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Foundations
Setting up a foundation to hold and manage assets for a purpose or for beneficiaries.
- How a foundation works
- Foundation or company
- Documents and registration
What it is and who it's for
A foundation is a legal entity that holds assets for a stated purpose or for named beneficiaries. It is often used for family wealth, succession planning and holding structures.
How a foundation is governed depends on the jurisdiction and on its charter. We explain the options before you decide.
How a foundation works
Founder
Sets up the foundation, endows it with assets and defines its purpose in the charter.
Council
Manages the foundation and its assets in line with the charter.
Protector
An optional role that oversees the council, where the charter provides for one.
Beneficiaries
The people or purposes the foundation exists to benefit.
Foundation or company?
Foundation
- Typical use
- Holding and managing assets for a purpose or beneficiaries
- Who is involved
- Founder, council, protector and beneficiaries
- Set by
- The charter and its regulations
Company
- Typical use
- Running a business or holding investments
- Who is involved
- Shareholders and directors
- Set by
- The articles of association
What we do and what you provide
What we do
- Compare jurisdictions and their foundation laws
- Draft the charter and regulations with you
- Prepare and file the registration
- Set out the ongoing obligations
What you provide
- The purpose of the foundation and its beneficiaries
- Identity documents for the founder and council members
- Information on the assets to be held
- Decisions on the governance roles
Countries
Ask us about your country
The countries for this service are being confirmed. Tell us the jurisdiction you have in mind and we will tell you what applies.
How it works
- 1ConsultationWe talk through what you need, where you operate and what you already have in place.
- 2PlanYou receive a plan that sets out the steps, the documents and the parties involved, so you can decide how to proceed.
- 3Set-upWe prepare the applications and documents with you and coordinate with the providers involved.
- 4Ongoing supportAfter set-up, we stay available for renewals, changes and questions.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Talk to usHow long does it take?
It depends on the jurisdiction, the provider and the documents involved. We give you an estimate for the foundation after the consultation.
What does it cost?
Costs depend on the jurisdiction and on the services you choose. We set them out for the foundation after the consultation, before any work starts.
Do I need to travel?
Some steps can be completed remotely and others need you in person. We tell you which applies to your case before you start.
Used in these set-ups
What comes next
Each service leads to the next: the structure, then the accounts, then the payments and the licence.
Discuss a foundation with us
Talk to us- IncorporationForming a company or foundation, and keeping it in good standing.Talk to us
- BankingBusiness and personal accounts, and accepting payments.Talk to us
- LicensingFinancial licences for regulated activities.Talk to us
- InvestmentsOpening investment accounts for a company or for yourself.Talk to us