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WARRENTON, VA, UNITED STATES, November 19, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Eastern Point Trust Company (EPTC), a leader in Qualified Settlement Fund administration and innovative trust solutions, has unveiled its newest product; the Conditional QSF™. The Conditional QSF™ is a proprietary purpose-built fund structure designed to facilitate conditional payments in settlements, ensuring the efficient use of funds, while providing flexibility for all parties involved.

The Conditional QSF™ enables defendants to fund a Qualified Settlement Fund trust for specific future needs, such as medical monitoring, medical treatments, services, testing, rehabilitation, or remediation. The Conditional QSF™ differs from traditional QSFs as it includes provisions for returning excess funds to the defendant(s) at the trustee’s discretion, once specified conditions or goals are satisfied. In doing so, the Conditional QSF™ promotes more rapid settlement and accountability, while minimizing waste and aligning incentives for the timely resolution of needs.

“EPTC continues to innovate in ways that solve actual problems for attorneys courts claimants and commercial partners. The Conditional QSF™ simplifies the complex and gives all parties the certainty they need in situations where precision truly matters” said Rachel McCrocklin, Chief Trust Officer at Eastern Point Trust Company. “As with every product we build education, independence, and outstanding service are at the center.

”Key features of the Conditional QSF™:

• The ability to receive funds before a final settlement agreement is executed

• Protection of assets during mergers acquisitions or business sales• Support for settlements requiring guardian ad litem review court approval or extended negotiation

• Efficient administration by the industry leader in QSF and Plaintiff Recovery Trust services

• Seamless transition from conditional status to full settlement readiness when conditions are met

The introduction of the Conditional QSF™ reinforces EPTC’s role as the trusted partner for attorneys, law firms, courts, and institutions seeking clarity efficiency and compliance. It also supports EPTC’s mission to simplify the complex, provide bespoke fiduciary solutions, and elevate professional standards throughout the settlement ecosystem.

For more information on the Conditional QSF™ or to access EPTC’s free educational library please visit Eastern Point Trust Company’s website (www.easternpointtrust.com) or contact the trust administration team directly, per the contact information below.

About Eastern Point Trust Company

Eastern Point Trust Company is the national leader in settlement fund administration and fiduciary services. As a pure play independent trustee EPTC delivers innovative solutions including Qualified Settlement Funds, Plaintiff Recovery Trusts, and a full range of complex trust structures with uncompromising service and expertise.

Rachel McCrocklin
Eastern Point Trust Company
+1 855-222-7513
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn

WARRENTON, VA, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Eastern Point Trust Company (EPTC), a global leader in independent fiduciary services, proudly announces the launch of the Eastern Point Trust Assistant™ - a groundbreaking and industry-first conversational AI tool powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT. This first-of-its-kind solution equips attorneys, financial advisors, trust officers, and institutional partners with real-time, plain-language information on intricate aspects of trust administration, Qualified Settlement Fund (QSF) compliance, regulatory procedures, settlement structures, and tax implications.

The Assistant is accessible 24/7 via the ChatGPT GPT Store, allowing users to pose nuanced queries such as: "What are the IRS reporting requirements for QSF distributions in multi-jurisdictional settlements?" or "How do I structure a special needs trust to maximize Medicaid eligibility?" Responses are delivered in clear, actionable English, backed by citations to relevant statutes, case law, and Eastern Point's proprietary best practices - ensuring users receive
reliable insights without compromising confidentiality or regulatory standards.

“At Eastern Point Trust, innovation has always been our north star, guiding us to blend human wisdom with technological prowess,” said Joe Sharpe, President of EPTC. “The Eastern Point Trust Assistant™ democratizes access to our 20+ years of collective fiduciary expertise, empowering legal and financial professionals to navigate even the most labyrinthine settlement challenges with speed and precision. It's not just a tool—it's a trusted extension of our team, helping our partners deliver superior outcomes for plaintiffs and beneficiaries who rely on us.”

