A permanent, secure, on-line electronic repository (i.e., electronic safety deposit box or virtual safety deposit box) where a member/customer can store personal information (in electronic form) is provided within the confines and behind the security layers provided by a financial institution such as a bank. Features include catalog functionality for easy management and retrieval of data, access control facilities for the owner to designate other individuals authorized for access, event-driven access dedicated privacy with a subset space for shared elements with the bank (provider), and survivorship functionality with regard to disposition of contents, and intelligent retention rules.