Walkers' Commercial Trusts Group has seen a substantial growth in the use of trusts in commercial structures. These include, but are not limited to:
Unit Trusts
Our unit trusts specialists frequently act as lead counsel in the structuring and offering of unit trust investment funds, including the registration of unit trusts as mutual funds. We act for investment managers, advisers and trustees in connection with all aspects of the establishment, registration and ongoing operation of the trust. We are experienced in establishing different vehicles, including master-feeder structures, multi-series unit trusts and umbrella structured unit trusts with one or more funds, tailored to suit the client’s overall structure.
CDO Trusts
We have expertise in drafting and advising on all aspects of using trusts in capital markets, securitisations and other finance transactions, whether these relate to off balance sheet financing or the protection of assets from unknown creditors. We frequently act in CDO transactions where investors benefit from investing in units issued by a trustee of an offshore trust established for the specific purpose of the underlying transaction.
Pension Trusts
Advice in relation to pension trusts also forms part of our practice in this area. This includes advising trustees and employers in relation to the establishment and winding-up of schemes and all issues arising from the administration of such schemes, including compliance with the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands and Jersey laws and regulations.
STAR & VISTA Trusts
We also advise on the use of BVI VISTA Trusts, Cayman STAR Trusts and Jersey purpose trusts and for use in bankruptcy remote or orphan special purpose vehicles.