This launch represents a pivotal advancement in modernizing access to fiduciary intelligence, aligning with EPTC's mission to foster transparency and efficiency in the $10 billion+ U.S. settlement administration industry. Early beta testers, including prominent mass tort litigators and wealth management firms, have reported faster resolution times for compliance queries and heightened confidence in complex trust setups.

“Launching the Eastern Point Trust Assistant™ is more than a technological milestone - it's a commitment to evolving alongside our clients' needs in an increasingly regulated and fast-paced world,” added Milan Kmezic Chief Operating Officer of EPTC. “We've seen firsthand how AI can transform rote tasks into strategic opportunities, allowing advisors to focus on high-value counsel rather than paperwork. This Assistant isn't replacing conversations; it's sparking better ones, reducing errors, and ultimately strengthening the fiduciary ecosystem we all depend on.”

“While other QSF providers offer little more than a bank account, as a fiduciary leader, Eastern Point Trust continues to set the benchmark for ethical AI integration in trust services,” noted Rachel McCrocklin, CTO. “Every response from the Assistant is rigorously vetted against our compliance framework, ensuring it upholds the highest standards of accuracy, impartiality, and data security. We're excited to see it evolve into an indispensable ally for professionals tackling everything from asbestos litigation funds to environmental settlement trusts.”

Looking ahead, EPTC is committed to iterative enhancements, with a robust roadmap including:

• Guided case planning workflows: Step-by-step AI-assisted blueprints for QSF setup and trust funding.

• Interactive QSF benefit calculators: Customizable tools for projecting tax liabilities, distribution schedules, and long-term yield forecasts.

• Real-time compliance checklists: Dynamic, jurisdiction-specific audits with automated updates to reflect evolving IRS guidelines.

• AI-driven document analysis and red-flag detection: Upload and scan capabilities to identify inconsistencies in settlement agreements, trust instruments, or tax forms - flagging potential issues before they escalate.

Each new feature will uphold EPTC’s founding principle: simplify complexity, ensure compliance, and empower partners. The company plans quarterly updates based on user feedback, with beta access to premium features for select enterprise clients starting Q1 2026.

Experience the future of fiduciary support today.

Search “Eastern Point Trust” inside the ChatGPT GPT Store to start your conversation and unlock a free trial consultation with an Eastern Point expert.

About Eastern Point Trust Company

Eastern Point Trust Company is an internationally recognized independent fiduciary specializing in Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs), special needs trusts, settlement management, and complex trust administration. With an unwavering commitment to transparency, compliance, and client success, Eastern Point Trust serves governments, law firms, plaintiffs, defendants, and institutional partners across the United States and the world. For more information, visit www.easternpointtrust.com

‍Rachel McCrocklin
Eastern Point Trust Company
+1 855-222-7513
email us here

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Explore the advantages of Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) in legal settlements with Eastern Point. Learn how QSFs under IRC Section 468B reduce liability for law firms, ease administrative burdens, and provide critical tax benefits for clients.

Key benefits include:

Risk Mitigation: Shield firms from liability and streamline complex distributions.

Tax Advantages: Defer taxes on proceeds until distribution, allowing valuable planning time.Discover how QSFs can enhance your legal practice and benefit your clients. For assistance in implementing a QSF, contact us today!

Discover the benefits of Single-Event Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) with Eastern Point Trust! Settling a legal dispute can be daunting, especially with tax implications and logistical challenges.

Consider Jane, a personal injury victim: instead of facing immediate tax liabilities, her funds are placed into an IRS-compliant Single-Event QSF, deferring taxes until distribution.

Since pioneering single-event QSFs in 2014, QSF 360 has set the standard with‍

• Experience: Benefits from expert administration.‍
• Interest Accrual: Funds grow while disputes are resolved.‍
• Efficiency: Establish a QSF in just one day, with streamlined processing for any case size!

Transform your settlement experience with QSF 360 today!

