THE ‘TRUST’ CONCEPT


At its simplest, a trust is an arrangement whereby property or assets are transferred from one person (the ‘settlor’) to another person (the ‘trustee’) to hold the property for the benefit of a specified list or class of persons (the ‘beneficiaries’). A trust can be created solely by verbal agreement but it is usual for a written document (the ‘trust deed’) to be prepared. This evidences the creation of the trust, sets out the terms and conditions upon which the trustees hold the trust assets and outlines the rights of the beneficiaries.

The practical advantages of a trust are gained from the distinction that is drawn between the formal or legal owner of property, the trustee, and those people that have the use or benefit of the property, the beneficiaries.

It is vital that the trustee remains independent and exercises proper control over the trust property. A trust may be deemed to be invalid if the settlor continues to exercise power over the trust assets by retaining benefit or control, or by giving directions to the trustees.

Those unfamiliar with the trust concept are often concerned at the prospect of transferring ownership of their property to a trustee. This concern can be alleviated if the trust concept and the distinction between legal and beneficial ownership is properly understood and it is clear that the trust is governed by a reliable trust law that can be enforced in a reputable jurisdiction.

The trustee holds the legal ownership interest in the trust property separately and apart from his own personal property and therefore trust assets are insulated from the trustees personal creditor.

Trust law imposes strict obligations and rules on trustees. There is a basic rule that a trustee may not derive any advantage, directly or indirectly, from a trust unless expressly permitted by the trust – for example, where a trust provides a professional trustee with the right to charge for its services. Full disclosure of the basis and amount of charges is required.

01
Trustees must follow the trust deed and are subject to very strict rules governing the way in which their powers and discretion may be exercised. The courts regard a trust as creating a special relationship that places the most serious and onerous obligations on the trustee.
02
Best interests of beneficiaries – Trustees must at all times exercise their powers in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust, and disregard the interests of others, including the settlor.
03
Act prudently – Whether or not a trustee is remunerated, they must act prudently in the management of trust property and will be liable for breach of trust if – by failing to exercise proper care – the trust fund suffers loss. In the case of a professional trustee, the standard of care that the law imposes is higher. Failure to exercise the requisite level of care will constitute a breach of trust for which the trustees will be liable to compensate the beneficiaries. This duty can extend to supervising the activities of a company in which the trustees hold a controlling shareholding.
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