Trust & Foundation
Trust & Foundation
Trusts and foundations offer different frameworks for holding, administering and passing on assets. We coordinate a review of your objectives, stakeholders and jurisdictions.
Labuan Trust
- Labuan Trust / Trust Establishment
- Trustee Services
- Trust Administration
- Asset Holding
- Custody / Escrow Consultation
Labuan Foundation
- Labuan Foundation / Foundation Establishment
- Foundation Administration
- Private Foundation
- Charitable Foundation
Trust vs Foundation
- Trust: consider the relationship between settlor, trustee and beneficiaries
- Foundation: consider a separate legal entity and its governance
- Compare asset location, succession objectives and tax treatment across jurisdictions
TRUST & FOUNDATION / UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE
Who holds the assets, and who administers them?
Compare ownership, administration and benefits against your family’s objectives, asset locations and relevant legal and tax rules.
Sets the trust’s purposes and terms
Holds and administers assets under the trust deed
Benefit according to the governing terms
A protector may be considered. A purpose trust requires an enforcer.
Establishes its purposes and charter
Owns assets; officers administer its affairs
Receives benefits or serves the stated purposes
Appoint a secretary and plan appropriate oversight. A charitable foundation soliciting public donations requires a council and supervisory person.
Scroll horizontally to read the full table.
| Consideration | Labuan trust | Labuan foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal structure | A legal arrangement administered by trustees, rather than a separate legal person. | A separate legal body without shareholders. |
| Asset ownership | Trustees hold legal title to assets under the trust’s terms. | The foundation owns endowed assets separately from the founder. |
| Establishment | A settlor establishes the trust through a trust deed or other written instrument. | A founder establishes the foundation under a charter, with articles as appropriate. |
| Administration | Trustees administer it; at least one must be a Labuan trust company. | Officers administer it; a secretary handles filings. Review council and other oversight roles. |
| Registration | Registration with Labuan FSA is optional; legal formation and operating duties still apply. | Registration with Labuan FSA is required. |
| Benefits and distributions | Benefits and any distributions follow the trust’s governing terms. | Assets are applied or distributed under the charter and relevant governing terms. |
THE WAY FORWARD
From a conversation to a clear plan.
- 01
Understand
Share your business, wealth and family objectives.
- 02
Review
Review options, advisers, steps and scope of costs.
- 03
Prepare
Coordinate documentation and prepare for applications.
- 04
Continue
Plan for ongoing administration and renewals.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Clarity before the first step.
Practical answers about structures, costs and the next step.
Explore all FAQs01How should I compare a trust and a foundation?
Compare asset types and locations, governance, beneficiaries, succession objectives and laws and tax treatment in relevant jurisdictions. A trust involves administration by a trustee; a foundation is a separate legal entity. Individual legal and tax effects require professional review.
02Does Bona Private Office provide every professional service directly?
Bona Private Office coordinates matters across family, business and wealth. Legal, tax, wealth and lifestyle work may involve external specialists; responsibilities and engagement terms are confirmed for each matter.
03Can I review setup and annual costs before proceeding?
Yes. Define the scope for formation, administration, offices, accounting coordination and applications. Before engagement, confirm what a quotation includes, including external professional and official fees.
04What should I include in my first inquiry?
Briefly describe the service you need, your business, preferred timing and country of residence. Do not include passport numbers, bank account details or asset statements in the initial form.
LET’S START A CONVERSATION
Your next chapter starts here.
Your business, your family, your future. Tell us what you have in mind.