The Oregon Blind Trust Agreement is a legal document created to protect the assets and financial interests of individuals who wish to maintain confidentiality in their investments. This arrangement allows individuals, particularly public officials or business executives, to separate themselves from the management and control of their assets, thereby preventing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring ethical conduct. In Oregon, there are two types of Blind Trust Agreements commonly used — discretionary blind trusts and directed blind trusts. Both types serve the same purpose but differ in terms of the level of control granted to the trust's beneficiary. 1. Discretionary Blind Trust: This type of agreement grants the trustee full control and discretion over the management and investment decisions of the assets held in the trust. The beneficiary relinquishes their ability to influence or direct any investment activities, providing a higher level of independence and anonymity. This trust arrangement is often preferred by public officials or individuals with significant financial interests seeking to protect their privacy and integrity during their term of office or service. 2. Directed Blind Trust: In a directed blind trust, the beneficiary retains some level of control and influence over the investment decisions made by the trustee. The beneficiary can provide general guidelines or restrictions on investment activities while relying on the expertise of the trustee to execute those decisions. This type of trust is commonly chosen by individuals who wish to maintain some involvement in the management of their assets while still adhering to ethical guidelines and avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Regardless of the type chosen, the Oregon Blind Trust Agreement ensures that assets are managed by a trusted independent party like a financial institution or professional trustee who has the necessary expertise to handle investment decisions without the interference or knowledge of the beneficiary. This arrangement helps maintain transparency, eliminates potential biases in decision-making, and shields the beneficiary from knowledge regarding the valuation or specific holdings of the trust's assets. The Oregon Blind Trust Agreement serves as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to protect their financial interests, maintain public confidence, and uphold the highest ethical standards.