What are Trusts?
A trust is a legal structure where one party, known as the trustee, holds and manages assets for the benefit of another party, known as the beneficiary. Trusts are commonly used for estate planning, asset protection, and wealth management. The person who establishes the trust, known as the grantor or settlor, transfers assets into the trust, which the trustee manages according to the terms set forth in a trust agreement.
Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and financial regulations enforced by FinCEN, certain trusts may be required to disclose Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). This disclosure is designed to increase transparency and prevent the misuse of trusts for illicit activities like money laundering or tax evasion. Typically, individuals with significant control over the trust, such as the trustee or grantor, may need to be disclosed as beneficial owners if the trust is involved in certain financial transactions.
Trusts can vary widely in type and purpose, from simple family trusts to complex financial arrangements, but all must comply with relevant regulations to ensure transparency and prevent financial crimes.