FIDUCIARY
Foundations
Modern Alternatives for Wealth Planning.
Foundations can provide a flexible alternative to trusts, particularly for clients from civil law jurisdictions who prefer corporate‑style structures.
Bellerive assists with establishing and administering Guernsey foundations, which have legal personality and can hold assets and contract in their own name. Foundations are created by a Founder, governed by a Charter and Rules, and managed by a Council. A Guardian or Protector may be appointed for oversight.
Unlike trusts, foundations have their own legal personality and can hold assets, enter contracts, and act in their own name. They’re established by a Founder, governed by a Charter and Rules, and managed by a Council – which may include family members, advisors or Bellerive professionals. There are no shareholders; instead, the foundation is funded by an initial endowment and serves beneficiaries or specific purposes as defined by the Founder. Guardians or protectors may also be appointed to provide oversight.
Why Choose a Foundation?
Foundations are especially attractive to international clients who prefer structures that resemble companies but want to preserve wealth, maintain control, and support family or charitable causes.
They offer perpetual existence without the complexities of shareholder management, legal ownership of assets without the typical split between legal and beneficial title, and a greater degree of privacy rather than the public Charter.
Common uses include:
- Wealth protection and succession planning for families
- Charitable or mixed-purpose giving
- Holding high-risk or niche assets in ring-fenced structures
- Acting as a protector or oversight body for other structures
How Bellerive Supports You
We support the full lifecycle—from drafting Charter/Rules to registration and ongoing administration. We can act as Guernsey Resident Agent, provide Council members, manage governance and accounting, and support compliance with local requirements.
How Bellerive Supports You
We support the full lifecycle—from drafting Charter/Rules to registration and ongoing administration. We can act as Guernsey Resident Agent, provide Council members, manage governance and accounting, and support compliance with local requirements.
We guide clients through every stage – from drafting the Charter and Rules to registration and administration. We can serve as the Guernsey Resident Agent, provide Council members, manage accounting and governance, and ensure compliance with local law. Where relevant, we also assist with impact tracking and distribution for philanthropic foundations.
Whether used on its own or alongside a trust, a Guernsey foundation offers lasting structure, legal clarity, and strategic control. With Bellerive as your partner, you gain expert setup, thoughtful governance, and enduring support – all designed to protect and advance your legacy
