Trust Planning
Trust Planning
Trust planning is a powerful tool for managing and protecting your assets while ensuring your wishes are honoured. Our trust planning services are designed for high-net-worth individuals and families in the UK who seek structured wealth management, asset protection, and controlled wealth transfer.
What we do
- •Trust establishment and structuring tailored 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 trusts remain effective and compliant
Who it's for
UK high-net-worth individuals and families with estates above £500,000, those with complex family situations, business owners, property investors, and anyone seeking structured asset protection and controlled wealth transfer.
Common scenarios
Asset protection for future generations
Trusts can protect assets for children or grandchildren, ensuring controlled distribution and protection from potential claims or inappropriate use.
Inheritance tax mitigation
Trusts can be effective IHT planning tools, allowing assets to be moved outside your estate while maintaining some control and flexibility.
Business asset protection
Business owners may use trusts to protect business assets, facilitate succession, and ensure business value is preserved for future generations.
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. The trustees manage the assets according to the trust terms, providing asset protection, tax planning, and controlled distribution.
What types of trusts are available?+
There are various types of trusts, including discretionary trusts, life interest trusts, bare trusts, and others. The most suitable type depends on your objectives, circumstances, and tax position. Professional advice can help identify the right structure.
What is a family investment company (FIC)?+
A family investment company is a corporate structure that can provide similar benefits to trusts with different tax and operational characteristics. FICs may be suitable for certain families and circumstances. Professional advice can help determine suitability.
How do trusts help with inheritance tax?+
Trusts can help reduce IHT exposure by moving assets outside your estate while maintaining some control. However, the rules are complex and include potential charges. Professional advice is essential to ensure effective planning.
Who can be a trustee?+
Trustees can be individuals (family members, 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 have legal responsibilities to manage trust assets, act in beneficiaries' interests, maintain records, and comply with tax and reporting requirements. Professional support is typically needed to ensure proper administration.
Can I change or end a trust?+
This depends on the trust type and terms. Some trusts are flexible and can be varied, while others are more fixed. Professional advice can help you understand your options and the implications of changes.
How much does it cost to set up and maintain a trust?+
Setup costs vary depending on complexity. Ongoing costs include administration, compliance, and potentially professional trustee fees. An initial consultation can provide clarity on costs for your specific situation.
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 exposure, or have specific family circumstances requiring structured arrangements. Professional advice can help determine suitability.
Are trusts only for very wealthy families?+
While trusts are often used by high-net-worth families, they can be relevant for estates of various sizes, particularly where there are complex family situations, business assets, or specific protection needs. Professional advice can help determine if they're suitable for you.
Next steps
Explore our tools with calculators and quizzes to help you assess your situation.
Explore our Trust Fic Fit Check calculator to get started.
Learn more about 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.