SUCCESSION & STRUCTURE
Family Office Succession Structure — How Jurisdiction Shapes Generational Wealth Transfer
Succession planning — the transfer of family wealth, family office leadership and investment governance across generations — does not happen in a jurisdictional vacuum. The legal vehicles available, the tax treatment of generational transfers, the trust law framework and the professional adviser ecosystem in a jurisdiction fundamentally shape what is possible and what is optimal for multi-generational families.
The Five Jurisdictions with the Strongest Succession Planning Frameworks
Channel Islands
The deepest common law trust and private trust company infrastructure globally for UK-connected family succession. No IHT. No CGT. Jersey's private trust company and Guernsey's private investment fund provide sophisticated succession vehicles. OECD compliant. The most used jurisdiction for UK family succession planning outside the UK itself.
Switzerland
The world's longest-established private wealth succession market. Swiss foundation law provides a recognised and well-regulated tool for long-term succession governance. Cantonal inheritance taxes mostly exempt direct family transfers. Near-century-long practitioner expertise.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein's trust law, foundation law and establishment (Anstalt) provide distinctive and flexible succession vehicles available nowhere else. No IHT. No CGT. Best OECD information exchange rating. AAA sovereign credit.
Luxembourg
The SPF (Société de Gestion de Patrimoine Familial) provides a tax-exempt private wealth holding structure specifically designed for family succession. 0% IHT between spouses and children. Participation exemption for qualifying corporate holdings.
Cayman Islands
The STAR Trust (Special Trusts — Alternative Regime) and private trust company framework provides uniquely flexible succession vehicles for large, complex international family structures. No IHT. Tax Exemption Certificate for 20–50 years.
Succession and the Post-Non-Dom UK Landscape
The new residence-based UK IHT framework makes succession planning more urgent than at any point in the last 20 years for UK-connected internationally active families. UK Private Wealth Magazine covers succession planning in the post-non-dom environment across every issue. Practitioners with expertise in UK and international succession planning are welcome to submit for Issue Two.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a family office succession structure?
A family office succession structure is the legal and governance framework — trusts, foundations, holding companies and family constitutions — used to transfer family wealth, family office leadership and investment governance across generations.
Which jurisdiction is best for family succession planning?
The strongest succession frameworks are found in the Channel Islands, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands. The right choice depends on the family's residency, asset mix and existing structures.
How has the UK non-dom reform affected succession planning?
Residence-based UK IHT makes succession planning more urgent than at any point in 20 years for UK-connected internationally active families. Existing offshore structures may need to be reviewed before the 10-year residency mark.
Can practitioners submit succession-planning editorial?
Yes. Submit here. Deadline: Monday 13 July 2026.