Clermont Trust USA is a premier South Dakota trust company redefining trust services through a personalized and expert-driven approach. We serve affluent individuals and family offices, delivering customized solutions that combine deep expertise, flexibility, and high-touch service our clients expect and deserve.
Our individualized approach ensures every trust structure is built around your specific needs. Whether your priorities include tax efficiency, long-term wealth preservation, or confidentiality, Clermont Trust USA delivers bespoke solutions backed by deep experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our sophisticated trust solutions are designed to protect and preserve wealth across generations, while giving you the flexibility and control you deserve.
Through seamless administration, meticulous oversight, and a steadfast commitment to your best interests, we provide peace of mind—allowing you to focus on what matters most, while retaining control over your financial legacy.
Clermont Trust USA offers an alternative to the rigidity of bank trust departments and the complexity of managing an in-house trust operation.
Our platform bridges this gap, delivering a seamless and tailored solution that integrates smoothly into your existing structure.
We take the time to understand your family office’s values, priorities, and operating model, ensuring our services align with your strategic goals.
By entrusting us with the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of trust administration, your team can focus on serving the family—without the burden of operating a trust company.
There’s no need to manage licensing, recruit specialized staff, maintain infrastructure, or source experienced professionals for trust committees.
Our dedicated team becomes an extension of your family office, providing the expertise and stability you need to operate efficiently and confidently.
Together, we’ll create a tailored framework for trust administration that strengthens your operations and allows you future flexibility.
With Clermont Trust USA as your strategic partner, you gain confidence knowing that your trusts are expertly managed and fully compliant.
Clermont Trust USA delivers a high-touch client experience, seamlessly enhanced by integrated technology. We offer cost-effective, tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of both domestic and international affluent clients.
The Four Pillars of Our Distinct Service Model:
Bob is a Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Clermont Trust USA, a South Dakota state-chartered trust company providing expert trust services and financial advice to affluent clients both within and outside the United States.
Prior to Clermont Trust USA, Bob successfully founded, built, and sold three trust and wealth management businesses, each growing between $1-2 billion in assets under administration/management.
Earlier in his career, Bob worked for Price Waterhouse, Salomon Brothers, and Bank of America. At Bank of America, Bob served as the Chief Operations Officer for Bank of America Securities. His Operations Group was located on the 81st floor of One World Trade Center in New York City. Bob was present on the floor the morning of September 11, 2001. After ensuring his team of 150 associates exited safely, Bob was one of the last to leave the building, taking over 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the street—a life-altering experience that continues to shape how he lives each day and pursues his passion for doing what he loves.
Bob and his wife, Laura, are high school sweethearts who have been happily married for over 40 years. They’ve made their home near Charlotte, North Carolina, for more than 28 years, where they raised three accomplished children—each now building fulfilling lives, strong marriages, and growing families of their own.
605-405-0500
bhogan@clermonttrustusa.com
Jennifer is a Founder and General Counsel/Chief Fiduciary Officer of Clermont Trust USA. With over 15 years of experience in business planning, estate planning, and trust administration, she is also licensed to practice law in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Florida, and North Carolina.
In 2017, Jennifer developed a minor course of study at the University of Delaware where she serves as the Director of the Lerner College Trust Management Minor. She also has taught Business Law, Fiduciary Income Tax, Trust Management Symposium, and Trusts/Other Fiduciary Entities. Additionally, Jennifer administered Delaware trust instruments for ultra-high and high net worth individuals at J.P. Morgan Trust Company of Delaware.
Jennifer received her Master of Laws in Taxation from Villanova University, Charles Widger School of Law, her Juris Doctorate from Delaware Law School, cum laude, and her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. She also served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
605-405-0500
jzelvin@clermonttrustusa.com
Amanda Luu is a Trust Officer at Clermont Trust USA, working directly with HNW and UHNW families and their advisors to deliver exceptional fiduciary and trust management services. With a background in banking and trust administration, she brings both technical knowledge and a client-centered approach to her role.
Amanda strives to provide thoughtful solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Her professional philosophy is based on building long-term, generational relationships rooted in trust and transparency. She is dedicated to protecting family legacy and guiding clients through the complexities of fiduciary services with clarity and care.
Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Augustana University. She has also earned the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation, underscoring her commitment to excellence in the wealth management field. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with family and friends.
605-405-0500
aluu@clermonttrustusa.com
Aileen serves as a Trust Administration and Operations Specialist for Clermont Trust USA, where she plays a key role in supporting high-net-worth clients, trust officers, and legal counsel in the administration of complex trust structures. Her responsibilities include managing onboarding and documentation workflows, overseeing critical deadlines for discretionary and mandatory distributions, and ensuring trust records are maintained with accuracy and compliance. Aileen is known for her seamless coordination across departments, strong organizational abilities, and proactive client communication style.
A seasoned paralegal, Aileen also brings deep experience in estate and trust administration from her prior role at Zelvin Law, LLC, where she served as the primary point of contact for clients and executed legal documentation with precision. Her exceptional attention to detail and compassionate demeanor consistently instill confidence in both clients and colleagues.
