How do I know my assets are safe?
The State of Tennessee, in granting the charter to Meridian Trust & Investment Company, made the initial determination that Meridian Trust & Investment Company is a sound organization adequately staffed and capitalized to perform trust services. Your assets will be held (or custodied) directly at the mutual fund company or with a brokerage firm such as Charles Schwab or Fidelity. We are subject to on-site examinations by bank regulators, and we maintain substantial insurance coverage protecting client funds against wrongdoing, errors and omissions and financial failure.

How does Meridian Trust & Investment Company differ from stockbrokers, financial planners and bank trust departments?
The primary difference is our unique corporate status as an Independent Trust Company, locally controlled. We are free from the influences of an owner that may have proprietary products to sell and/or might be insensitive to the needs of our customer. This allows us to make our investment decisions solely for your benefit or the trust beneficiaries. Meridian avoids all conflicts of interests when charging fees and we fully disclose all fees in a simple and understandable manner.

How often are the assets in my portfolio reviewed?
The assets in your account are under continuous review. The portfolio managers continually monitor your account and make changes when appropriate.

How often do you meet with me?
We will meet as often as you like.  We recommend meeting at least once or twice per year, but we have many clients who wish to meet as often as quarterly.

Do you track investment performance?
We calculate performance for all accounts and individual investments from the first day the account is open.  If desired, performance can be consolidated for clients with multiple accounts.  Meridian uses a portfolio accounting system called Axys created by Advent Software www.advent.com.  Axys is considered to be the industry standard for managing investment accounts and tracking performance.

Does Meridian outsource the administration of my retirement plan or trust account to third parties?
We like to control the quality of the services you receive from Meridian. Although it would be cheaper to outsource some of the services we provide, it is our belief that you will be happier with our services if we provide them in-house instead of outsourcing to a third party.

How easy is opening an account at Meridian? Can I transfer assets without incurring fees or taxes?
Whether you are moving funds from a bank trust department, broker or financial planner, transferring assets is simple. Meridian prepares all paperwork for your signature and determines whether assets will be transferred “IN-KIND” or sold.  If the account is taxable, securities may be transferred, not sold, to avoid unnecessary capital gains.  Ultimately, the objective of setting up a new account is to achieve each client’s investment objective, and to utilize Meridian’s investment services. We expect to accomplish the transition from securities owned prior to your move to Meridian to those favored by our investment staff, addressing issues such as capital gains and other considerations unique to you.

Will you work with my accountant in tax preparation?
Meridian has many reports that will make your accountant’s work easier at tax time. We track the cost basis of your assets as well as income and expenses.  We will provide these reports to you or your accountant.

How often will I receive statements?
You will receive a statement from Meridian quarterly.  You may view your account at any time through Account Access.  Contact Janet Kannady 865/342.4442 or jkannady@trustmeridian.com if you need login information.   

You don’t have to wait for a statement; we are always available to discuss your investments.

Who has access to my personal financial information if I have an account with Meridian?
We restrict access to your personal and account information to those employees who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. We maintain strict physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your personal information.