Join Rachel from Eastern Point as she discusses the ethical handling of settlement funds through Rule 1.15 and Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs). Learn why QSFs may be a better choice than traditional IOLTA accounts for high-dollar settlements.Explore the key benefits of using a QSF, including improved timelines, enhanced client financial protection, and effective compliance with ethical standards.If you're managing a settlement soon, this video is a must-watch! For more information on Rule 1.15, visit the American Bar Association or IRS guidelines, and for QSF details, check easternpointtrust.com.Stay ethical, stay informed!

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Discover how the Plaintiff Recovery Trust (PRT) can be a game-changer for maximizing your settlement recovery! Following the Supreme Court's Banks v. Commissioner ruling, plaintiffs often face double taxation on settlements, leaving them with as little as nine cents on the dollar after taxes and attorney fees.

The PRT helps eliminate taxes on the attorney fee portion, potentially increasing net recoveries by up to 150%.

Contact a PRT expert today to learn how to make your settlements work smarter and secure your financial future!

Warrenton, VA, September 10, 2025 --(PR.com)-- Eastern Point Trust Company (EPTC), the nation’s leading independent provider of Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) and innovative trust-based fiduciary solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Milan Kmezic as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Kmezic is a seasoned strategic executive and technology leader with more than 25 years of experience driving innovation and digital transformation across government, commercial, and startup environments. His career has spanned three continents—North America, Europe, and Asia—providing him with a unique global perspective on strategy and operations.

Known for his expertise in transformation leadership, Mr. Kmezic combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for developing talent and building high-performing, inclusive teams. Most recently, he served as Portfolio Director for Beneficiary Services at Leidos, where he provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for mission-critical federal programs and managed a $200 million portfolio. Prior to that, as Chief Technology Officer at ACG, he served as a strategic advisor to the CEO, guiding enterprise-wide technology direction and organizational change.

Mr. Kmezic’s international leadership experience includes his tenure as Managing Director for DMI in Cambodia, where he oversaw all aspects of regional operations, including strategy, P&L management, and customer success. He directed a team of more than 100 professionals across multiple departments, driving market growth through more than 20 enterprise projects. Earlier in his career, at Golden Gekko and Sony-Ericsson, he played a pivotal role in scaling delivery operations, establishing company-wide processes such as OKRs and career ladders, and mentoring engineers globally.

“We are thrilled to welcome Milan to our leadership team,” said Mr. Armand, CEO of Eastern Point Trust Company. “His extensive experience in strategic planning, operational excellence, and transformation leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and enhance our services for clients.”

Mr. Kmezic has completed executive education programs in High Impact Leadership at UC Berkeley, Disruptive Strategy at Harvard Business School, and Digital Strategies for Business at Columbia Business School. He is currently completing a Master of Business Administration at Edinburgh Business School.

With Mr. Kmezic’s appointment, Eastern Point Trust Company continues to strengthen its executive leadership team as it advances its mission to deliver innovative fiduciary solutions and industry-leading client service.

Contact

Eastern Point Trust Company
Rachel McCrocklin
540-428-2944
www.easternpointtrust.com

A Qualified Settlement Fund (QSF) is a vital tool for settling legal disputes, especially those involving large sums of money. A QSF is a statutory trust or escrow account established to hold and distribute settlement funds to the involved parties. Its main goal is to offer a centralized mechanism that ensures the settlement process is fair, efficient, and transparent.

Must a Court Approve a QSF?

No, a court does not need to approve a QSF. IRC §468B-1(c)(1) provides that a non-court governmental authority has the power to approve a QSF.

(c) Requirements. A fund, account, or trust satisfies the requirements of this paragraph (c) if -
(1) It is established pursuant to an order of, or is approved by, the United States, any state (including the District of Columbia), territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality (including a court of law) of any of the foregoing and is subject to the continuing jurisdiction of that governmental authority;

The approving government authority registers the QSF and monitors its management to ensure adherence to the settlement agreement and relevant laws and regulations.

