SwissIndependent Trustees SA v Sofer & ors [2023] WTLR 329

Wills & Trusts Law Reports | Spring 2023 #190

The claimant, a Swiss corporation, was the sole trustee of three discretionary trusts named as the Gabri, Puyol & Xavi trusts (the trusts) which had been created via a British Virgin Islands (BVI) company by Hyman Sofer (the settlor) in 2006. The trusts, though expressed to be governed by English law, were set up in Australia and a holding vehicle called the Jordi Unit Trust was used to channel the investments. Neither the settlor nor his children or remoter issue originally figured as settlor and beneficiaries, though they were later added to the classes of ‘Specified Beneficiaries’...

Re The Portman Estate [2015] EWHC 536 (Ch)

Wills & Trusts Law Reports | June 2015 #150

This claim comprised various applications relating to the trusts of the Portman Estate, which own significant real property in London and elsewhere. There are several separate settlements, whose property is held in various funds. The claim was brought by the trustees, without naming any defendants. However, two key beneficiaries consented to the proposed application in writing.

The trustees sought orders under s57 Trustee Act 1925 conferring various powers on the trustees of various different trusts of the estate. None of the powers sought affected the beneficial interest...