Trusts for Expats
We can help establish a trust to promote the smooth transfer of assets.
What is a trust?
Trusts hold and own assets on behalf of a beneficiary. They can be a useful tool enabling you to outline exactly how and when assets are passed on. They also generally avoid the need for probate, enabling the efficient passing of assets. Certain trusts can therefore be used to minimise the impact of death taxes in certain jurisdictions.
There are two main types of trust. A revocable trust can be changed at any time by the guarantor during their lifetime, so long as they are competent. An irrevocable trust usually cannot be changed without a court order or the approval of all the trust’s beneficiaries.
Different countries also have different trust laws, tax policies, and levels of privacy protection. It’s also worth noting that not all jurisdictions recognise trusts as a legal concept, which can create complications if you hold assets or reside there.
We appreciate this can all make deciding whether a trust is right for you a challenge.
We can help
How we can help
We have extensive experience helping expats like you establish trusts to promote the smooth transfer of assets.
Our offering:
Identifying whether a Trust would be Beneficial
A trust isn’t right for everyone. Factors that typically make one worth considering include; significant assets, assets in multiple countries, young children and complex family structures including mixed-nationality couples where local inheritance law may apply to one spouse's estate. In view of your personal circumstances and how you wish your estate to be shared we will offer guidance on whether you might benefit from a trust.
Identifying the right Trust for you
In view of your circumstances and wishes, we will advise as to what kind of trust you would benefit from and in which jurisdiction. Trust-friendly jurisdictions commonly used by expats include the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, Singapore, Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands.
Establishing your Trust
We will coordinate with specialist legal and trust advisers to implement your trust, working to complete all relevant documentation.
Factoring your Trust into your Estate Plan
We will factor the trust into your wider estate plan.
Learn moreLet us help you establish a trust
Speak to our Private Wealth ManagersFrequently Asked Questions
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