Karen Sugihara

Ownership of cryptocurrency is on the rise: In 2024, approximately 562 million people owned some form of cryptocurrency, equal to 6.8% of the global population; crypto ownership has increased by 33% since 2023 alone. Cryptocurrency is likely here to stay, and every wealth transfer advisor needs to have familiarity with this unique alternative asset. This session is particularly timely as the Trump administration has promised to enact crypto-friendly policies and make the U.S. “the world capital” of digital assets, and recent cases are trending toward deregulation of crypto. This session will offer insight into the valuation, taxation, and regulation of crypto; the unique planning opportunities utilizing crypto, and the fiduciary challenges of administering trusts holding crypto.