International Protector Group (IPG), a leading fiduciary services provider, announced May 22, the official opening of IPG Switzerland GmbH. The new company fills a vital niche in estate planning by providing professional protector and related services to trusts and foundations, to safeguard the interests of the settlor and the beneficiaries of a trust.

In particular, the new company will allow Swiss-based trustees and their professional advisors to take advantage of the newly announced Bahamas Executive Entity, which acts as a power holder to resolve complex governance issues in fiduciary and wealth planning structures.

A BEE affords clients greater control in the administration and security of their wealth. A recent survey of leading trust specialists in Geneva and Zurich found that 83 per cent of respondents believed the Bahamas Executive Entity would be an important tool to strengthen and simplify their international estate and estate planning structures.

Andrew Law, chief executive officer of IPG, commented: “The decision to expand into Switzerland is the culmination of four years of strategic and careful planning. As protectors feature increasingly in estate management, both private clients and professional intermediaries can turn to us for guidance on a wide range of trust consultancy issues.”

“They can draw on the expertise of our team, which is well versed in the international trust business. Our focused, research-driven approach ensures we have a complete understanding of each client’s requirements, and we are able to offer bespoke, tailored solutions to suit very specific needs.”

IPG’s Switzerland office will focus principally on growing IPG’s international corporate and private client network, and strengthening the group’s presence in Europe.

The firm’s proximity to major financial centres ensures it is close to its markets, intermediaries and customers. It draws on the strength of Switzerland as an international financial centre, and complements the IPG offices in The Bahamas.