Trusts

At Meridien International, we assist clients in structuring their wealth through expertly crafted trust solutions in leading jurisdictions. Trusts are essential instruments for asset protection, estate planning, and cross-border wealth management.

What is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where a person or entity (the settlor) transfers assets to a trustee, who manages them on behalf of designated beneficiaries, according to the terms set out in a trust deed. The trustee has a fiduciary duty to administer the trust assets in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

Trusts create a separation between legal ownership and beneficial interest, allowing for flexible asset management, confidentiality, and enhanced protection from creditors, forced heirship rules, and probate procedures.

Who Needs a Trust?

Trusts are ideal for:

• High-net-worth individuals seeking to preserve family wealth across generations
• Business owners planning succession strategies or isolating business assets
• International families with cross-border tax, residency, or inheritance considerations
• Expatriates requiring asset protection while relocating or retiring abroad
• Philanthropic individuals establishing charitable trusts or foundations
• Investors looking to hold and protect financial or real estate assets in a neutral, tax-efficient vehicle

Trusts are also widely used to protect vulnerable family members, reduce estate taxes, and provide long-term governance of family wealth.

What Assets Can Be Held by a Trust?

Trusts can hold a wide variety of assets, including:

• Bank accounts and cash holdings
• Shares in private or listed companies
• Real estate and investment properties
• Investment portfolios and bonds
• Intellectual property and royalties
• Art collections, yachts, and luxury goods
• Life insurance policies

The flexibility of trust structures allows both personal and corporate assets to be consolidated under one vehicle, often resulting in simplified management and greater control.

Which Are the Best Trust Jurisdictions?

Selecting the right jurisdiction is crucial for the effectiveness and efficiency of a trust. At Meridien International, we work with premier jurisdictions known for robust legal systems, regulatory clarity, and strong wealth protection laws:

• Barbados: Growing in prominence, offering international trusts with strong asset protection and treaty access.
• British Virgin Islands (BVI): Efficient, flexible, and cost-effective; VISTA trusts enable settlors to retain control over underlying companies.
• Cayman Islands: No income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes; favoured for STAR trusts and international wealth planning.
• Isle of Man: A trusted UK Crown Dependency offering tax neutrality, strong trustee services, and asset protection features.
• Jersey & Guernsey: Highly developed trust laws, confidentiality, and global recognition; ideal for complex family trusts and wealth preservation.
• Liechtenstein: Offers both trusts and private foundations, suitable for long-term wealth structuring under a secure legal framework.
• Malta: An EU member state providing compatibility with common and civil law, full Hague Convention recognition, and regulated trustee services.
• Monaco: Recognises foreign trusts and offers confidentiality and prestige, suitable for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• New Zealand: A reputable common law jurisdiction with comprehensive trust law and tax neutrality for foreign settlors.
• Singapore: A global financial hub with tax exemptions for qualifying foreign trusts and strong governance standards.

Trusts play a vital role in effective wealth management, offering a flexible and secure framework to protect assets, plan estates, and ensure smooth succession across generations. They provide privacy, legal certainty, and can be tailored to meet diverse personal and financial objectives. Establishing a trust with expert guidance helps safeguard your legacy, optimise tax planning, and maintain control over your wealth—making trusts an indispensable tool for long-term financial security and family prosperity.