Trusts

International trusts for estate planning.

Overview

A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the settlor) transfer assets to a trustee, who holds and manages them for the benefit of named beneficiaries under the terms of a trust deed. Trusts are widely used for succession planning, ring-fencing family or business assets, and structured philanthropy. We coordinate the formation of the trust and its appointment of a licensed professional trustee, and we help prepare the surrounding documentation — but we are not a law firm and do not provide tax or legal advice.

Why consider it

Plan orderly succession and avoid probate delays across multiple countries

Separate legal ownership from personal ownership for governance and continuity

Support long-term family governance or charitable objectives

May suit families with cross-border assets or heirs in different jurisdictions

Less suitable if you need day-to-day personal control of the assets, or purely as a tax or secrecy device

What UNICORP provides

Selection of a suitable trust type (discretionary, fixed, purpose or reserved-powers) with you

Coordination with a licensed, regulated professional trustee

Preparation and review of the trust deed and letter of wishes with the trustee

Guidance on the roles of settlor, trustee, protector and beneficiaries

Assistance gathering KYC/source-of-funds evidence the trustee requires

Ongoing liaison and administration support after establishment

How it works

Objectives review

We discuss your succession, protection or philanthropic goals and whether a trust is the right vehicle.

Structure & trustee

We help choose the trust type and jurisdiction and introduce a licensed trustee who accepts the appointment.

Deed & KYC

The trust deed and letter of wishes are prepared; you provide identity and source-of-funds documentation.

Establishment

Assets are settled into the trust and the trustee assumes its duties under the deed.

Jurisdictions & options

Cayman Islands BVI Nevis Cook Islands Jersey Guernsey Singapore New Zealand Labuan Mauritius

Tailored consultation

Trust fees depend on the jurisdiction, the chosen trustee, the assets involved and the complexity of the deed, so pricing is quoted per engagement. Trustee due diligence (KYC and source of funds) is mandatory before any trust is established.

Frequently asked

Do I keep control of the assets?

A trust involves genuinely transferring legal ownership to the trustee, who must act under the deed for the beneficiaries. Depending on the jurisdiction you can retain certain reserved powers or appoint a protector, but a trust that is a sham (where you keep full control) may be disregarded by courts and authorities.

Is a trust a way to hide assets or avoid tax?

No. Trusts are subject to KYC, source-of-funds and beneficial-ownership rules, and settlors and beneficiaries usually have reporting and tax obligations in their home countries. We do not establish trusts to conceal ownership or evade tax, and you should take independent tax advice.

Trusts are established only with licensed trustees and full KYC/source-of-funds checks. This is general information, not legal or tax advice, and we make no representation about tax treatment in your country of residence.

Related services

Ready to move forward with Trusts?

Request a tailored quote or talk to a UNICORP specialist.

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