Client profile: A Singapore-based entrepreneur and third-generation business owner 

Challenges: Rebuilding the family business after the Asian financial crisis, and setting up structures to futureproof the client's assets

Vistra services provided: Setting up of Trusts, Trustee services, PTC set up

Our relationship with this family client dates back to 1990 when our present client's father was caught in the storm of the Asian financial crisis. Due to personal guarantees, most of the family's bankable assets had to be used to settle outstanding debts. Years after, the son inherited the shares of various companies originally built up by his grandfather, which now has no significant value.

The son, who is residing in Singapore, at that time decided to rebuild the companies he inherited and was able to bring them back to blossom. In addition to these companies producing commodities, he wisely diversified his business into commodity trading and other related businesses activities.

Due to the experience of his father, he wanted to have a proper setup to achieve the following goals: 1) privacy, 2) asset protection, 3) inheritance planning.

Privacy was of top priority to the client, the client wanted to start fresh with a clear separation from his father's past business experience. Then comes asset protection, which was key for him due to the enduring risks he was facing with the operating business post-financial crisis.  Lastly, his goals for inheritance planning was important to futureproof his assets for the protection of his young family.

To that end, the Vistra team assisted the client in setting up a Trust with two holding companies: one was used for holding the operating business, the second one was created to hold properties in Asia and Europe as well as bankable assets within various companies. Trustees services were also provided from our side.

Later on, our Trustees were replaced by a PTC setup under changed circumstances, which was jointly decided by the client and Vistra having obtained lawyers' opinion. Vistra is also on the client's board and continues to provide expert advice on strategy and distributions. 

In the meantime, the client's children have finished their education in Europe and are slowly starting to get acquainted with the family business. Our client is presently thinking of moving to Europe, which may be the start of further development of the structure.

With our professional team's expertise and experience, Vistra can help families navigate changes and risks and play a leading role in the continued creation, preservation and transfer of wealth of the client.

If you would like to discuss how Vistra can help you create, preserve or transfer your wealth, please contact one of your local experts: 

Location Name and title Phone number
UK Chris Marquis

Global Head of Private Wealth

+44 203 872 7325
China     Sherrie Dai

Managing Director, North Asia

+86 21 6085 6188
Hong Kong SAR Yumei Zhang

Executive Director, Head of Private Wealth, Greater China

+852 2848 7580
India     Navita Yadav

Managing Director, India & Mauritius

+91 22 2659 3882
India     Neeraj Aggarwal

Director, Private Wealth, India

+91 22 2659 3659
United Arab Emirates Heba Al Emara

Managing Director, Middle East

+971 4 278 3600
Singapore Chris Burton

Managing Director, South East Asia

+65 6854 8010
Singapore Christine Tan

Managing Director, South East Asia

+65 6854 8061
Jersey     Clive Wright

Managing Director, Jersey

+44 1534 504560
Malta Dr. Anthony Galea

Managing Director, Marine & Aviation

+356 2258 6400
Switzerland     Sascha Züger

Managing Director, Switzerland

+41 44 296 68 70
UK David Rudge

Managing Director, Corporate & Private Wealth UK

+44 203 872 7334
UK Julius Bozzino

Director, Private Wealth, International

+44 203 872 7384
Cyprus Nick Terry

Managing Director, Cyprus

+357 25 817 411
Luxembourg Joost Knabben

Commercial Director, Luxembourg

+352 422 229 530
Luxembourg Farabi Zakaria

Commercial Director, Luxembourg

+352 422 229 398
USA Raúl Markos

Director, Private Wealth

+1 305 978 1742

Originally Published 22 April, 2020

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.