Welcome to the fourth edition of our Private Client Bulletin, bringing you the latest private client and trust news and insights from Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, BVI and Asia.
As spring returns we are seeing signs of new life, despite how the pandemic continues to disrupt. These challenging times have led many HNW families and individuals to take a fresh look at their wealth structures and long-term plans, and in some cases where they are based.
Here at Conyers we are committed to providing responsive and solution-driven legal advice to our clients around the globe. Thank you for your continuing business.
Enjoy the read!
Bermuda's Approach to the Rule against Perpetuities
Karen Corless and Nicola Bruce, Bermuda
For how long should the dead be able to exert control, from beyond the grave, over the living? This question has arisen in the context of the "rule against perpetuities", which states that a trust must be ended after a certain period of time. The rule can have negative consequences for families who want their trust structures to be dynastic. However, Bermuda's approach to the Rule Against Perpetuities and trust modification enables adaptable, dynastic trust structures.
Family-managed Private Trust Companies
Robert Lindley and Wesley O'Brien, Cayman Islands
The "devil is in the detail" when it comes to private trust companies and fiduciary committees appointed under trust structures. Given the Covid-19 pandemic and accompanying uncertainty, there is no better time to review trusts' governing documents, corporate governance procedures and succession planning to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.
Establishing an International Charity in Bermuda
Helen Cooper and Davina Hargun, Bermuda
With its well-respected regulatory regime and highly regarded professional services industry, Bermuda is an ideal location for the creation of an international charitable structure. Companies and HNW families and individuals will find a range of tax efficient, flexible vehicles available for the establishment of charitable or philanthropic entities.
Cayman Islands Legislative Update
Robert Lindley and Wesley O'Brien, Cayman Islands
Exciting new developments of the Cayman Islands' trusts law and related legislation show continued commitment to ensure that Cayman remains an attractive and leading jurisdiction for wealth structuring. Incremental modernisation demonstrates how the government is minimising unnecessary impediments to legitimate business while complying with international standards.
Bermuda Residential Certificate
Helen Cooper and Davina Hargun, Bermuda
Under Bermuda's new Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate Policy, HNW individuals who invest a minimum $2.5 million in the island can receive the right to live in Bermuda with a path to long-term residency after five years. Unlike previous policies, successful applicants also receive an automatic work permit. The new policy came into effect on 1 March 2021.
Team News
Congratulations to Anna Bruce-Smith on her promotion to Director and Nicola Bruce on her promotion to Counsel.
Anna Bruce-Smith
Director
Anna's practice covers all areas of private client and trust with particular focus on international and local trusts and estate planning arrangements. Her expertise includes advising on the establishment of international trust structures and private trust companies, trust restructuring and resettlement, providing advice to trustees about their duties and obligations, and advising on trust law interpretation.
Nicola Bruce
Counsel
Nicola handles a wide range of litigious and non-litigious matters for international clients including private individuals, trustees, companies, charities and pension schemes. She advises on trust law, international regulation, charity law and commercial issues.
Congratulations also to Craig MacIntyre on his election as an International Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Craig W. MacIntyre
Director
Craig is one of only three Bermuda-based lawyers presently elected to ACTEC, an international organisation of lawyers who have demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in trust, estate planning and tax law.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
