MODERN TRUST
The practice of protecting money is in process
Modern Trusts. Built for a regulated, digital, cross-border world.
This is what we call a Modern Trust.
A Modern Trust is not a product, but it is an institutional-grade governance framework implemented through regulated fund infrastructure.
Why traditional trust structures no longer fit many families?
For many globally mobile families, legacy trust setups have become:
Jurisdiction-heavy
Slow to establish and increasingly complex cross-border.
Opaque
Limited transparency and visibility into operations.
Expensive
High fixed costs and six-figure minimums.
Rigid
Hard to adapt to modern strategies and asset classes.
Under scrutiny
Often questioned by banks and compliance stakeholders.
Misaligned
Not built for how capital is deployed today.
A trust is not a product. It is a function.
At its core, a trust exists to:
- Separate ownership and control
- Govern assets across generations
- Enable professional investment management
- Define clear rules for participation and distributions
Modern regulated fund structures can deliver the same function, often better, when designed correctly.
What is a Modern Trust, in practice?
A Modern Trust uses a regulated investment fund structure to achieve trust-like governance, while adding:
Regulated governance
Clear legal framework under EU rules.
Investor rights
Defined rights, reporting, and transparency standards.
Digital operations
Onboarding and administration without paper.
Asset flexibility
Multiple asset classes and bespoke mandates.
Cross-border usability
Designed for international families and investors
It is not a loophole or offshore secrecy.
27
EU Member States
2018
100%
5-7
Typical use cases
Modern Trust structures are particularly relevant for:
Multi-generational families
Post-exit entrepreneurs
Family offices
International families
Custom investment mandates
Investment mandates that don’t fit retail fund models.
Why has this become practical now?
Three shifts made Modern Trust structures scalable and defensible:
01
Regulatory (AIFMD) harmonisation in Europe
02
Digital fund infrastructure
(onboarding, registry, reporting without paper)
03
Changing capital behaviour
(global, direct, multi-asset investing)
Who builds and operates these structures?
Modern Trusts are not DIY. They require:
- A regulated fund manager
- Ongoing compliance and AML/KYC
- Professional administration and reporting
Clear governance rules (committees, policies, distribution mechanics)
Poolside implements Modern Trusts through regulated fund infrastructure and a digital operating platform.
We handle the setup and ongoing operations so families and advisers can focus on the mandate.
A conversation, not a product demo
Every family and mandate is different.
The right starting point is understanding whether this structure fits your objectives, cross-border footprint, and risk profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is this legal and regulated?
Yes – implemented under EU-regulated fund frameworks.
Is this about hiding assets?
No – it is designed for transparency and governance.
Is this for everyone?
No – it suits serious mandates and long-term structures.
Is this structure confidential?
Yes, in the sense that family governance, investment decisions, and internal arrangements are managed within a regulated framework and shared only with required stakeholders (regulators, banks, auditors). It is not anonymous or designed to avoid disclosure obligations.