FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Endowments & Foundations
We help non-profits and charities carry out their mission by managing their money. As a unified Trust Department, when we manage client structures, we adhere to the highest standards of law: the Duty of Loyalty (acting solely in the client’s interest), the Duty of Care (prudent management), and the Duty of Impartiality (balancing competing beneficiary interests equitably). Our collaborative team works seamlessly to give your organization complete peace of mind.
Value-Driven Support for Non-Profits
Charitable Donors
Giving philanthropic individuals a clear framework to maximize the reach of their gifting, achieve long-term capital growth, and coordinate generational giving safely.
Foundations & Boards
Providing corporate boards, non-profit directors, and committee structures with objective portfolio stewardship, clear reporting, and independent compliance.
Non-Profit Organizations
Serving community-focused organizations who require an expert, high-standard fiduciary partner to carefully preserve capital balances so they can focus on their core mission.
Value-Driven Asset Allocation
We specialize in investing your organization’s institutional funds in a way that perfectly matches your core values. Our process balances long-term growth with capital preservation.
Philanthropic Account Operations
We handle all of the complex paperwork, legal requirements, and day-to-day administration tied to charitable giving. We provide full-service custodianship to keep your money safe.
Prudent Spend-Rate Monitoring
Implementing strict allocation oversight, payout tracking, operational funding audits, and market volatility mitigation best practices to protect your fund’s longevity and value.
Board Compliance & Governance
We focus on helping institutional boards closely follow the legal rules for managing their funds. We bring long-term permanence and specialized professional expertise to your leadership team.
Fiduciary Reference Context & Standards
- All department investment activities comply strictly with the Uniform Trust Code (UTC) and the Uniform Prudent Investor Act (UPIA).
- Every institutional account undergoes rigorous oversight matching OCC Regulation 9 Fiduciary Review guidelines.
- Portfolios are governed by an ongoing committee review process to maximize overall tax efficiency and manage risk volatility.
- Institutional trust holdings are securely stored and completely separated from the bank’s own balance sheet.
- Assets legally belong to your organization and cannot be reached by bank creditors.
- Meticulous year-end tax reporting and detailed oversight are delivered correctly and on time.
Comprehensive Asset Management
Portfolio & Value Evaluation
Evaluation and continuous oversight of essential investment systems, values tracking, and critical capital allocation models.
Day-to-Day Operational Work
We act as your professional agent to customize and oversee your portfolio through an Investment Management Account relationship built around client-defined objectives.
Compliance Administration
Our team keeps careful records and provides detailed reports, coordinating with your external attorneys and CPAs to simplify annual accounting.
“Farmers & Merchants Bank has always been rooted in Arkansas, and this role is an extension of our commitment to helping landowners and ag-focused companies manage their assets with confidence. Whether it’s an investment group, a trust or an individual landowner, we offer the expertise and oversight needed to enhance productivity, ensure compliance and protect long-term value.”
— Kelly Davis, Chief Trust Officer
Meet Your Trust Officer
Vinessa Barrow, MLS | Trust Officer
A Mountain Home native operating directly from our office at 502 Hickory Street, Vinessa brings specialized experience in trust administration, wealth services, and nonprofit leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in Legal Studies with honors from the William H. Bowen School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Arkansas. Her diverse professional background includes serving as a Private Wealth Strategist at Simmons Bank administering a portfolio of trust, agency, and IRA accounts, as well as serving as interim director of The Reach Center, which strengthens her legal research, regulatory, and advocacy skills to ensure perfect alignment with client objectives.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to my hometown and serve the community that helped shape who I am. I look forward to building relationships and helping clients create a lasting impact by aligning their financial planning with the values and causes that are important to them.”“
Contact: 502 Hickory Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653 | 870.910.7937 | [email protected]
Important Disclosures: Investment and specialized asset products are: Not a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | Not Bank Guaranteed | Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency. The information on this webpage is for educational purposes and does not constitute formal legal, tax, or accounting advice. Please consult with your personal legal and tax advisors regarding your specific asset situation.