When it comes to safeguarding family wealth and ensuring a smooth transfer across generations, few solutions are as effective as a Jersey Trust. But what makes Jersey such a trusted jurisdiction? And why are families and advisers worldwide choosing this structure for long-term wealth planning?
For over 60 years, Jersey has been recognised as a leading international finance centre. Its political stability, respected legal system, and robust regulatory framework make it a safe and reliable choice for fiduciary services. At the heart of this reputation lies Jersey’s trust law, rooted in English common law yet modern and flexible enough to meet the needs of today’s global families.
What Is a Jersey Trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where a settlor (the person creating the trust) transfers assets to trustees, who manage them for the benefit of chosen beneficiaries. The settlor sets out their wishes, and the trustees use those wishes as a guide to managing the assets of the trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
This structure separates legal ownership from beneficial ownership, creating a framework that protects wealth, provides continuity, and reflects family values across generations.
Why Choose a Jersey Trust? Key Benefits
Jersey trusts offer a range of advantages that make them the gold standard for wealth planning:
Stability and Security - Jersey’s political and legal stability ensures confidence in its fiduciary framework, a critical factor when planning for decades ahead.
Asset Protection - Trusts can protect wealth from external risks such as political upheaval and third-party claims. For families operating across multiple jurisdictions, this protection is invaluable.
Succession Planning Made Simple - Trusts allow wealth to pass seamlessly across generations, often avoiding probate delays and restrictive heirship laws. This means families can maintain unity and preserve shared values without legal complications.
Flexibility to Suit Your Needs - Jersey’s trust law supports a wide range of structures, discretionary, fixed interest, charitable, and purpose trusts, so solutions can be tailored to your family’s goals.
Confidentiality - Personal and financial affairs are kept secure, which is increasingly important in a world where data protection is under scrutiny.
Tax Neutrality - For non-resident settlors and beneficiaries, Jersey offers a tax-neutral environment, supporting efficient cross-border wealth management.
When Would You Use a Jersey Trust?
A Jersey trust is an incredibly flexible vehicle, able to hold a variety of assets of any value. It’s a practical solution for anyone looking to:
Preserve Family Wealth for future generations
Plan for Succession without the delays and costs of probate
Support Philanthropy through charitable or purpose trusts
Manage Cross-Border Assets in a compliant and efficient way
Example:
Consider a family with businesses in Europe, property in Asia, and investments in the US. Without a trust, they may face conflicting inheritance laws and lengthy probate processes. A Jersey Trust provides a single, well-regulated structure that simplifies management and ensures continuity.
The Affinity Approach
At Affinity, we understand that wealth is more than numbers, it represents ambitions, values, and legacies. As an independent, owner-managed trust business, we are free from institutional constraints. This allows us to be an entrepreneurial and flexible trustee with the ability to implement bespoke solutions.
Our fiduciary specialists combine technical expertise with a human approach, creating tailored trust structures that reflect each client’s unique circumstances. We prioritise transparency, governance, and integrity, working closely with families and their advisers to ensure wealth is protected, purposefully managed, and aligned with long-term goals.
Have questions or want to learn more?
Contact Elizabeth:
📞 +44 (0) 1534 828487
📧 elizabethshaw@affinitypw.com
