Corporate Executor / Trustee

Appointing a corporate executor or trustee ensures that your estate and trusts are handled professionally, impartially, and in accordance with your wishes, from managing distributions to settling liabilities

The role of an Executor​

An Executor is the person named in a Will to carry out the final wishes of the deceased.
Their job is to ensure that the estate is administered smoothly, fairly, and in line with the Will’s instructions.
They take on the vital responsibility of managing the deceased’s assets, settling liabilities, and ensuring that everything is distributed as intended.

This typically includes:

Asset
Inventory

Compile a detailed list of the deceased person’s assets.


Probate
Process

Commence the probate process by submitting the original Will for validation.

Debts &
Expenses

Settle outstanding liabilities, taxes, and administrative expenses using estate funds.

Clear
Accounting

Maintain accurate records of all financial inflows and outflows related to the estate.

Communication
with Beneficiaries

Keep beneficiaries informed of progress







Legal &
Administrative Tasks

Address and resolve any disputes or conflicts that may arise. Carry out administrative duties such as closing accounts and terminating subscriptions.



Distribution
of Assets

Carry out the wishes stated in the Will. This may include selling property, transferring ownership of assets, or distributing specific items and gifts to the named beneficiaries in accordance with the deceased’s final instructions.

Closing of
the Estate

Prepare a final estate report
Detailing all assets, expenses, and how the estate was ultimately distributed to beneficiaries.




This job can be overwhelming, especially for complicated estates. Appointing family members as Executors might be hard for them, especially when they’re already emotionally overwhelmed with the loss of a loved one.

Appointing a professional Executor may be a better option as it can ease the load and emotional strain associated with administering a loved one’s assets.

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In partnership with Precepts Trustee

Why Consider a
Corporate Executor?

In Singapore, a practical option for estate administration is appointing a licensed trust company as a corporate Executor. While many individuals appoint a family member or friend, there are compelling reasons to consider a professional instead.

A Corporate Executor is especially valuable in situations such as:

When there’s no trusted or capable person to take on the role—perhaps due to a small family circle or when beneficiaries are minors.
To prevent disputes or preserve harmony, especially when tensions already exist or are anticipated among beneficiaries.
When next-of-kin reside abroad and may not be able to manage legal and administrative duties effectively from afar.

Assessing the Value of a Corporate Executor in Estate Administration

Comparison of an Individual Trustee and Corporate Trustee

Individual TrusteeCorporate Trustee
Objectivity • May have personal ties and familiarity with family dynamics, which can sometimes lead to perceived or actual conflicts of interest.
• Often appointed out of personal connection or goodwill, rather than based on expertise or impartiality.		• Acts with objectivity and neutrality.
• Unaffected by family dynamics or personal relationships.
• Helps prevent family conflict by serving as a neutral third party.
Held to a higher fiduciary standard.
Expertise• May lack professional expertise, which can lead to challenges in managing complex estate or trust matters accurately and efficiently.• Possess dedicated expertise in trust administration.
• Experienced in addressing a wide range of trust-related matters.
• Adopt a structured, compliant approach, ensuring legal obligations and industry best practices.
Successsion Planning• Changing trustees involves legal formalities, such as executing a deed of appointment and transferring trust assets.• Continuity despite internal changes – Even if the directors or staff of the corporate trustee change, the entity remains the same. There’s no need for asset transfers or legal reappointment.
Liability• Personal liability – An individual trustee may be personally liable for the trust’s obligations, debts, or mismanagement.• Limited liability – As a separate legal entity, a corporate trustee shields its directors and staff from personal liability, offering added protection and continuity.
Continuity and Perpetuity• Subject to personal limitations – Individual trustees may resign, fall ill, or face life changes that disrupt the continuity and smooth administration of the trust.• Continuity & Stability – Corporate trustees provide reliable, long-term management, unaffected by personal changes or succession.
Cost• Often low-cost, as family members or close friends may take on the role without expecting compensation.• Involves ongoing annual fees, typically calculated as a percentage of the trust’s assets under management.

Estate Planning is more than just Documents

Let’s build a future that honors what matters most to you.

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