Document background
The Definitive Trust Deed serves as the foundational document for establishing and operating trusts within the Swiss legal framework. While Switzerland is traditionally a civil law jurisdiction, it recognizes trusts through its ratification of the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Trusts and its implementation in domestic law through the Swiss Private International Law Act. This document is typically used when establishing new trust structures, reorganizing existing arrangements, or creating specialized trust vehicles for wealth planning, family governance, or asset protection purposes. The deed must carefully balance Swiss regulatory requirements with international trust principles, incorporating specific provisions for compliance with Swiss financial market regulations, anti-money laundering laws, and tax considerations.
