What is a Trust Department?
A trust department is a bank savings institution or law firm granted permission by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to offer trust services. Trust services generally include the active investment of capital. This capital can benefit individuals or their retirement accounts, charities, groups of employees, or other entities. Trust Departments can also settle estates, act as an individual's power of attorney, or their appointed agent.

What's the difference between a Trust Department and a securities broker?
A Trust Department has the ability to work with liquid and non-liquid assets. A Trust Department can manage real estate, operate a business, or oversee the sale of the contents of a household. A typical securities broker typically only works with liquid (cash) assets.