With a background spanning over 20 years in education—as a teacher, technology coordinator, and STEAM lab creator—Aileen is especially skilled at leveraging digital tools and workflow systems to enhance operational efficiency. She is proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Clio Grow and Manage, WealthCounsel, and a variety of legal and fiduciary platforms.
Aileen holds a Paralegal Certificate from Rowan University, an M.S. in Elementary Education, and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University. Her professionalism, technological acumen, and client-centered approach make her a valued asset in both legal and fiduciary settings.
605-405-0500
asabatini@clermonttrustusa.com
Elliot serves as Chairman of Clermont Trust USA (the Company).
He is also the Group Managing Director of ClermontGroup Holdings, Ltd. (CGH), an independent, owner-managed international trust business and an affiliate of the Company. At CGH, Elliot advises private clients, family offices, and corporations on the establishment of multi-jurisdictional structures and the delivery of fiduciary services. Since joining CGH in 2013, he has played a key role in driving the Group’s expansion across Switzerland, the British Virgin Islands, and the United States.
With deep expertise in complex tax and estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and families, Elliot regularly advises clients on family governance and succession strategies.
Born in London, Elliot earned his degree in Architecture from Manchester University before qualifying as a Solicitor (England & Wales) in 2002. He is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Bill serves as a board observer and advisor, as well as the interim Chief Financial Officer of Clermont Trust USA.
Bill spent the first 12 years of his career at Deloitte after graduating from the State University of New York at Geneseo. He moved from the public accounting field to serve in the finance role leading several multinational organizations. He has significant experience in both public and private equity owned businesses and has held the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at several companies owned by major private equity sponsors resulting in successful liquidity events at all of these investments.
Bill has served as an officer and director of several professional organizations and brings extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, corporate development, public and private financings, as well as Sarbanes-Oxley and PCAOB regulatory compliance.
Bill and his wife, Lydia, met at SUNY Geneseo and have been happily married for over 35 years. They currently reside on Long Island, New York.
605-405-0500
whogan@clermonttrustusa.com
Dirk serves as a Board Member of Clermont Trust USA (the Company).
Dirk is a partner with Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld, a law firm and affiliate of the Company. He advises business owners, executives, investors, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals and families in connection with estate planning, complex tax and administration issues relating to inter-generational wealth transfer, asset protection planning, charitable planning, and the structuring and transitioning of closely held businesses.
With over 20 years of experience, Dirk has developed and implemented customized estate plans for hundreds of clients. He has advised C-suite executives and closely held business owners on estate planning and asset protection strategies, including the transfer of company equity into irrevocable trusts.
Dirk also has significant cross-border expertise, counseling non-resident aliens with U.S.-based assets and U.S. taxpayers with foreign holdings on complex estate planning matters.
Dixie serves as a Board Member and Vice President of Clermont Trust USA.
Dixie is a partner with Davenport Evans Lawyers. She is a member of the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Practice Group. Her practice centers on bank regulatory compliance, as well as the formation and operation of trust companies. Dixie’s regulatory practice covers all facets of consumer disclosures, including those related to credit cards, prepaid cards, student loans, other closed-end loans, and deposit accounts. Dixie has expertise in electronic banking and electronic delivery of disclosures, and she advises clients on CRA issues. She has been a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Trust Review and Reform since 2018. Dixie is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Dixie has received a Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rating, indicating the attorney is widely respected for high professional achievement and ethical standards. She was named the 2023 Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year in Banking and Finance Law, and has also been recognized by Best Lawyers® in Banking and Finance Law, Business Organizations, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, and Corporate Law. In addition, she has been ranked by Chambers and Partners in Corporate/Commercial Law.
Martin is an Advisor to the Board of Managers of Clermont Trust USA (the Company).
Martin is also the Group Chief Executive Officer of Clermont Group Holdings, Ltd. (CGH), an independent, owner-managed international trust business and an affiliate of the Company. He joined the CGH as CFO from JP Morgan in 2003 and has led the Group’s transformation and growth for over 15 years.
Martin acts as a strategic advisor to high-net-worth families and international businesses and is a director of several regulated financial services firms, including being authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority as a director of Spring Finance Limited, a UK-based FCA-regulated mortgage lender.
Born in South Africa, Martin graduated from the University of Cape Town in Commerce and Accounting and has been a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants since 1999.
Roger is an Advisor to the Board of Managers of Clermont Trust USA (the Company).
Roger is a founding partner at Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC, a law firm and affiliate of the Company. He focuses on financing and development strategies and transactions for investors and a wide array of businesses in various stages of development. Among other things, Roger’s practice encompasses fund formation, private equity and venture capital transactions, debt and equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and corporate restructurings, as well as a range of business and commercial transactions, agreements and general business counseling.
