The super-wealthy has been using trusts to hold and pass on family wealth for decades, if not centuries. These days, trusts still offer many advantages for people seeking to protect their wealth and pass on assets without lengthy probate procedures. It can also provide an effective tax solution and protect assets from creditors.
數十年來超級富豪運用信託去持有及傳承家族財富。近日，信託對人們仍提供許多利益去保護他們的財富，同時無須經冗長的遺囑認證程序。其亦能提供一個有效的稅務解決方案同時保護資產免於債權人之追償。
Many families and individuals, not just the super-wealthy, now see trusts as an increasingly powerful wealth and asset management tool.諸多家族及個人，非超級富豪，逐漸把信託視為一個管理資產及財富強而有力的工具。
In Singapore, trusts are governed by the Trustees Act (Cap 337), and many of the principles are based on English trust law. Over the years, the Trustees Act has been amended to promote the use of trusts for wealth management in Singapore. Today, trusts are an increasingly popular tool available for anyone to protect and manage assets within the safety net of a well-defined and regulated legal framework.
在新加坡，信託主要由受託人法所規範，同時諸多原則係以英國信託法為基礎。數年來，受託人法歷經好幾次修正，藉此促進利用信託來為財富管理。時至今日，於一個被定義及規範好的法律框架下，信託逐漸成為任何人可利用去保護及管理資產的工具。
A trust is best described as a legal arrangement whereby one person (the settlor) transfers property to another person (the trustee). The trustee then holds the property for the benefit of specified trust beneficiaries. The settlor can determine which assets are included in the trust and how they should be distributed to the beneficiaries.
信託關係最適合被描述成一個法律上的安排，於此一個人（委託人）將其財產移轉到另一人（受託人）。受託人持有一個經由委託人指定受益人的財產。委託人可決定資產中的那一個資產係納入信託關係中，同時決定如何分配給受益人。
It can also be described as a fiduciary agreement where the appointed trustee administers and manages the assets for the beneficiaries. The trustee has a fiduciary duty and statutory obligation to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries have beneficial ownership of the assets.
信託可被理解成一個誠信契約，於此法律關係下任命受託人經營管理受益人之資產。受託人要為受益人之最佳利益盡其忠實及法律上義務。受益人對資產擁有所有權利益。
The settlor can appoint a “protector” to oversee the trustee and protect the trust, making sure the trustee does not abuse their power.委託人可指定監察人去監督受託人及保護該信託，確保受託人不濫權。
There are different types of trusts, each with its own benefits. Whether you should set up a trust and what type of trust will depend on your aim and individual circumstances.
有數種不同信託類型，每一種都有其利益。你該成立那一種信託？那一種信託合於你的目的及個案情狀？
When the settlor transfers assets to the trust, legal ownership of those assets rests with the trust. These assets are thus protected against any creditors or lawsuits against the settlor.
當委託人移轉資產與信託，該資產法律上所有權取決於信託。於是這些資產受到保護免於債權人追償或者是對委託人之訴訟。
This form of asset preservation is one of the primary benefits of trusts for high-risk individuals or business owners. Personal assets are protected against business risks. If the settlor becomes bankrupt, the trust assets are protected against creditors. The same applies to professionals at risk of being sued for professional negligence. Trust assets cannot be used to settle creditor or compensation claims. Trust assets will also be protected in any matrimonial property disputes.此種資產保存型態之信託係對高風險之個人或事業經營者最主要之利益。個人資產受島免於商業風險之保護。假使委託人將宣告破產，信託財產受到免於債權人之追償。其同樣適用於專業人士因過失被訴之情狀。信託才產不能被用於債務或賠償之和解金。信託財產於婚姻關係發生爭議事件下亦受到保護。
Take note that assets must be in the trust for a minimum period before being protected from claims.注意，信託財產需在信託期間裏才能對抗訴訟
Trusts can be used to manage a family’s wealth. The settlor can specify how the assets should be invested. The trustee will manage the assets and distribute them to the beneficiaries according to the terms and conditions of the trust.信託可被利用來管理家族財富。委託人能具體描述財產應如何被投資。受託人依據信託條款及條件管理信託財產，同時分配財產與受益人。
If you fall in a high tax bracket and the income you generate from certain assets increases your taxable income, you may want to consider placing those assets in a trust. Earnings from those assets will then fall in the trust, and the tax liability will fall on the beneficiaries.
假如你是一個被課重稅者，同時你從特定財產獲得所得而增加你的所得稅，你可以考慮將那些財產成立信託。從那些財產獲得收益然後將其信託，課稅義務將是受益人來承擔。
Trusts and distributions to beneficiaries are also taxed, but the trust and distributions can be structured to spread the tax burden in a way that is tax effective for all parties.
信託與受益人分配額都要被課稅，但是信託和分配額都能適度建構好，使得全部被課稅者都能達到節稅的一個程度。
The trust assets will not be subject to lengthy probate proceedings when the settlor passes away. Singapore trust laws also protect against forced inheritance regimes under certain circumstances.
當委託人亡故時，託財產將部會受到冗長的遺囑認證程序。新加坡信託法在某些情況下亦保護完全繼承的體制。
The settlor can specify when and to whom assets must be distributed after the settlor’s death. If the settlor’s descendants are minors, the assets can remain in the trust and be distributed later as specified by the settlor. In this way, the interests of young children or children who are not capable of managing their own affairs can be protected.
