Guide to STAR Trusts in the Cayman Islands

27 February 2017 . 8 min read

The Special Trusts (Alternative Regime) Law, 1997, now incorporated into Part VIII of the Trusts Law (2011 Revision) (the “Law”) provides the legal basis on which private purpose trusts can be established in the Cayman Islands, without affecting the previously existing laws governing the creation and administration of traditional trusts.

Since their introduction in 1997, STAR trusts (as they are commonly referred to) have gained a strong reputation for being flexible estate planning tools where special purpose vehicles are too inflexible or otherwise inappropriate. Unlike traditional English common law trust principles, under which a trust is not valid unless it is for the benefit of an identified person or class of persons or for charitable purposes, the STAR trusts can be (i) for the benefit of an identified person or any number of persons or (ii) solely for the benefit of charitable or non-charitable purposes or objectives provided that the purposes are lawful and not contrary to public policy.

What was the rationale for creating STAR Trusts

Before the Law was enacted, it was not possible to create trusts for a purpose other than a charitable purpose. The Law also permits perpetual trusts; that is, trusts without a perpetuity or expiry period. Cayman Islands trusts which are not subject to the STAR trusts regime are currently limited to a maximum duration of 150 years.

STAR trusts can be (i) for the benefit of an identified person or any number of persons or (ii) solely for the benefit of charitable or non-charitable purposes or objectives provided that the purposes are lawful and not contrary to public policy. This is a unique feature of STAR trusts and highlights the flexibility offered by the STAR trust structure. It is a requirement of the STAR trust regime that at least one trustee of a STAR trust is a trust company licensed in the Cayman Islands or a private trust company registered as such in the Cayman Islands.

What are STAR Trusts used for?

STAR trusts are commonly used for, among other things, the following.

  1. To create dynasty-style trusts for multiple generations primarily for holding treasured family assets, investments, and preserving shares in family businesses.
  2. To create trusts for philanthropic purposes which are outside of the scope of what would be considered charitable as a matter of Cayman Islands law.
  3. To create trusts which restrict the rights of troublesome beneficiaries who may be tempted to challenge the trust, to seek to obtain information in relation to the trust, among other things.
  4. To create trusts which are unrestricted by a perpetuity period.
  5. To create trusts which benefit persons while at the same time achieving alternative objectives such as the continuation of family businesses.
  6. To form “Special Purpose Vehicles” for a wide range of commercial transactions in a safe, flexible, and bankruptcy remote manner.
  7. To act as a vehicle to hold shares in a private company, thus allowing a family member (or members) to retain a degree of control over the administration of the underlying trusts and influence decisions which may affect the underlying trusts and the assets they hold (most typically, shares in a family business).
  8. For clubs and associations whereby their members can enforce terms of contracts without actually being a party to the contract. Also, upon the dissolution of the club or association, the contributed assets may be returned to members in portions specified in the trust deed, rather than in an ad-hoc manner.

Regulation and registration

The Trustee of a STAR trust must be or must include a trust company licensed to conduct trust business in the Cayman Islands. This adds a level of oversight and regulation above and beyond other jurisdictions.

The Trustee of a STAR trust is also required to keep, in its Cayman Islands office, a documentary record of:

(i)        the terms of the STAR trust,

(ii)      the identity of the Trustee and the enforcer(s),

(iii)     all settlements of the property upon trust and the identity of the settlor(s),

(iv)     the property subject to the STAR trust at the end of each of its accounting years, and

(v)       all distributions or applications of the trust property.

These additional obligations clarify any uncertainty in the common law regarding the retention of trust records and other vital information. These requirements therefore

standardize and clarify important administrative expectations specifically imposed on STAR trust Trustees.

Registration

There is no requirement to register a STAR trust with the regulatory authorities in the Cayman Islands, hence confidentiality is preserved. In fact, all trust deeds (except “exempted trusts”) are exempt from registration. Therefore, the details of a STAR trust will remain confidential, subject only to disclosure as may be required by an order of the Cayman Islands Courts.

Conclusion

With sound professional advice, the STAR trust provides a flexible and valuable tool for structured financing arrangements, as well as for the estate and financial planning of private parties seeking a safe and reliable trust mechanism to satisfy their specific needs and purposes.

This publication is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice or a legal opinion. It deals in broad terms only and is intended to merely provide a brief overview and general guidance only. For more specific advice on STAR Trusts in the Cayman Islands, please refer to your usual contact or:

Gary Smith
Partner
T +1 (345) 749 7590
M +1 (345) 525 0900
E gary.smith@loebsmith.com
www.loebsmith.com

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