What is a fundamental duty of trustees regarding the beneficiaries?

A fundamental duty of trustees is to communicate consistently with beneficiaries. This responsibility ensures that beneficiaries are kept informed about the trust's status, including the investments, performance, and any other significant developments. Effective communication promotes transparency and helps build trust between the trustee and the beneficiaries, ensuring that the beneficiaries understand their rights and the trustee’s actions.

Regular updates can also preempt misunderstandings and provide beneficiaries with an opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification about how the trust is being managed. This duty is essential for maintaining the trust relationship and ensuring that beneficiaries feel secure and informed about their financial interests.

In contrast, the other options either suggest actions that could undermine this relationship or imply a focus on performance that does not align with the primary duty of a trustee to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. Consistent communication fosters a healthy dynamic, which is vital for the successful administration of a trust.