We recommend a corporate trustee company due to the greater level of asset protection it provides. In contrast with an individual trustee, a corporate trustee allows for greater separation of trust’s assets and the personal assets of the directors and shareholders.
It also offers advantages in terms of lifespan and succession planning. If the directors or shareholders of the corporate trustee change, the entity remains the same, eliminating the need to transfer assets to another entity (avoid both CGT or Stamp Duty for the Transfer). Moreover, a corporate entity provides limited personal liability for its directors and shareholders regarding the company’s actions. In the event the trustee company cannot meet its debts, it may enter into liquidation, but the personal assets of directors and shareholders enjoy better protection. Asset management becomes more straightforward with a corporate trustee, as trust assets and personal assets are held in separate names.