Alaska on the Asset Protection Trust Map: Not Far Enough for a Regulatory Advantage, but Too Far for Convenience?

In 1997, Alaska became the first state to recognize self-settled discretionary spendthrift trusts. This groundbreaking legislation was motivated by the legislature’s desire to establish Alaska as America’s financial center for asset protection. Almost fifteen years have passed since Alaska placed itself on the asset protection map. This Note examines the legislative history of Alaska’s 1997 Trust Act and compares it with several other states that have followed its lead, and ultimately seeks to answer whether Alaska has met its goal of becoming the financial center it envisioned