Trust fund - what is it and what is it for? 
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You’ve probably heard of such a concept as a trust fund. It is usually associated with wealthy families and large capital. But what kind of financial instrument is it? How does it work and why do people create trusts? Let’s take it step by step.
What is a trust?
Translated from English, trust means "confidence". In simple terms, a trust fund is a special type of agreement under which the founder transfers his property to the management of a trusted person (trustee) in the interests of the beneficiary.
Simply put, a trust allows the owner of assets to temporarily transfer them to another person or company, who will manage them and distribute income to the specified persons. As a rule, the beneficiaries are relatives of the founder: children, grandchildren, spouses.
How a trust fund works
Imagine that you have a large sum of money, real estate or securities. You want to pass this property on to your children, but they are still minors or do not know how to manage finances wisely. Then you can establish a trust and specify in the agreement the conditions under which the trustee will manage your assets.
For example, you put $1 million into a trust with the understanding that your child will receive $100,000 per year for tuition and living expenses starting at age 18. Or you put real estate into a trust so that your spouse can live there after your death and earn passive income from renting it out.
An important nuance is that while the property is in the trust, it does not belong to either the founder or the beneficiary. The nominal owner is the trust, and the trustee is obliged to manage the assets strictly in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The beneficiary receives only the income from the property, but not the property itself.
Types of Trust Funds
Depending on the goals, terms, and management procedures, there are several main types of trusts:
- Living trust – the founder transfers his assets to the trust during his lifetime and can be a beneficiary and even a trustee. The property passes to the final beneficiaries only after the death of the founder. Helps to avoid the probate procedure.
- Testamentary trust – created after the death of the founder according to his will. The agreement specifies the beneficiaries and the order of distribution of the inheritance between them.
- Irrevocable trust – once the agreement is signed, the founder loses the right to make changes and revoke assets without the consent of the beneficiary. Provides maximum property protection and tax advantages.
- Revocable trust – the founder can change the terms, composition of assets or beneficiaries at any time, revoke the trust. More flexible, but less secure option.
- Charitable trust – created to finance non-profit organizations, foundations, educational institutions. Can be permanent (endowment fund) or for a specified period.
- Blind trust – the founder has no information about the trustee’s assets and decisions. Used to avoid conflicts of interest, for example, for politicians.
Why are trust funds created?
- To protect assets and privacy . While the property is in the trust, it cannot be confiscated, divided in a divorce, or seized for the debts of the founder or beneficiary. The trust also ensures the privacy of ownership - the names of the founder and beneficiaries are not disclosed publicly.
- To reduce taxes. With the help of a trust, you can transfer property as a gift or by inheritance under preferential tax conditions. For example, in the US, assets worth up to $11.7 million transferred through a trust are exempt from gift and inheritance taxes.
- For capital control and management. A trust allows the founder to set clear rules for managing their assets for years to come. For example, limit the expenses of beneficiaries, allocate money only for certain purposes (education, treatment, purchase of housing), set conditions for receiving an inheritance.
- For charity and patronage. Through a trust, you can provide financial support for the work of non-profit organizations, invest in socially significant projects, and support your alma mater. Wealthy people often establish charitable trusts in their wills so that their capital can serve society.
Who is a trust fund suitable for?
A trust is a fairly complex and expensive financial instrument. It makes sense to use it if you have significant assets (from $1 million) that you want to pass on by inheritance, protect from third-party claims, or transfer to a foreign jurisdiction.
For most people with a normal income and savings, a trust will be an unjustifiably expensive solution. Trust fees, legal fees, annual contributions - all this can eat up a significant portion of the capital. In such cases, it is wiser to use simpler and more cost-effective methods - a will, a gift, life insurance.
If you are the owner of a large business, an investor with an impressive portfolio or want to seriously worry about the future of your family, a trust fund can be an excellent option. It will help you effectively manage and increase capital, ensure property succession, and reduce the tax burden.