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Day 15: Who Can Be a Trustee? – Choosing the Right Person to Protect Family Wealth

Writer's picture: John DebellotteJohn Debellotte

Updated: Jan 17

Selecting the right trustee is one of the most important decisions when establishing a family trust. The trustee is responsible for managing and distributing assets, ensuring your family’s wealth is preserved and grows according to your wishes.


What Is a Trustee?

A trustee is the individual or entity responsible for overseeing the trust, making financial decisions, and managing assets on behalf of the beneficiaries. Their role is critical to the long-term success and integrity of your family trust.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Managing assets within the trust

  • Ensuring fair and legal distribution of funds

  • Investing trust assets to encourage growth

  • Protecting the trust from legal claims or mismanagement


Who Can Be a Trustee?

  1. Family Members

  2. Why Choose Them: They understand family dynamics and values.

  3. Best For: Smaller, simple trusts with fewer assets.

  4. Pros: Familiarity with the family’s goals and needs.

  5. Cons: Emotional involvement may lead to bias or conflict.

  6. Professional Trustees (Lawyers, Accountants, or Trust Companies)

  7. Why Choose Them: They offer expertise and impartiality.

  8. Best For: Large, complex trusts with significant assets.

  9. Pros: Professionalism, experience, and objectivity.

  10. Cons: Fees and less personal connection to the family.

  11. Co-Trustees

  12. Why Choose Them: Combines family insight with professional management.

  13. Best For: Balancing family knowledge with external expertise.

  14. Pros: Shared responsibility and diverse perspectives.

  15. Cons: Potential disagreements between co-trustees.

  16. Yourself (During Your Lifetime)

  17. Why Choose This: Full control over assets while you are alive.

  18. Best For: Trusts established for personal or family asset management.

  19. Pros: Direct oversight and flexibility.

  20. Cons: A successor must be appointed upon your passing.


Qualities to Look for in a Trustee

  • Integrity and Trustworthiness: The trustee must prioritize the best interests of beneficiaries.

  • Financial Knowledge: Understanding of investments, asset management, and legal compliance.

  • Impartiality: Ability to make fair decisions without personal bias.

  • Strong Communication Skills: The trustee must be able to communicate clearly with beneficiaries.

Example:The Jackson family appointed a family member as trustee alongside a professional accountant to ensure balanced decision-making.


Trustee Selection: Key Considerations

  1. Complexity of the Trust

    For larger trusts with international assets, consider professional trustees like DeBellotte Global Ltd. to manage the structure.

  2. Family Dynamics

    Avoid appointing trustees with potential conflicts of interest or strained family relationships.

  3. Long-Term Commitment

    Trustees should be capable of overseeing the trust for many years, even decades.


Real-Life Example: The Williams Family Trust

  • Challenge: The Williams family owned properties across multiple countries and needed someone to manage them.

  • Solution: They appointed a co-trustee—one family member and DeBellotte Global Ltd. as the professional trustee.

  • Outcome: The trust grew steadily through property investments and was protected from potential disputes.


Why Choose DeBellotte Global Ltd. as Your Trustee?

At DeBellotte Global Ltd., we provide trustee services to ensure your family’s wealth is protected, legally compliant, and continues to grow.

  • Expert Management: We specialize in managing offshore and domestic trusts for families with global assets.

  • Impartial Oversight: Our role as professional trustees ensures fairness and compliance.

  • Generational Wealth Protection: We focus on preserving assets for future generations while minimizing risk.


Steps to Appoint a Trustee

  1. Consult with DeBellotte Global Ltd.

    We help families choose between family trustees, professional trustees, or co-trustee arrangements.

  2. Draft the Trust Agreement

    Clearly outline the responsibilities, powers, and limitations of the trustee in the trust document.

  3. Select Successor Trustees

    Always appoint successor trustees to manage the trust if the original trustee cannot continue.

  4. Review Annually

    Reassess trustee performance and adjust the trust structure if needed.


Your Action Item for Today

  • Evaluate Potential Trustees: List family members or professionals who align with your vision.

  • Consult DeBellotte Global Ltd.: Schedule a consultation to discuss appointing a trustee for your family trust.

  • Create a Shortlist: Identify two potential trustees and outline their strengths and weaknesses.


Final Thoughts

The right trustee can make the difference between wealth that fades and wealth that lasts for generations. By carefully selecting someone with the right skills and values, your family’s financial future is placed in capable hands.

Stay tuned for Day 16, where we’ll explore the difference between trustees and beneficiaries—and how both roles contribute to family wealth.


Join the Conversation:Who would you trust to manage your family’s wealth? Share your thoughts below or ask questions about choosing the right trustee!

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+254 (0) 110 838 852 

YourTrust@DeBellotteGlobal.co.ke

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