The Rise of Private Trust Companies (PTCs) - A Tailored Solution for Modern Families

In 2024, the number of individuals with a net worth exceeding $10 million grew by 4.4%, reaching over 2.3 million globally, according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025. As this wealth expands—projected to rise by 28.1% for those with $30 million or more by 2028—the complexity of managing such fortunes across generations and jurisdictions is driving demand for innovative solutions. One increasingly popular tool for ultra-high-net-worth families is the Private Trust Company (PTC)—a structure that offers unparalleled flexibility, privacy, and control. Guernsey, with its well-regulated and innovative financial environment, stands out as the ideal jurisdiction for establishing a PTC.

What is a PTC?

A PTC is a company established specifically to act as trustee for a particular trust or group of trusts. Unlike the traditional professional trustee arrangement (standardized policies and procedures of the relevant third party trustee provider) a PTC typically allows for a much higher degree of ownership and control to be exercised by the family it serves. This distinction allows for a highly customized approach to wealth management and estate planning, blending the legal benefits of a trust with the personalization of family oversight.

Why Are PTCs Gaining Popularity?

The rise in PTCs reflects the evolving needs of families managing significant, multi-jurisdictional wealth. Here are some key reasons why families are turning to PTCs:

1. Greater Control
   Families often prefer to retain a level of oversight in the administration of their trusts. A PTC allows family members or trusted advisors to serve on the board of the company, giving them a direct role in decision-making while still benefiting from the legal advantages of a trust structure.
2. Privacy and Confidentiality
   By creating a PTC, families can adopt bespoke policies and procedures and with a higher degree of insight and control, limit the exposure of sensitive information to third parties. This can be particularly important for families operating across jurisdictions with varying levels of regulatory transparency. 
3. Tailored Governance
   A PTC can be structured to reflect the family’s values, culture, and specific objectives. It can incorporate bespoke governance frameworks, such as family councils or charters, to ensure that decisions align with the family’s long-term vision.
4. Succession Planning
   PTCs provide an effective way to involve the next generation in the management of family wealth, offering an opportunity for education and a smoother transition of responsibilities over time.
5. Administrative Efficiency
   By consolidating the management of multiple trusts under a single PTC, families can streamline administration and reduce potential conflicts among trustees.

Why Guernsey?

Guernsey has long been recognized as a leading jurisdiction for trust structures, and its reputation for innovation makes it a natural home for PTCs. Key advantages include:

• Regulatory Expertise: Guernsey’s financial services sector is backed by a robust regulatory framework that balances compliance with flexibility. The island’s Financial Services Commission (GFSC) has extensive experience overseeing sophisticated trust structures.
• Tax Efficiency: PTCs in Guernsey benefit from the jurisdiction’s favourable tax environment, making it an attractive option for wealth preservation.
• Trusted Expertise: Guernsey’s independent trust companies are renowned for their expertise in structuring and administering PTCs, ensuring families receive tailored advice and world-class service.

Is a PTC Right for Your Family?

PTCs are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for families with complex, multi-generational wealth, they can be transformative. Whether you’re seeking greater control, enhanced privacy, or a more personalized approach to governance, a PTC in Guernsey could be the key to achieving your objectives.

As the financial world becomes more complex, it’s critical to choose a jurisdiction and advisors you can trust. Guernsey’s long history of excellence in fiduciary services ensures that your family’s legacy is in the safest of hands.

Ready to explore how a PTC can work for you? Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation and discover how Guernsey can meet your family’s unique needs.

Authored by Nel Schoeman

E:  nel.schoeman@invictawealthsolutions.com     T: +44 1481 742 097