Trust Companies
High Net Worth Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Spotlight
About
Provided by CISA Trust Company
CISA was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1972.
Licensing Regime
Under a new licensing regime introduced in Switzerland in 2020, known as FinIA, Trust companies will be licensed in Switzerland by FINMA, the Swiss banking regulator.
Swiss Trust Services
CISA provides a full range of trust services in Switzerland, including reserved powers trusts, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, discretionary trusts, fixed interest trusts, etc. Since Switzerland does not have a domestic trust law, the trust instruments will designate a suitable common law jurisdiction, such as the laws of Bahamas, Cayman or England. CISA also offers Private Trust Companies (PTCs) and Purpose Trusts to hold the shares of PTCs. CISA holds a wide range of assets in trust, including financial assets, real estate, operating companies, aircraft, yachts, etc.
Swiss Company Management Services
CISA provides incorporation and company management services for Swiss companies and partnerships. Switzerland has a favorable corporate regime for holding and trading companies.
Accounting Services
CISA provides book-keeping and accounting services for all trusts and entities under administration.
Entity Classification Services
CISA provides entity classification support for CRS and FATCA, including assistance with completion of CRS Self-Certification Forms and IRS Forms W-8BEN-E.
Chambers Review
CISA Trust is a family-owned trust company headquartered in Geneva. The firm provides the full suite of trust and corporate services, as well as wealth planning advice.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"CISA are genuine experts in the industry and in the geographical area where their services are focused. I consider them to be market leaders."
"CISA's key personnel have a strong technical ability enabling them to problem solve and come up with practical solutions to most issues."
"CISA are aware of the need to keep up to date with new laws and developments, and have been at the forefront of innovative planning for many years."
"CISA are genuine experts in the industry and in the geographical area where their services are focused. I consider them to be market leaders."
"CISA's key personnel have a strong technical ability enabling them to problem solve and come up with practical solutions to most issues."
"CISA are aware of the need to keep up to date with new laws and developments, and have been at the forefront of innovative planning for many years."
Notable Practitioners
Edward Lavelle is head of trust and fiduciary services at CISA Trust. He is a highly experienced fiduciary with a strong track record in high net worth work.
"Edward Lavelle is extremely efficient and personable and offers a safe pair of hands for his clients, showing high levels of integrity at all times."
"Edward Lavelle is a first-class and very experienced trust administration head and also delightful to deal with."
John Ryan, the president of CISA Trust Company, leverages his wealth of experience as well as his legal expertise to advise high net worth clients on Trust matters.
"John is one of the most experienced and well regarded practitioners in the region. A definite heavyweight but is always present with a smile and great enthusiasm for his work."
"John's combination of technical ability, commerciality and client skills ranks him as one of the very best amongst his peers."
"John is an exceptional leader with a clear vision."
Ranked Individuals at
CISA Trust Company
Switzerland
Members
Provided by CISA Trust Company
Industries
Provided by CISA Trust Company
HNWI
Private Clients
Trust
Wealth Planning