Switzerland offers a unique combination of regulatory discipline, political stability, and international connectivity that makes it one of the most credible jurisdictions for trust administration.

FINMA-licensed trustees operating under FinIA
Recognition of foreign-law trusts under the Hague Convention
Strong banking and financial infrastructure
Robust compliance and reporting framework
Political and economic stability
Strict confidentiality within a regulated environment

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Solutions for your needs

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How it works

A structured, confidential process designed around your specific needs.

Initial assessment

Confidential discussion to understand your objectives, family structure and jurisdictional context.

Structuring

Trust deed drafting, governance framework and documentation aligned with your goals.

Implementation

Trust establishment, bank account opening, asset transfer coordination and onboarding.

Ongoing administration

Day-to-day management, compliance monitoring, reporting and governance oversight.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Swiss trustee?

A Swiss trustee is a professional entity licensed under the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA) to act as trustee for trusts governed by foreign law but administered from Switzerland. Swiss trustees are subject to FINMA supervision and ongoing regulatory compliance.

Can a Swiss trustee administer a foreign-law trust?

Yes. Switzerland recognises foreign-law trusts under the Hague Convention. A Swiss trustee typically administers trusts governed by the laws of common-law jurisdictions such as Jersey, Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, or New Zealand, while leveraging Switzerland's stability and compliance framework.

What is the difference between a trustee and a protector?

The trustee holds legal title to the trust assets and is responsible for administration, compliance and distributions. The protector is an independent oversight role with specific reserved powers, such as approving distributions or changing the governing law. Both roles serve distinct governance functions.

What does FINMA licensing mean for a trustee?

FINMA licensing means the trustee operates under Switzerland's financial regulatory framework. This includes prudential supervision, compliance obligations, annual regulatory audits, and adherence to anti-money laundering requirements. It provides an additional layer of accountability and oversight.

Ready to discuss your trust needs?

Our team of experienced lawyers is available for a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

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