International Trusts, Foundations & PTCs Lawyers

What is an international trust?

An international trust is a legal structure established in a premier offshore jurisdiction to hold assets. It is a powerful tool for sophisticated asset protection, privacy & succession planning for global families.

Why use an international trust over a domestic one?

An international trust legally separates your assets from your home country’s risks. This provides a superior level of protection from local litigation, sovereign risks & potential future changes in domestic law.

What is a Private Trust Company (PTC)?

A PTC is a privately-owned company established for the sole purpose of acting as the trustee for a family’s trusts. It is the ultimate tool for maintaining long-term family control over its legacy structures.

What is a private foundation?

A private foundation is a legal entity, typically established in a civil law jurisdiction, used to hold assets for a specific purpose. It is a highly effective & discreet vehicle for a family’s philanthropic or long-term legacy mission.

Is using an offshore structure legal?

Yes, absolutely. Establishing a professionally advised international trust or foundation is a legitimate & prudent strategy for wealth preservation & succession. It is the standard practice for sophisticated global families.

How does an international trust protect assets?

It creates a legal barrier by moving the ownership of your assets to a trustee in a premier jurisdiction with strong asset protection laws. This makes it extremely difficult for a claimant in a local court to attack the assets.

Why is jurisdiction selection so critical?

The choice of jurisdiction is the foundation of the structure’s resilience. It dictates the legal security, privacy, tax neutrality & long-term stability of your entire legacy plan, a decision that requires expert counsel.

Can I still control assets placed in a trust?

While you legally relinquish direct ownership, a high degree of control can be retained through strategic roles. This can be achieved by acting as the protector or through the use of a Private Trust Company.

How does a PTC allow for more family control?

A PTC allows family members to sit on the board of the trustee company itself. This gives your family direct involvement in all major decisions concerning the trust assets for generations to come.

Can these structures hold digital assets?

Yes. A bespoke international trust or foundation can be specifically drafted to hold digital assets. It provides a much-needed legal & succession framework for this new, complex asset class.

How are international trusts taxed?

The taxation is highly complex & depends on the tax residency of the settlor & the beneficiaries. An expertly structured trust in a tax-neutral jurisdiction can significantly enhance the long-term tax efficiency of a family’s wealth.

Can a foundation be used for more than just charity?

Yes. While ideal for philanthropy, a private foundation can also be used as a perpetual vehicle to preserve specific legacy assets, such as a family business or a significant art collection, for generations.

How long does it take to establish an international structure?

The timeline depends on the complexity & jurisdiction, but typically takes 3-6 months. This includes the strategic design, jurisdiction selection, legal drafting & formal establishment process.

How do these structures navigate forced heirship rules?

By moving assets into a trust in a jurisdiction that does not recognise forced heirship, you can ensure your assets are distributed according to the terms of your trust, not the laws of your home country.

Why is expert legal counsel essential for this?

This field requires deep expertise in comparative international law, tax treaties & the specific regulations of premier jurisdictions. Expert counsel from a firm like PBL Law Group is critical to ensure the structure is resilient & compliant.