Foundations

Foundations in Jersey: An Overview

Jersey foundations provide a flexible and robust legal structure for wealth management, succession planning, charitable purposes, and corporate structuring. Established under the Foundations (Jersey) Law 2009, Jersey foundations combine features of both trusts and companies, making them an attractive option for individuals and businesses seeking a structured yet adaptable entity.

Key Features of Jersey Foundations:

• Legal Personality – Unlike a trust, a Jersey foundation has a separate legal identity, enabling it to hold assets, enter into contracts, and conduct transactions in its own name.

• No Shareholders or Beneficiaries – Unlike a company, a foundation is not owned by shareholders but is instead guided by a Council, ensuring flexibility and control in its operations.

• Founder’s Intentions – The foundation is governed by a Charter and Rules, which set out its purpose, management, and decision-making framework.

• Private or Charitable Purposes – Jersey foundations can be created for private wealth management, estate planning, philanthropy, or corporate structuring.

• Confidentiality – While the foundation’s Charter is publicly available, the Rules (which contain details about the beneficiaries and management structure) remain private.

Uses of Jersey Foundations:

• Wealth & Estate Planning – Ideal for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking asset protection, succession planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

• Charitable & Philanthropic Purposes – Used for creating structured and long-term charitable giving strategies.

• Corporate Holding Structures – Beneficial for corporate structuring, joint ventures, and holding intellectual property.

Jersey’s strong regulatory framework, political stability, and well-established legal system make it a leading jurisdiction for setting up foundations, offering a reliable solution for wealth preservation and strategic asset management.