
Compliance Testing and Audits
SERVICE OVERVIEW
Regulators expect financial institutions to develop and implement a formal regulatory compliance program designed to assist in effectively managing business risk and compliance concerns inherent in a fiduciary environment. Compliance with laws, regulations and internally developed policies and procedures is a fundamental element of a sound compliance program. Kropschot Consulting Partners’ skilled and experienced team stands ready to perform risk-based compliance testing, audits and other reviews. Upon completion of our work, we produce and distribute written reports of findings to leaders, governance committees and the board. We also perform follow-up to verify that corrective actions have been implemented timely and completely.
Compliance Services
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Fiduciary Compliance Testing – Conducting detailed, risk-based assessments related to business development, account administration, investment management, operations and compliance, to determine alignment with applicable laws, regulations, industry guidance, and company policies and procedures.
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BSA/AML Compliance Testing – Performing targeted reviews of BSA/AML compliance program scope and effectiveness, risk assessments, and suspicious activity identification and escalation.
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Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Supporting trust companies in proactively preventing, detecting and correcting violations of fiduciary laws, regulations and internal policies and procedures.
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Training and Advisory Support – Providing practical compliance education and ongoing access to experienced compliance professionals.
Trust Audit Services
We offer independent audit services that enhance decision making, improve operational efficiency, strengthen risk management, boost compliance and regulatory preparedness, increase transparency and credibility, and strengthen internal controls. We perform independent, objective evaluations of fiduciary and operational processes to ensure alignment with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as internal requirements and standards.
- Annual Fiduciary Audits - Conducting robust, risk-based audits of fiduciary activities, to evaluate compliance with laws, regulations, industry guidance, and company policies and procedures.
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Operational and Internal Control Audits - Conducting robust audits of operational processes and risks, recordkeeping accuracy and completeness.
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Follow-Up and Remediation Support - Tracking and following-up on audit observations and findings to verify that corrective action plans are documented, implemented and enforced.
Each audit is performed with a disciplined methodology, supported by subject-matter experts who understand the nuances of trust administration, fiduciary risk management, and legal and regulatory obligations.
Why Trust Companies Choose Us
- Deep Expertise in Trust Company Regulation - We specialize exclusively in trust company compliance and audit support. Our team brings decades of combined experience working with trust companies and bank trust departments. We understand fiduciary risk, regulatory expectations, and what examiners look for, which allows us to provide practical, high‑value insights rather than generic observations.
- Scale That Supports Growth - Whether you manage a dozen accounts or several thousand, we have the resources and capacity to support your operational demands. Our scalable service model grows with your trust company, offering everything from targeted project work to comprehensive outsourced compliance and audit programs. This flexibility allows you to:
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Maintain strong controls as your business grows
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Reduce the burden on internal staff
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Access specialized expertise without increasing headcount
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- Independent Perspective, Practical Solutions - Our independent viewpoint improves governance clarity and strengthens examiner confidence. At the same time, our recommendations are grounded in real‑world demands—ensuring you receive solutions that are both compliant and operationally practical.
- Reduced Regulatory Risk - With regulatory expectations evolving rapidly, staying ahead of compliance issues is critical. Our proactive approach helps trust companies identify vulnerabilities early, address them efficiently, and demonstrate a strong culture of compliance and risk management.

Links to Important Compliance and Audit Information
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12 CFR 9.4 - Administration of Fiduciary Powers
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12 CFR 9.6 - Review of Fiduciary Accounts
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12 CFR 9.8 - Recordkeeping
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12 CFR 9.9 - Audit of Fiduciary Activities
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12 CFR 9.10 - Fiduciary Funds Awaiting Investment of Distribution
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12 CFR 9.11 - Investment of Fiduciary Funds
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12 CFR 9.12 - Self Dealing and Conflicts of Interest
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12 CFR 9.13 - Custody of Fiduciary Assets
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12 CFR 9.15 - Fiduciary Compensation
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12 CFR 9.18 - Collective Investment Funds
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12 CFR 30 - Appendix B - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards
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12 CFR 1016 - Privacy of Consumer Financial Information (Regulation P)
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12 CFR 218 - Exceptions for Banks from the Definition of Broker in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Regulation R)
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29 USC Chapter 18 Subchapter I - Protection of Employee Benefit Rights (ERISA)
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29 CFR 2550 - Rules and Regulations for Fiduciary Responsibility

