AFOF Co-Host【How Trusts Can Help in Family Offices】Panel Discussion
- Lam Stefansen
- Mar 8
- 2 min read
On September 10, 2025, the Asia Family Office Foundation -AFOF co-hosted an insightful panel discussion at the Vistra Hong Kong office. The event drew over 100 attendees, including representatives from single & multi-family offices, professionals, and industry leaders in legal and compliance, trust services, accounting and tax, asset management, and wealth management.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Ms. Ka Shi Lau, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trustees' Association (HKTA), for her opening remarks. Our Vice President, Mr. Peter Koo, facilitated the panel discussion, which featured distinguished panelists: Ms. Winnie Chan, Ms. Karmen Yeung, Ms. Fan Choi, and Mr. Michael K. C. Kung. They shared real-life cases and practical applications, illustrating how trusts and family offices can establish a robust framework for preserving and managing wealth.
Key Discussion Topics:
Legal and Structural Differences
What are the legal distinctions between a trust and a family office?
What functions do trusts serve, and what types of trusts are available in the market?
In what scenarios might a family choose to utilize both a trust and a family office?
Asset Protection
Trusts legally separate asset ownership from individuals, thereby shielding wealth from lawsuits, creditors, or marital disputes. This is especially beneficial for families in high-risk professions or those with complex business interests.
How do trusts provide legal separation of asset ownership from individuals?
Why might families in high-risk professions or with complex business interests benefit from utilizing trusts?
How does the governance of a trust differ from that of a family office entity, such as an LLC or corporation?
Succession and Estate Planning
Trusts can facilitate smooth intergenerational wealth transfer by establishing clear distribution rules.
How do trusts promote seamless intergenerational wealth transfer?
What mechanisms within a trust help avoid probate and minimize family disputes?
Can trusts include conditions for beneficiaries, such as age or educational milestones?
Tax Issues and Optimization
What are the specific tax advantages of trusts in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong?
How should families navigate cross-border issues that may involve family offices or trusts?
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Danny Tsui, Executive Director and Head of Private Wealth at Vistra. We would also like to thank our co-organizers: the Hong Kong Trustees' Association (HKTA), KPMG China, and Famille Trust Limited, as well as our supporting organizations, the Bank of Singapore, and our venue sponsor, Vistra. Special thanks to Mr. Hugo Ngaw, our honorary secretary, for serving as the emcee of the event.
Let's join the AFOF Community!
Registration of membership:
