ST
Swiss Trustee

Trust Administration

Rigorous administration is the key to a well-performing trust. Our team provides the day-to-day management, accounting and reporting for your fiduciary structures.

Professional and rigorous administration

Trust administration is a demanding responsibility that requires competence, diligence and rigour. As a FINMA-licensed trustee supervised by SO-FIT, Swiss Trustee applies the highest standards of fiduciary governance in the administration of every trust entrusted to us. Our Geneva-based team has the expertise to manage complex structures involving assets and beneficiaries across multiple jurisdictions.

Our administration services

Our administration offering covers all aspects of trust management:

  • Fiduciary accounting: Maintenance of trust accounts according to applicable standards, preparation of annual financial statements, tracking of income, capital gains and distributions.
  • Distribution management: Execution of distributions to beneficiaries in accordance with the trust deed and letters of wishes, documentation of distribution decisions.
  • Banking coordination: Interface with custodian banks, oversight of banking operations, opening and closing of accounts, coordination of transfers.
  • Investment oversight: Appointment and supervision of asset managers, review of investment strategy, verification of compliance with the trust's investment policy.
  • Beneficiary reporting: Preparation of detailed periodic reports, regular communication with beneficiaries and their advisers.
  • Record-keeping: Preservation of all trust documents, minutes of meetings, correspondence and trustee decisions.
  • Tax coordination: Coordination with tax advisers for the trust's and beneficiaries' tax filings in the relevant jurisdictions.

Governance and decision-making

The exercise of the trustee's powers is governed by strict governance procedures. Every significant decision — whether a distribution, a major investment or a structural change — is subject to documented analysis, formal deliberation and rigorous archiving. Our internal procedures comply with FINMA and SO-FIT requirements, and are subject to regular audits.

For discretionary trusts, we conduct periodic reviews of each beneficiary's circumstances in order to exercise our discretionary powers in an informed and balanced manner. We consult the settlor's letters of wishes and, where applicable, the protector or advisory committee, before any significant distribution decision.

Transfer of administration (change of trustee)

If you wish to transfer the administration of an existing trust to Swiss Trustee, we manage the entire transition process. This includes an in-depth review of the trust deed and trust history, compliance verification (KYC/AML) of all parties, transfer of assets from the former trustee, implementation of our internal procedures and establishment of the necessary banking relationships. We ensure that the transition proceeds smoothly, without interruption to the management of the trust.

Our experience in taking over trusts administered by other trustees, including legacy or complex trusts, enables us to manage effectively the specific challenges of these transitions, whether they involve documentary gaps, multi-jurisdictional structures or dispersed beneficiaries.

Frequently asked questions

What does day-to-day trust administration involve?
Administration includes fiduciary accounting, preparation of financial statements, management of distributions to beneficiaries, coordination with banks and asset managers, regulatory reporting, record-keeping and correspondence with beneficiaries and advisers.
How often does the trustee report to beneficiaries?
As a professional trustee, we generally provide an annual detailed report to beneficiaries, including the trust's financial statements, a summary of distributions made and an overview of the investment strategy. Additional reports may be provided upon request.
Does Swiss Trustee manage investments directly?
No. As trustee, we provide oversight and governance of investments, but asset management is entrusted to independent wealth managers selected in accordance with the trust's objectives. We ensure that the investment strategy is consistent with the trust deed.
Is it possible to transfer the administration of an existing trust to Swiss Trustee?
Yes. The transfer of a trust from one trustee to another (retirement and appointment of new trustee) is a common process. We handle the transition, including review of the trust deed, transfer of assets and implementation of compliance procedures.

Entrust us with the administration of your trust

Whether you wish to establish a new trust or transfer the administration of an existing one, our team is at your disposal.

Request a confidential assessment