Why a formally valid structure may no longer work
International structures are rarely created in one step. A company may have been formed for a transaction, a foundation for succession and a bank account for a particular portfolio, while the family’s residence later changed. Each element may remain valid, but the whole may no longer serve current objectives.
A review is not reserved for situations in which a problem has already appeared. It is useful before relocation, a major transaction, generational transfer or a material change in assets, when misalignment is particularly costly.
Begin with a map of the family and its capital
The first working document is not a legal opinion but a single map. It shows family members, where they actually live, companies, beneficial ownership, key assets, banking relationships and existing succession instruments.
The map reveals connections between personal and corporate decisions. A change in where a business is managed may affect the corporate workstream, while a property acquisition may affect liquidity, succession and the family’s future reporting.
What the review covers
Scope depends on the family’s countries and objectives. SGC prepares one question set and coordinates licensed local specialists wherever legal, tax or other regulated advice is required.
- the purpose of each company, foundation, trust and other vehicle;
- family members’ tax residence and where companies are managed;
- ownership chains, authorities and decision-making rules;
- banking profiles and source-of-wealth documentation;
- wills, marital documents and succession alignment;
- cost, timing, administrative burden and review points.
From findings to a sequenced plan
Not every mismatch requires immediate restructuring. Findings are divided into critical risks, necessary improvements and decisions that may be taken later. Each action records its dependencies, responsible specialist and evidence of completion.
This approach helps prevent one local recommendation from creating a new problem elsewhere. The family receives a clear sequence, budget and rationale for each change.