Trusts

The Cornerstone of Effective Wealth and Succession Planning

A Trust is a powerful and flexible legal arrangement used for generations to manage, protect, and transfer assets. It is a cornerstone of effective wealth and succession planning, providing confidence that your assets will be managed according to your wishes for the benefit of your loved ones or chosen causes.

Understanding the Structure of a Trust

A trust involves three key parties:

The Settlor The individual or entity who creates the trust and transfers assets into it.
The Trustee A trusted individual or professional corporate body that holds and manages the assets according to the trust deed's instructions. The trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
The Beneficiary The person(s) or entity(ies) who are entitled to benefit from the assets held in the trust.

Why Use a Trust?

Trusts are established for a multitude of reasons, including:

Succession Planning: Ensuring a smooth and private transfer of wealth to the next generation, avoiding the lengthy and often public probate process.
Asset Protection: A properly structured trust can shield assets from creditors, political instability, or legal claims.
Confidentiality: Unlike a will, a trust deed is a private document, keeping your financial affairs and wishes confidential.
Managing Family Wealth: A trust allows for professional management of a family’s assets, providing for minors, dependents with special needs, or beneficiaries who may not be financially sophisticated.
Philanthropy: Establishing a charitable trust to support causes you are passionate about.

DIFC and ADGM: World-Class Trust Jurisdictions

The DIFC and ADGM have established themselves as leading centres for wealth management, offering robust, common-law based trust frameworks. Their laws provide clarity, flexibility, and strong protections for all parties involved.

Our Role in Your Legacy

Creating a trust is a significant decision. We work closely with settlers and their legal advisors to structure trusts that reflect their unique circumstances and long-term goals. We help draft the trust deed, select the right governing law, and connect you with professional corporate trustees to ensure your legacy is protected.