Trusts are established to provide continuity and clarity across generations, yet the administration of a trust occasionally encounters moments of tension. Differences in interpretation, incomplete historical records, evolving family circumstances or the complexities of operating across several jurisdictions can place strain on the smooth functioning of a structure. When this happens, the trustee’s role expands far beyond routine administration. It becomes a matter of stewardship, judgement and the ability to guide the trust through periods of uncertainty.
Disputes rarely originate from a single point; they more commonly emerge from the accumulation of several factors. Issues may appear gradually, through ambiguous instructions, gaps in documentation, conflicting advice from advisers or shifting expectations among beneficiaries. These challenges can intensify during a transition from one trustee to another, a moment that can reveal areas where governance was incomplete or where past decisions require clarification. In some instances, an outgoing trustee may adopt a position that complicates the transfer of information or responsibilities, leaving the successor with the task of restoring coherence.
GTC is sometimes requested to intervene at precisely the moment when a trust is under strain, when questions arise about past administration, when a transition between trustees exposes unresolved issues or when relationships within the structure require careful recalibration. In such situations, our expertise lies in bringing clarity and restoring stability. Our first task is always to stabilise the structure: to understand the trust’s history, clarify the status of past decisions and ensure that beneficiaries and advisers receive coherent and measured communication. This initial period is essential. It allows the trust to continue functioning while more intricate questions are examined. Our approach is rooted in discretion and calm; experience has taught us that most disputes are more effectively resolved through thoughtful engagement and principled dialogue than through immediate confrontation.
As our understanding deepens, we focus on the reconstruction and clarification of governance. Where documentation is incomplete or inconsistencies are apparent, we undertake a detailed review to establish a clear and reliable record of the trust’s position. This work requires not only technical skill but also diplomacy and an appreciation for the subtleties that often accompany family or stakeholder dynamics. We engage with advisers, communicate transparently and seek solutions that protect the trust while reducing tension rather than inflaming it. Many disagreements — including those that involve former trustees — can be resolved through careful management and escalation is pursued only when necessary and proportionate.
Throughout this process, continuity is paramount. A trust exposed to dispute benefits from a trustee who can provide steadiness and perspective, particularly when multiple jurisdictions or legal systems are involved. International families often hold assets and personae across borders, creating layers of complexity that demand an understanding of how different frameworks interact. Our experience in cross-border matters allows us to coordinate advisers effectively and maintain cohesion even when external circumstances are demanding.
Clients and advisers value our contribution not only for our technical competence but also for the way we conduct ourselves. GTC’s approach is understated and discreet, grounded in professional discipline rather than rhetoric. We do not sensationalise difficulties; we manage them with patience, clarity and focus. Our independence as a Swiss-owned trustee ensures that our decisions are guided solely by the trust’s long-term purpose and the best interests of those it is designed to benefit.
In a world where the administration of wealth is increasingly international and dispute risk is heightened by complexity, the ability to guide a trust through challenging periods has become an essential element of trusteeship. Modern structures require not only precision in calm times but resilience when challenges arise. GTC aims to provide exactly this balance.
For those overseeing a structure that is experiencing uncertainty, tension or transition, a confidential discussion may provide clarity on the options available. Many issues, once properly understood, can be resolved without disruption to the trust’s broader objectives. Where more robust intervention is necessary, the presence of an experienced trustee offers reassurance that the structure will remain secure.
GTC combines discretion, stability and thoughtful judgement in the long-term management of complex trusts.
