I run the nation's largest law firm exclusively focused on
offshore asset protection planning. Over the past few years, I have likely established more Cook Islands Trusts than any other attorney in the world. When I recommend a trust company, I put my reputation on the line — and the service that company provides reflects on me and on the industry as a whole.
For many years, Blake Harris Law directed more business to Southpac Trust Company than any other firm in the country. In fact, for both 2023 and 2024, Blake Harris Law established more Cook Islands Trusts with Southpac Trust Company than any other law firm in the world.
That is no longer the case. I am no longer recommending Southpac Trust Company, and we have begun transitioning every client to an alternative trust company.
What Went Wrong with Southpac Trust Company
Over the past year, Southpac Trust Company's service has declined to a level I can no longer accept. The issues have been consistent and serious:
- More than a dozen client complaints about service quality
- Tens of thousands of dollars in refunds issued due to Southpac's failures
- Significant staff turnover within their organization
- Improper and excessive billing of our shared clients
- Response times stretching weeks — and in some cases, months — to inquiries from our firm and our clients
This is not a minor lapse. When someone has placed their financial security in the hands of a trust company, they deserve prompt, accurate, and professional service. Southpac Trust Company has not been providing that.
Why I'm Speaking Publicly
I do not enjoy having to say that a trust company I previously recommended is no longer a good service provider. But I have a duty to be fully transparent about the services being provided in the offshore industry — particularly when my clients are affected.
This poor service is harmful to clients, harmful to the Cook Islands, and harmful to the asset protection industry as a whole. Staying silent would mean prioritizing a business relationship over the interests of the people who trust me to protect their assets. That is not something I am willing to do.
The Cook Islands remains the gold standard for offshore asset protection. There are excellent trust companies operating there — Southpac simply is no longer one we can stand behind. Our commitment is to your protection, and that means holding every partner to the highest standard.
What This Means for Current Clients
If your Cook Islands Trust was established through Blake Harris Law and is currently held with Southpac, our team will be reaching out to you directly to discuss transitioning to an alternative trust company. You do not need to take any action right now — we will guide you through the process.
If you have immediate questions or concerns about your current setup, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
A Note on the Cook Islands
I want to be clear: this is not a statement against the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands remains, in my view, the strongest jurisdiction in the world for offshore asset protection. The legal framework there is unmatched, and there are excellent, reputable trust companies operating within it.
My recommendation against Southpac Trust Company is specific to their current service quality — not to the Cook Islands or to offshore asset protection more broadly.
Looking Ahead
If Southpac Trust Company corrects these issues and returns to an acceptable standard of service, I will say so openly. My only interest here is protecting clients and maintaining the integrity of the Cook Islands trust industry.
For now, if you are considering establishing a Cook Islands Trust or have questions about your existing structure, I encourage you to reach out to our team directly.
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