Quick answer
A trust separates legal ownership from benefit: a trustee holds assets such as company shares or property for the beneficiaries on the terms of a trust deed. Our Corporate Trust Setup Service advises on a suitable structure for asset protection, succession or corporate holding, drafts and prepares the trust deed, coordinates the trustee where applicable, and executes the legal and supporting documents, with guidance on compliance under applicable law, including the Trustee Act 1949 and stamp duty on the instruments.
Last reviewed： · Reviewed by：ONEKEY BIZ compliance team
01
Overview
Business owners often hold everything personally — company shares, property, investments — which means the business is exposed to personal risks, and succession depends on a will and probate at the worst possible moment.
A trust changes who holds the assets. The settlor transfers assets to a trustee, who holds them for the beneficiaries under the rules in the trust deed: who benefits, when distributions are made, how decisions are taken and who can replace the trustee. Done properly, shares in the operating company can continue to be held and voted without interruption when circumstances change.
The structure must be designed, not copied. The right choice of trustee, the powers in the deed, the tax and stamp duty consequences, and how the trust interacts with company constitutions and shareholder agreements all need to fit together. We advise on the framework, draft the deed with legal review, coordinate the trustee and see the transfer of assets properly executed.
Who needs this
- Founders planning succession for their companies
- Families holding property and investments
- Groups separating asset-holding from operating risk
- Shareholders wanting structured control over company shares
02
Documents you need to prepare
Settlor & beneficiaries
- IC or passport of the settlor and beneficiaries
- Family or group structure
Assets
- List of assets to be held on trust
- SSM information of companies whose shares are transferred
- Title documents for property
Objectives
- Goals: protection, succession or holding
- Preferred trustee and protector arrangements
- Stamp duty and transfer costs on assets moved into the trust are separate.
- Tax consequences depend on the structure and should be reviewed before assets are transferred.
03
How to get it done with ONEKEY BIZ
- 1Objectives & review Week 1–2
Goals, assets and family or group structure reviewed.
- 2Structure design Week 2–4
Trust framework and trustee arrangement advised.
- 3Trust deed Week 4–6
Deed drafted and reviewed with you.
- 4Execution Week 6–8
Deed signed; stamping and trustee appointment completed.
- 5Asset transfer Week 8+
Shares or assets transferred to the trustee.
You do
- Share objectives and asset details
- Review and sign the trust deed
We do
- Advise on the trust structure
- Draft the trust deed with legal review
- Coordinate the trustee
- Execute and record asset transfers
04
What you receive
Stamped and signed.
Where applicable.
Share transfers and supporting documents.
How the trust works and ongoing obligations.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Who can be the trustee?
An individual or a trust company, depending on the structure; we advise on the choice.
Are company shares transferred to the trust?
Usually to the trustee, recorded with SSM where applicable.
Is ongoing administration needed?
Yes — see our Trust Administration Service.