A partnership for progress
Trust services have been a cornerstone of Liechtenstein's financial centre for decades. For banks, they are not only a supplement to their range of services, but also an essential interface in asset structuring, succession planning and international client care. In an increasingly complex world, the importance of this cooperation continues to grow. Technological developments and digital transformation are key drivers for sustainable cooperation.
VP Bank positioned itself early on as a relevant point of contact for intermediaries and trustees.
Jens Breitung Head Trustees, Lawyers & Family Offices
Historical roots and joint development
The development of the fiduciary business in Liechtenstein began in the 1920s with the introduction of progressive company law. The founding of VP Bank in 1956 by fiduciary Guido Feger marked a milestone: it combined banking and trust expertise under one roof and laid the foundation for close, trusting cooperation between the two industries. This connection has proven itself over decades. VP Bank positioned itself early on as a relevant point of contact for intermediaries and trustees with an in-depth understanding of their areas of responsibility.
Digitalisation as a driver of partnership
In today's financial world, efficiency, transparency and regulatory compliance are key requirements. Digitalisation offers enormous opportunities in this regard. It enables automated processes, secure data management and seamless communication between banks an trustees. Investments in digital solutions tailored to intermediaries form the basis for modern collaboration. These include:
- Digital onboarding for fiduciary clients
- Modern e-banking platforms with intermediary functionalities
- Secure interfaces for data and document exchange
- Individual reporting solutions for complex structures
These tools increase efficiency, facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements and improve service quality.
Competence centre for trustees
Liechtenstein has established itself as a highly relevant location for trustees in German-speaking countries. A significant portion of the assets under management is related to intermediary business, which underscores its importance. Activities range from structuring international assets and managing foundations and trusts to integrating sustainability-related criteria (ESG) into asset management. Personalised support from specialised teams and the efficient implementation of complex requirements are particularly relevant.
Future prospects in uncertain times
Geopolitical tensions, global tax reforms and economic uncertainties characterise the environment. Especially in times like these, a stable partnership between banks and trustees is of great importance. A clear focus on sustainable innovation, regulatory reliability and digital competence creates a framework in which trustees can manage their mandates professionally and with an eye to the future.
Conclusion
The trust business in Liechtenstein is more than just a historically grown business model; it is a dynamic network of trust, expertise and further development. The close interconnection between trusteeship and banking highlights the special role this interaction plays for Liechtenstein as a financial centre. In close cooperation with trustees, the future of the financial centre is being actively shaped – efficiently, sustainably and in a customer-oriented manner.
