SingaporeWhat are a trustee's duties under Singapore law?
A trustee in Singapore must act honestly, with reasonable care and skill, and in the best interests of the beneficiaries, as required by the Trustees Act.
What the Law Says
The main statutory duty of a trustee in Singapore is set out in section 4 of the Trustees Act. It establishes the standard of conduct expected when managing trust property and exercising powers.
Under Singapore law, a trustee must always act in good faith and solely for the benefit of the beneficiaries. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest and not profiting from the trust unless expressly permitted.
The law requires trustees to exercise the care, diligence, and skill that an ordinary prudent person would use in managing their own affairs — especially if the trustee holds themselves out as having special expertise.
Trustees must also comply strictly with the terms of the trust instrument and applicable laws, and keep proper records and accounts of all trust transactions.
Statutory TextEvery trustee shall, in exercising any power or discretion conferred on him by the trust instrument or by law, act honestly and with the degree of care and skill which a prudent man would exercise in managing the affairs of another person.
— Trustees Act, s. 4 — Duty of care and skill
What to Do
Read and understand the trust deed and all relevant terms.
Act honestly and solely in the beneficiaries’ best interests at all times.
Exercise reasonable care and skill — seek professional advice if unsure.
Keep accurate, up-to-date records and accounts of all trust dealings.
Avoid personal profit or conflict of interest unless expressly authorised.
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.