Trust Essentials: July 2025

The Channel Islands stand out as centres of excellence for pensions, offering international schemes for both individuals and employers.

These schemes can be fully tailored and allow employers to provide the same pension plan to employees across the world, supplying flexibility for the workforce and saving costs for employers.

In this edition of Trust Essentials, we've chosen to showcase the two leads of Ogier's pan-island employee incentives and pensions (EI&P) offering – partner Chris Hards and Ogier's newest partner, Richard Laignel. In his article below, Chris provides an in-depth look at the benefits and distinct features of Guernsey's pension schemes, while Richard shares his perspective on cross-jurisdictional collaboration and how he and Chris will continue to shape Ogier's EI&P offering.

Also in this edition, meet Ogier's Monaco-based private client director, delve into some of the latest insights from Ogier's global and multi-disciplinary Trusts Advisory Group – including how arbitration can be used in Guernsey trust disputes – and find out more about the team's recent successes, from award wins to directory listings.

Enjoy this edition of Trust Essentials. If you would like to discuss any of the topics featured, please reach out to your usual Ogier contact or any member of our team.

Meet Ogier's Trusts Advisory Group.

60 seconds with Private Wealth partner Richard Laignel

Recently promoted to partner, Richard brings strong technical expertise and a collaborative mindset to his new role. Named a "Key Lawyer" by Legal 500 UK 2025, he now leads the Jersey side of Ogier's pan-island employee incentives and pensions offering alongside Guernsey partner Chris Hards. Read our lead article.

Ogier wins prestigious Chambers High Net Worth Award

The firm was named Offshore Law Firm of the Year at the ceremony inside the Tower of London. Find out more about the win.

Exploring the role of arbitration in Guernsey trust disputes

As the prevalence of arbitration grows onshore, its application in trust disputes has become increasingly intriguing, especially in IFCs like Guernsey. Partner Sandie Lyne asks: What challenges do arbitration, mediation and adjudication as an alternative to dispute resolution in Guernsey present? Read more.

Balancing new-age private wealth ambitions with timeless family traditions

While the "great wealth transfer" is a familiar narrative in family office discussions, its pivotal role in shaping wealth management, legacy and intergenerational strategy continues to be of paramount importance. Partner Matt Guthrie considers this balancing act. Read more.

Ogier named Offshore Law Firm of the Year

The firm collected its fourth win at the 2025 WealthBriefing European Awards. Find out more about the win.

Meet Ogier's Monaco-based Private Client Director Andrew Faulkes

Monaco-based strategic advisor Andrew Faulkes was appointed private client director at Ogier earlier this year. In this article, find out how he helps to develop client relationships from the principality as part of Ogier's global Private Wealth team. Read more.

Five things to know about Guernsey pensions

In this article, Ogier partner Chris Hards provides an in-depth look at the benefits and distinct features of Guernsey's pension schemes. He outlines why the jurisdiction has become a global centre of excellence for pensions. Read more.

Private wealth management – have you considered the SPF?

Partner Aurélie Clementz explains recent changes to the SPF (société de gestion de patrimoine familial), a special investment vehicle in Luxembourg dedicated to individuals and their relatives (and any intermediate entity) for managing their private financial assets. Find out more.

Adapting to Cayman Islands perpetuities changes

The Cayman Islands last year introduced The Perpetuities (Amendment) Act, 2024 which allows ordinary trusts to last indefinitely (if desired by the settlor). Partner Anthony Partridge's STEP Journal article sets out the implications for trust practitioners. Find out more.

Get to know Ogier's philanthropy expert Josephine Howe

Partner Josephine Howe acts for a wide range of professional trustees, high net worth families and charities. One of her specialisms within Ogier's Trusts Advisory Group is her ability to advise on charitable structures, including philanthropic trusts and foundations – from their establishment through to the finer points of ensuring good governance and administration. Read more.