategy that suits your objectives.
Are investment strategies personalized or standardized?
All strategies are customized based on your unique financial profile and long-term goals.
Trust Services FAQs
What is a trust and how does it work?
A trust is an effective tool for managing your assets during your lifetime and for the benefit of those you love after you are gone.
What types of trusts does West Bank offer?
We manage various trusts including revocable, irrevocable, living, testamentary, life insurance, charitable, and special needs trusts.
What is the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust?
Revocable trust: Can be altered or canceled by the grantor during their lifetime, offering flexibility and control.
Irrevocable trust: Cannot be altered or changed once established.
Do I need a trust?
Trusts are helpful for individuals looking to protect their assets, plan their estate, or manage wealth for future generations.
Can West Bank serve as a trustee?
Yes, West Bank can act as a corporate trustee to professionally manage and administer your trust.
What documents are required to open a trust?
You will need the trust agreement, trust certification, and a tax identification number (TIN) for the trust. For certain grantor trusts, the grantor’s social security number (SSN) may be used during the grantor’s lifetime. You will also need personal information including name, address, DOB, and ID for each trustee.
What are the fees for trust administration?
Fees vary based on the type and complexity of the trust. Our experienced team can provide a detailed breakdown upon request. Contact Us for more information.
Estate Settlement FAQs
What is an estate settlement?
An estate settlement is the legal process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets, paying debts, and fulfilling their obligations or wishes.
What role does West Bank play in the estate settlement process?
Our main responsibility in estate settlement is the prompt implementation of will provisions. By acting as executor of your estate, our trust officers are responsible for safeguarding the assets of your estate, paying proper debts, contesting improper claims, collecting sums owed the estate, and filing estate and income tax returns. We do this while maintaining the highest levels of care, integrity, and confidentiality.
Can West Bank serve as executor or personal representative?
Yes, we can serve in this capacity to provide experienced, impartial estate administration.
How long does the estate settlement process typically take?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the estate, but most are settled within 12-18 months.
What documents are required to begin the settlement process?
You will need the Letters of Appointment AND Order of Appointment, EIN for the estate, certified copy of the death certificate, and ID for executor(s)/administrator(s).
Can I deposit or withdraw funds from the estate settlement account?
Yes, once the account is opened, the executor can deposit estate assets and pay expenses, debts, or make distributions in accordance with the estate plan.
What are the fees involved in estate settlement services?
Fees depend on the size and complexity of the estate. Contact Us for more information.