Core Structuring

Trust & Foundation Advisory

We advise on the design, structure and governance of trusts and private foundations — fiduciary models that protect wealth, define beneficiary entitlements and provide robust succession mechanisms across generations.

Request a ConsultationAll Private Client Services

Trust & Foundation Scope

  • Trust structure type selection & design
  • Foundation establishment & governance advisory
  • Trustee appointment & duty framework
  • Letter of wishes drafting & review
  • Beneficiary framework & access conditions
  • Protector appointment & powers design
What We Deliver

Our Advisory Services

Trust Structure Selection

We advise on the right trust type for your objectives — discretionary, fixed interest, purpose, charitable or hybrid — and the optimal jurisdiction: Cayman, BVI, Jersey, Guernsey, ADGM, UAE or onshore.

Foundation Advisory

Private foundations provide an alternative to trusts in civil law jurisdictions — with a separate legal personality, defined objects and clear governance. We advise on establishment across UAE, ADGM, Panama, Liechtenstein and Dutch Stichting frameworks.

Trustee Framework

Advisory on trustee selection — professional vs family trustee, sole vs co-trustee, corporate trustee considerations — and the framework of duties, decision-making authority and investment powers.

Letter of Wishes

We advise on and draft letters of wishes — the non-binding but critically important document that communicates the settlor's intentions to trustees, covering distributions, investment approach and family governance.

Beneficiary Framework

Defining beneficiary classes, entitlements, conditions of access and exclusion events — balancing the settlor's wishes with the flexibility needed for trustees to exercise their discretion appropriately.

Protector Design

The protector provides an independent check on trustee discretion. We advise on protector appointment, powers (including power to remove and replace trustees), negative powers and the governance framework around the role.

Our Approach

Built for Real Outcomes

A trust or foundation, properly designed, is one of the most powerful tools available for wealth protection and generational transfer. Improperly designed — or designed by counsel who does not understand the full picture — it can be ineffective, costly and a source of family conflict.

Our advisory begins with understanding your family, your assets and your objectives before any structure is proposed. We design around you — not around a standard template.

Trust & Foundation Jurisdictions

  • UAE — ADGM Common Law Trust, Foundation under Abu Dhabi law
  • Jersey & Guernsey — established common law trust frameworks
  • Cayman Islands — highly flexible discretionary trust framework
  • British Virgin Islands — BVI Special Trusts Act (VISTA)
  • Liechtenstein & Panama — civil law foundation frameworks
  • Netherlands — Stichting for charitable and purpose structures

Trust Types We Advise On

  • Discretionary trust — maximum flexibility for beneficiaries
  • Fixed interest trust — defined entitlements
  • Purpose trust — for specific objectives, not beneficiaries
  • Charitable trust — philanthropic and tax-efficient giving
  • Hybrid trust — combining elements for complex situations

What We Deliver

  • Trust/foundation structure recommendation
  • Jurisdiction comparison memo
  • Trustee framework design
  • Draft letter of wishes outline
  • Beneficiary framework document
Cayman
Most flexible trust jurisdiction for complex families
ADGM
UAE-based common law trust capability
3+
Generations planned for in every trust structure
100%
Bespoke — every trust structure reflects your family
Process

How We Work

01

Objectives Review

We document your wealth transfer objectives, family structure, beneficiaries and succession wishes.

02

Structure Design

We design the trust or foundation model — type, jurisdiction, trustee framework, beneficiary class.

03

Documentation

We advise on all trust or foundation documents and coordinate with specialist legal counsel.

04

Ongoing Governance

We advise on trustee decision-making, letter of wishes updates and periodic structure review.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

A trust is a relationship — the trustee holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. A foundation is a separate legal entity with its own assets, objects and governance. Trusts are common in common law jurisdictions (UK, Cayman, BVI). Foundations are preferred in civil law jurisdictions (UAE, Panama, Liechtenstein). We advise on which is appropriate for your circumstances.
A properly structured discretionary trust, established well in advance of any claim and with genuine transfer of control to the trustee, can provide significant protection. However, protection is fact-specific and depends on the jurisdiction of the trust, the settlor's domicile and the timing of transfer. We advise on the structuring considerations — legal advice on specific protection is provided by specialist counsel.
A professional or corporate trustee provides independence, expertise and continuity — particularly important for long-term family trusts. A family member trustee provides intimacy and control but introduces potential conflicts and succession issues at the trustee level. Many structures use a combination — corporate trustee with a protector appointed by the family.

Ready to Explore Trust or Foundation Structuring?

Our Private Wealth team advises on trust and foundation design across UAE, Cayman, BVI, Jersey and European civil law jurisdictions.

Request a ConsultationAll Services