SingaporeI want to create a trust for my children. How?
To create a trust for your children in Singapore, you must clearly express your intention to create a trust, identify the trust property, name your children as beneficiaries, and appoint at least one trustee — who may be yourself or another person — all in writing.
What the Law Says
The creation of a trust in Singapore is governed by common law principles and supported by statutory provisions, including the Trustees Act. While the Act does not define how to create a trust, it sets out duties and powers of trustees once a trust exists.
A valid trust in Singapore requires three certainties: (1) certainty of intention — you must clearly intend to create a trust; (2) certainty of subject matter — the property placed in trust must be clearly identified; and (3) certainty of objects — the beneficiaries (e.g., your children) must be clearly ascertainable.
Although the Trustees Act does not prescribe the formalities for creating a trust, section 3 confirms that trustees have the powers conferred on them by the trust instrument — meaning your written trust deed is essential to define rights, duties, and scope.
You may appoint yourself as a trustee, but you cannot be the sole trustee and sole beneficiary — there must be a separation between legal ownership (trustee) and beneficial interest (children).
Statutory TextThe powers conferred on trustees by this Act are in addition to and not in derogation of any powers conferred on them by the instrument creating the trust.
— Trustees Act, s. 3 — Powers of trustees
What to Do
Draft a written trust deed naming your children as beneficiaries and specifying the assets to be held in trust.
Appoint at least one trustee (you may serve as co-trustee, but not sole trustee if also a beneficiary).
Sign the deed in the presence of a witness (no statutory requirement for notarisation, but advisable for clarity).
Transfer legal title of the trust assets (e.g., bank accounts, property, shares) to the trustee(s).
Review the trust periodically — especially when children reach adulthood or circumstances change.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.