You’ve worked hard to build and grow your wealth – it's only natural to want to put measures in place to protect it. Exposure to different tax and legal requirements, a change in your marital status and unforeseen claims and liabilities have the potential to complicate your financial and business goals.

At RBC Wealth Management, we can help you preserve your wealth today and for generations to come with trusts and other fiduciary solutions.

We'll guide you through your options, answer your questions and help make sure any plans align with your living, estate and philanthropic goals. You can rely on our in-depth knowledge and experience in the fiduciary market.

Trusts

A trust is a legal relationship created when you (the settlor) transfer ownership of certain assets to another person or company (the trustee). The trustee then manages and administers those assets in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust, which may include you.

As you’ve separated yourself from the legal ownership of the assets with a trust, the assets no longer form part of your personal estate. This arrangement can help you:

Provide for your heirs

Enjoy peace of mind by planning for your wealth to pass to your chosen heirs in a timely and confidential way, consistent with your wishes.

Preserve and protect your wealth

Minimise the impact of unforeseen life events, claims and other liabilities on the value and structure of your estate.

Enjoy privacy over your business and financial interests

Keep details regarding the value of your estate and perhaps the identity of your chosen heirs confidential during your lifetime and after your death.

Manage your estate

Simplify the process of managing a large personal estate, particularly where you have assets in multiple countries.

Use companies to limit liability

Often used in conjunction with trusts, a company is an independent legal entity that can own property and transact in its own name. The key characteristic of a company is limited liability, which means the owner’s liability is limited to the amount invested.

Foundations

A foundation is defined as an independent legal entity with a constitution and board of directors. Control over the foundation resides with the board, and it may be affected by an agreement between you (as the founder) and the board.

Taking assets outside your personal estate and transferring the legal title to the foundation can deliver many of the same benefits as trusts.