The IRS’s Role

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also plays a role in every QSF. For example, the IRS has established rules and procedures for the tax treatment of QSFs and requires certain information or documentation before issuing the EIN linked to the creation of a QSF.

The question of whether a court must approve a QSF (or may a non-court governmental authority approve the QSF) is fully settled in the applicable regulations, as they provide that the “United States, any state (including the District of Columbia), territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality (including a court of law) of any of the foregoing” may approve a QSF. The approving governmental authority will have a significant role in approving and overseeing the establishment and administration of the QSF.

As noted in a previous article about maximing settlement benefits, using a QSF can provide significant tax benefits to the parties involved in a legal dispute. Under U.S. tax law, if a taxable settlement is paid directly to a plaintiff, it is generally taxable as income. However, suppose the settlement is paid into a QSF. In that case, the funds are not taxable until distributed to the plaintiff. This singular feature provides significant tax planning opportunities for the parties involved in a legal dispute.

To establish a QSF in the United States, the parties involved in a legal dispute must petition the governmental authority to approve the establishment of the QSF. The governmental authority will review the proposed QSF agreement and determine whether it meets the qualification requirements. If the governmental authority approves the QSF, the settlement funds can then be deposited into the QSF and distributed to the parties involved.

It is important to note, however, that the role of the governmental authority in establishing and administering a QSF can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the case. In some instances, the governmental authority may take a more active role in overseeing the QSF. However, in other cases, the governmental authority might approve the establishment of the QSF and leave the fund’s administration to other parties.

In addition to the approval from the governmental authority, a QSF is also subject to regulatory tax law enforcement by the IRS. The IRS’s involvement stems from the fact that QSFs are often used to resolve disputes involving taxable proceeds liabilities; the IRS wants to make sure that the funds in the QSF comply with relevant tax laws.

Obtaining an EIN

The parties involved in a legal dispute must submit an EIN application to the agency to obtain an EIN from the IRS. The IRS’ EIN-related systems define what an eligible QSF is.

What it is...

• A settlement fund is a fund for the principal purpose of settling and paying claims against the electing taxpayer under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 468B
  
• A fund, account, or trust is a settlement fund if it meets the following requirements:
  
• Governmental order or approval requirement
  
• Resolve or satisfy requirement
  
• Segregation requirement
  

All settlement funds must file a Form 1120-SF (U.S. Income Tax Return for Settlement Funds). A settlement fund cannot elect to file a Form 1041 (U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts). If you do not intend to file Form 1120-SF, your organization is not considered a settlement fund.

Note: As shown by the IRS’s website, no “Court Order” is required; suggestions to the contrary do not reconcile with the plain reading of the regulations or the IRS’s clearly stated criteria on their website.

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QSF Background

It is important to note that establishing and administering a QSF trust can be complicated and may differ depending on the jurisdiction of the approving government authority and the specific details of the case. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with experienced legal and financial professionals to identify the particular requirements for establishing and managing a QSF in your jurisdiction. Experience tells us using a court to establish a QSF can take months and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees and court costs. However, solutions like QSF 360 provide quick, affordable, and straightforward solutions with experienced government agencies.

In addition to tax benefits, there are several other advantages to using a QSF in settling legal disputes. One of the main advantages is that a QSF can provide a centralized mechanism for the settlement of claims, which can help to reduce the administrative burden on the parties involved in the dispute. This feature can be vital in cases involving both single and multiple plaintiffs or defendants or in cases involving complex legal issues.

Another advantage of using a QSF is that it can help to provide a measure of security for the parties involved in the dispute. By depositing the settlement funds into a QSF, the parties can ensure that the funds will be available to pay any future claims or liabilities that may arise. This element can be essential in cases with a risk of future claims or liabilities, such as cases involving product liability or environmental claims (Learn more: QSF vs Environmental Remediation Trust).

Summary

While a QSF must be approved by a governmental authority, as defined by the regulations, a court does not need to be involved. Platforms like QSF 360 provide a quick and easy online method to create and administer a QSF without the costs and delays typically associated with court created QSFs.

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