Roger is also actively involved in strategic opportunities for the firm, including the creation of an alternative investment platform that has deployed more than $300M. Roger is a founding member of the PA 30 Day's Fund, chairman of the Board of ESF Dreamcamp, and a trustee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Dean is an Advisor to the Board of Managers of Clermont Trust USA.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of CoreGro, a healthcare real estate fund manager that invests in medical outpatient buildings, surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities across the United States.
Dean is passionate about presenting clients with diversified investment opportunities, financial planning strategy, and the analysis required to significantly grow their wealth. Over the last 15 years, he has worked in equity trading, financial services and private equity.
Dean has a post-graduate degree in Financial Planning and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). He has also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
His clients and colleagues enjoy his entrepreneurial spirit, meticulous and attentive nature, and passion for sourcing exciting global private equity and real estate deals.
For decades, South Dakota has been the jurisdiction of choice for sophisticated trust administration. Since 1983, multigenerational trusts have migrated here, benefiting from continuous legal advancements designed to protect, preserve, and grow wealth. These enhancements have created an ideal environment for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and families.
These statutes provide flexibility and continuity by allowing clients to maintain control and preserve relationships with existing advisors while benefiting from South Dakota’s favorable trust environment.
South Dakota is home to the nation’s top-ranked Dynasty Trust provisions. These allow for long-term or perpetual trusts that transfer wealth seamlessly across generations—maximizing protection and minimizing estate tax exposure.
SPEs can be formed to shield individuals serving in key trust roles—such as investment advisors or trust protectors—from personal liability.
Prominent families and their elite advisors consistently select South Dakota for long-term wealth structuring, drawn by its sophisticated and adaptable trust framework. The state works closely with leading legal, tax, and investment professionals to continually enhance its trust laws. Today, South Dakota stands as a top-ranked trust jurisdiction, overseeing more than $3.5 trillion in assets, according to the FDIC.
These features allow trustees and protectors to amend or restate trust terms to adapt to changes in law or family circumstances—offering long-term flexibility in trust administration.
Clermont Trust USA delivers high-level, conflict-free trust administration tailored to the unique needs of complex, multigenerational wealth. With no proprietary products to promote or sell, our truly independent approach ensures that clients remain at the center of everything we do.
South Dakota leads in trust confidentiality. Trust records can be sealed indefinitely, and the law does not mandate beneficiary notifications—ensuring discretion for families.
South Dakota permits perpetual trusts, enabling income to grow state income tax-free for generations. Clients can establish legacy plans designed to last indefinitely.
South Dakota is a leader in self-settled asset protection trusts. It’s two-year look-back period, combined with creditor protections and favorable definitions of beneficiary rights, helps ensure strong safeguards against claims.
South Dakota has a AAA bond rating, a constitutional ban on income taxes, a balanced budget, and a top-ranked public retirement system—offering long-term confidence and security for trust planning.
At just 0.08% (8 basis points), South Dakota offers one of the nation’s most competitive insurance premium tax rates—resulting in cost-effective wealth protection.
A revocable trust allows the grantor to retain control of assets and make changes at any time. It is a flexible estate planning tool ideal for those who want to manage their wealth during their lifetime and ensure efficient distribution after death.
A trustee may appoint an agent (such as Clermont Trust USA) to handle specific administrative tasks while retaining ultimate fiduciary responsibility. This arrangement streamlines trust administration and enhances service to beneficiaries by allowing trusted delegation under strict oversight.
We help ensure that a deceased individual’s assets are distributed according to their estate plan—minimizing legal complexity and financial stress for heirs. This includes validating wills, settling debts, managing tax obligations, and communicating with beneficiaries. Where probate is necessary, our team ensures a smooth and efficient process.
Bespoke Planning
Drafting Documents
Funding the Trust
Implementation
Ongoing Administration
Your corporate trustee will:
Amendments and Updates
Life is dynamic—your estate plan should be too. We support timely updates in response to:
Our team works with you and your advisors to keep your plan current and relevant.
Distribution
Finalization
In today’s fiercely competitive financial services landscape, institutions are constantly seeking new ways to differentiate themselves and strengthen client relationships—especially with affluent clientele.
Our ‘Pro Advisor’ Trust Services approach empowers institutions like yours to consolidate and manage all aspects of a client’s financial wealth. We honor and respect your central role in client relationships with a commitment to avoid conflicts of interest through a non-solicitation agreement.
Trusts provide an excellent way to both preserve wealth and transfer it to both their heirs, charities, etc.
You provide the strategic advice, relationship management, financial planning, and investment management
Important new financial service for your client, re-enforcing you as the “Trusted Advisor”
We provide value added services: traditional trusts (trustee services, estate administration, bill/pay), philianthropic and charitable trusts, asset protection, and more
Enables you to offer trust services “in house” without the risk or high cost of doing it yourself
contact@clermonttrustusa.com
605-405-0500
Clermont Trust USA, LLC
5010 E. Rosa Parks Place – Ste 102
Sioux Fall, South Dakota 57110
Clermont Trust USA is a premier South Dakota trust company redefining trust services through a personalized and expert-driven approach.
