Trusts & private foundations

A trust is a relationship: the settlor transfers assets to a trustee who manages them for beneficiaries. A foundation is a legal entity with its own charter and council. Foundations feel familiar in civil law countries, trusts in common law ones.

Set up properly and in advance, yes - many jurisdictions have limitation periods after which a transfer is effectively unchallengeable. A trust created after claims have surfaced can be set aside by a court.

No. Beneficial ownership registers, CRS exchange and bank compliance all reach the ultimate person. A trust is a tool for managing and passing on assets, not for anonymity.

Set-up is a one-off, then there are annual trustee and administration fees. The exact numbers depend on the jurisdiction, the assets and the number of beneficiaries, so we quote case by case.

A will operates after death and goes through probate, often in several countries at once. A trust or foundation passes assets under rules you set in advance, without court proceedings or publicity.