委託人可具體描述在委託人亡故後何時及何人可取得信託財產。假如委託人之繼承人是未成年人，可透由委託人詳述財產可囊括於信託中，其後才分配與未成年人（待其成年）。如此才能保護少年或無法管理自身事務之少年之權益。
In some circumstances, it could be beneficial for the descendent to keep the assets in the trust for the benefit of grandchildren. For example, if receiving the benefit would place the beneficiary in a higher tax bracket, or they live in a country with high estate duties, leaving the asset in the trust for the next generation might be prudent.
在一些情況下，對繼承人將財產以信託方式為之是有利於其孫兒女。舉例，假設收受利益能置受益人於一個高稅賦階層或居住於一個高財產義務的國家，為下一代而遺留財產於信託中是精明的。
If you think setting up a trust suits your circumstances, you need to consider the different types of trusts.假使你認為成立信託符合你的情狀，你需要考慮一下不同類型的信託。
The legal consequences of creating a trust and what you will achieve by creating a trust depend on the type of trust.
成立信託之法律效果及你欲藉由成立信託達成什麼，依據信託種類而定。
There are many different types of trusts, and an experienced trust lawyer will advise you on the best option for your circumstances.
有許多種信託類型供你選擇，有經驗的律師會建議你最符合你狀況的信託類型。
A few types of trusts include:
This trust is created in the settlor’s lifetime. It is also called a Living Trust. The assets are placed in the trust during the settlor’s life. The settlor can state their wishes for managing and distributing benefits in a Letter of Wishes. The settlor can also revise the Letter of Wishes in the future.
Inter Vivos trusts are used for tax savings and protecting assets and can be very useful if the settlor becomes incapacitated in future.
Examples of Inter Vivos trusts include:
A testamentary trust is formed in the settlor’s will. Upon the settlor’s death, the assets will pass into the trust as specified in the will. There is no trust whilst the settlor is still alive. It only comes into effect when the settlor dies. This type of trust is useful when the settlor has young children, dependents with special needs, or beneficiaries who cannot manage their inheritance.
A standby trust is a mix of a Testamentary and an Inter Vivos trust with the benefits of both. The trust is formed, but no, or very few, assets are placed in the trust whilst the settlor is still alive. Beneficiaries can be named. The trust is dormant until a specific event occurs. The trustee is on standby until the event occurs.
The settlor can assign insurance policies to beneficiaries. CPF nominations can be included, and provisions can be made for mental incapacity.
If the specified event occurs, the assets can be transferred to the trust via a power of attorney. Alternatively, assets will be transferred upon the death of the settlor.
The set-up fee is low, without the fees to transfer the assets. The annual costs are minimal, while the trust remains dormant.
This is a question that many people are concerned about when transferring their assets into a trust. Fortunately, the trustees’ powers are well regulated in Singapore.
Trustees get their powers from the terms of the trust instrument. The Trustees Act and common law principles further regulate the operation of trusts and the powers and responsibilities of trustees.
The trustee must adhere to specific minimum standards of conduct. Trustees have a statutory duty to exercise reasonable care and skills to exercise their duties and powers.
The specific form of the trust further determines the trustees’ powers. Whether the trust is fixed or discretionary, revocable, or irrevocable, significantly impacts the trustee’s powers. Before you set up a trust, you should consider the following:
In a discretionary trust, the trustee has complete discretion. When and what percentage of the assets must be distributed to whom in the pool of beneficiaries is the trustee’s sole discretion.
This type of trust can be handy to protect family assets from matrimonial property disputes in divorce. It can protect beneficiaries against creditors, and it provides the possibility to adapt to changes in beneficiaries’ circumstances.
Discretionary trusts can be valuable tools in managing family dynamics. Where a family member is bad at managing money, or at high risk of legal claims, or there are constant disputes amongst family members, the trustee can use their discretion to manage through the dynamics. Trusts also offer confidentiality.
Contrary to discretionary trusts, the settlor determines who gets how much and when under a fixed trust. The trustee has no discretion. Trustees merely administer the assets according to the terms and conditions of the trust.
The settlor can terminate a revocable trust. The settlor can also change the terms of the trust. This makes it possible for the settlor to retain some control over the assets.
However, revocable trusts may open the door for creditors or spouses to claim against trust assets in the event of bankruptcy or divorce. The court may decide that the settlor still controls the assets.
Under an irrevocable trust, the settlor retains no legal rights or control over the assets placed in the trust. He cannot revoke or change the terms of the trust. The assets are no longer part of the settlor’s estate.
If the assets have been in the trust for at least five years, it is protected against creditor and divorce claims.
Trusts are created through trust instruments, for example, a contract, a will, or a trust deed. Creating a trust can have significant consequences for the settlor and the beneficiaries. Anyone considering setting up a trust should seek expert legal advice.
There are specific basic requirements for setting up a trust.
A trust comes into being when the assets are transferred to the trust or when the settlor declares himself a trustee via a declaration of trust, now holding the assets for the beneficiaries.
Whether you should create a trust depends on your financial, family, and business circumstances. Trusts have undeniable benefits for wealth management and asset protection.
In Singapore, trusts are well regulated. Individuals and families can create trusts and have peace of mind that their assets are in capable hands and protected by a well-established common law and statutory framework. In addition, Singapore allows settlors to retain some power over the assets and play a role in managing investments if they wish to do so.
An experienced trust lawyer can advise you on the best trust option and structure for your circumstances.
Setting up a Trust
