Trusts & Family Investment Company Planning
Trusts & Family Investment Company Planning
Trust and family investment company (FIC) structures can support estate structuring, tax efficiency, and controlled wealth transfer. Our services are designed for high-net-worth individuals and families who want discreet, long-term structures aligned with their objectives.
What we do
- •Trust establishment and structuring to your objectives
- •Trust administration and ongoing compliance support
- •Family investment company (FIC) planning and setup
- •Trust tax planning and inheritance tax optimisation
- •Trustee selection and governance guidance
- •Regular reviews to ensure structures remain effective and compliant
Who it's for
- •Individuals and families with estates typically above £500,000
- •Those with complex family situations or multiple beneficiaries
- •Business owners and property investors
- •Anyone seeking structured estate transfer and controlled wealth transfer
Which is for you?
Business Succession
If you're planning exit/continuity for a company.
FIC Planning
If you're considering a family holding structure.
Common scenarios
Controlled wealth transfer to future generations
Using trusts to ring-fence assets for children or grandchildren and control how and when capital is distributed.
Inheritance tax mitigation
Structures that can help move assets outside your estate for IHT purposes while retaining appropriate control.
Business succession structuring
Trusts or FICs to support business succession and preserve value for future generations.
How it works
- Discovery call — A free 30-minute conversation to understand your situation, goals, and timeline.
- Planning review — Full review of your current arrangements, exposures, and what's at stake for the family.
- Strategy proposal — A written recommendation covering structures, sequencing, and what we will and will not do.
- Implementation — Coordinated execution with legal, tax, and FCA-authorised partners where regulated advice is needed.
- Annual review — Ongoing review as life, business, and rules change.
Key concepts
A concise view of how Family Investment Company structures are commonly used in UK planning conversations.
What a Family Investment Company is
A Family Investment Company is a company-based structure often used to hold and manage family investments with defined share rights and governance.
Why it matters: It can support intergenerational planning in a format some families find more familiar than personal ownership.
Hybrid FIC structures
Hybrid FIC arrangements can combine different share classes and control rights to reflect evolving family and business priorities.
Why it matters: Designing governance early helps reduce conflict and keeps planning practical over the long term.
Frequently asked questions
What is a trust and how does it work?+
A trust is a legal arrangement where assets are held by trustees for the benefit of beneficiaries. Trustees manage the assets according to the trust terms, providing estate structuring, tax planning, and controlled distribution.
What types of trusts are available?+
There are various types, including discretionary trusts, life interest trusts, and bare trusts. The right type depends on your objectives, circumstances, and tax position. Professional advice helps identify the right structure.
What is a family investment company (FIC)?+
A FIC is a corporate structure that can offer similar benefits to trusts with different tax and operational characteristics. FICs may suit certain families and circumstances. Professional advice helps assess suitability.
How do trusts help with inheritance tax?+
Trusts can help reduce IHT exposure by moving assets outside your estate while retaining some control. The rules are complex and include potential charges. Professional advice is essential for effective planning.
Who can be a trustee?+
Trustees can be individuals (family, friends, professionals) or corporate trustees. The choice depends on complexity, assets, and your preferences. Professional trustees can provide expertise and continuity.
What are the ongoing responsibilities of trustees?+
Trustees must manage trust assets, act in beneficiaries’ interests, keep records, and meet tax and reporting requirements. Professional support is often needed for proper administration.
When should I consider setting up a trust?+
Trusts may be relevant if you have significant assets, want to protect wealth for future generations, need to manage IHT, or have family circumstances that benefit from a structured arrangement. Professional advice helps assess suitability.
Next steps
The fastest way to find out whether (and how) we can help is a 30-minute conversation.
Or: explore our tools · how we work
Disclaimer
For UK consumers only. Tardi Group Ltd is not FCA authorised as a firm. Tardi Group Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Information is general and not personal advice. Personal recommendations (where applicable) only after full review and signed client agreement. We may work with FCA-regulated advisers where required.