Author page: Waasif Shahabun

For many wealthy families, philanthropy is about more than just giving—it is about building a legacy. Establishing a charitable foundation provides a structured and enduring way to support meaningful causes while also serving as a key element of estate and inheritance planning. Why Switzerland? Switzerland has long been recognised as a leading jurisdiction for the…

Managing wealth across generations has never been more complex. The next generation of beneficiaries is redefining what it means to inherit, invest and manage wealth. They are more globally mobile, increasingly engaged with digital finance and eager to align their investments with their personal interests. This shift presents new challenges for trustees, who must balance…

Starting a business is an exciting endeavour, but the numbers speak for themselves: 20% of new businesses fail within their first year 50% don’t make it past five years 65% shut down within ten years The reasons? Poor structuring, lack of foresight in governance, and failing to anticipate cross-border complexities. At TrustQore, we assist entrepreneurs…

When structuring an asset protection or inheritance plan, selecting the right trustee is critical. While traditional jurisdictions have long been favoured, Switzerland offers distinct advantages that go beyond convention: Regulated & Licensed for Excellence Swiss trustees operate under a robust regulatory framework ensuring transparency, security, and professionalism, with oversight from FINMA, Switzerland’s financial regulator. Discretion…

The Government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is introducing a Residency by Investment (RBI) programme, designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) while strengthening the economy. At TrustQore, with our established presence in the BVI, we are well-positioned to guide investors through this opportunity, ensuring a seamless application process. Why should Investors consider BVI…

To South Africa for our latest “Chance to Meet…” where we encounter William De Waard, or Will to his friends, who joined TrustQore in July 2024. Born and raised in Johannesburg, William brings an impressive breadth of relevant experience from a wide-ranging career spanning fiduciary firms, investment management groups and a prominent offshore British bank’s…

Sebastien Flak, or Seb to his friends, joined TrustQore in late 2024 and is an Executive in the Client Solutions team, based in Geneva. He brings over 25 years of experience, including eleven years with the Geneva Management Group (GMG) team starting in 2010, a firm that eventually evolved into the TrustQore we know today.…

TrustQore’s John Blake explores the growing trend of international investors using Mauritius funds as part of their strategy for investing in Africa. In this article, I build on my colleague Sebastien Flak’s insightful introduction to the idea of Mauritius as a “Bridge to Continental Africa”  https://trustqore.com/mauritius-a-bridge-to-continental-africa/ with some reflections of my own. Based in the…

MIFC: The Sole “Established Domicile” and Premier Destination for Fund Domiciliation in Africa The Mauritius International Financial Centre has solidified it’s position as the definitive leader in fund domiciliation across Africa. The recognition is highlighted in the “Study on Africa as a Jurisdiction for Domiciliation of Investment Vehicles”, commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation and conducted…

John Blake joined TrustQore in December 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and dynamism. In this “Chance to Meet”, we delve into John’s background and uncover what drives him forward. Raised in the Isle of Man, John has spent over twenty years developing his skills working with regulated trust and fiduciary services firms…

TrustQore’s Sebastien Flak explores the intriguing possibilities for inward investment into the African market. He sets out why using fund structures, rather than traditional company setups, can be a more innovative approach.  A December 2024 EY study showed that foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa continues to demonstrate significant resilience and growth particularly in the…

Intra-African trade is gaining ground. According to the WTO, intra-African trade climbed by 1% in the first half of 2024, demonstrating the steady progress of regional integration across the continent. While 1% may sound modest, it reflects something far greater—a growing momentum towards trade liberalisation, regional collaboration, and economic resilience. I see this trend as…