A Trust Guide

Although able to trace its roots back to ancient Egypt, the modern form of trust has its derivation in Medieval England. The trust prevented land being stolen from absent knights by tenants, whilst the nobleman was away doing battle.

Nowadays, the definition of a trust has changed. A trust allows the owner (the settlor) of an asset, to nominate a third party (the trustee) to manage that asset on behalf of the beneficiary.

So why create a trust?

• Assets in trust do not form part of the settlor's estate on death and so are not subject to the ensuing delays.
• Transferal of asset ownership can defer or transfer tax liabilities.
• Trusts are confidential documents and wills under probate are publicly available. The trust maintains discretion.
• Planning for future generations, so that descendents can inherit at a certain age or for them to inherit for certain purposes; such as school fees or university expenses.
• Assets in trust need not be included in a client's estate at death, therefore reducing the potential inheritance tax bill.
• Protection of assets from litigation.

Help and Support

Whilst the benefits and principles of trusts given above tend not to vary from country to country, trust wording and structure does. For that reason, Pinnacle Wealth Management maintains close relationships with a number of specialist trust companies around the world.

These partners will tailor make trust instruments that will work within what ever jurisdiction is a potential tax threat.

As Independent Financial Planners, we believe that our first duty is to preserve our clients' capital. For that reason, trust structuring is at the forefront of advice given by Pinnacle.