British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a premier international financial centre, renowned for its modern corporate legislation and regulatory excellence. The BVI Business Companies Act provides a robust and flexible framework for establishing foundations, making it an attractive choice for families and individuals seeking sophisticated solutions for wealth management, succession planning, and philanthropy.
A BVI foundation is a distinct legal entity, able to hold assets and conduct affairs in its own name, which provides a strong shield for asset protection. The BVI framework is particularly flexible, allowing founders to retain significant control over the foundation's assets and management, ensuring their legacy is preserved and their intentions are carried out effectively. The confidentiality and integrity of BVI's legal system make it a trusted jurisdiction for international wealth structuring.
Zetland Fiduciary Group provides expert guidance on the design and administration of BVI foundations. We ensure that your foundation is established with clear, practical policies, meticulous documentation, and a robust operational structure that is ready for engagement with international banks and compliant with the highest standards of KYC and AML regulations, providing a credible and effective platform for your wealth.

Your Trusted Partner for BVI Foundation Setup and Management
Our dedicated service supports you through the entire lifecycle of your BVI foundation.
- Strategic Foundation Planning
- Initial consultation to understand your objectives and structure preferences.
- Design of the foundation’s governance framework tailored to your needs.
- Drafting Core Legal Documents
- Preparation of the Foundation Charter and By-Laws, which define:
- The foundation’s purpose and objectives.
- Rules for operations and decision-making.
- Rights and roles of beneficiaries.
- Governance Advisory
- Guidance on the appointment of the Foundation Council, responsible for day-to-day management.
- Assistance with appointing Guardians or Protectors, if additional oversight is desired.
- Banking & Custodian Onboarding
- Preparation of comprehensive documentation packs for banks and custodians.
- Coordination with financial institutions to facilitate smooth onboarding.
- Ongoing Administration & Compliance
- Organization and documentation of Council Meetings.
- Drafting and filing of Resolutions.
- Management of Distributions to Beneficiaries in accordance with the Charter.
- Preparation of Periodic Financial Reports and Statements.
- Professional Oversight & Legacy Protection
- Continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with BVI regulations.
- Disciplined administration to safeguard the foundation’s integrity and long-term legacy.