Private Trust Companies

Book excerpt: Private trust companies play an increasingly important role in the wealth structures of many ultra-wealthy families, offering a high degree of control and flexibility in the administration of a family's trusts and the management of trust assets. Featuring chapters written by leading practitioners from firms including Appleby, McDermott, Will & Emery and Squire Patton Boggs, this edition fully explores the legal, regulatory and practical dimensions of forming and operating a private trust company.The relevant law in prime jurisdictions including Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Jersey and key US states is thoroughly examined. In addition, content shines a light on organisational and operational issues such as designing a private trust company's ownership structure, implementing proper internal controls, outsourcing services and working with professional advisers. Important matters like coordinating with the family office, communicating with family, protecting privacy and handling disputes involving private trust companies are also tackled.New chapters in this edition cover:Guernsey;Switzerland; andsanctionsKey topics featured include:recent regulatory developments in the Cayman Islands;tax law changes in Hong Kong;legislative developments in Wyoming and other US states;recent cases relevant to private trust companies;discovery disputes involving private trust companies; andrecent developments concerning beneficial ownership disclosure requirements in the United States and Europe.This handbook is a comprehensive resource for lawyers, accountants, family office executives and others who advise families on private trust companies.