Equity Trust was established in 1970 as an affiliate of a Dutch law firm and pioneered the role of today’s trust company in The Netherlands. Since then the company has grown quickly, organically and through acquisition.

Whilst an office opened in Curaçao in The Netherlands Antilles in 1977, the company’s expansion really began in earnest in the mid 1990s.

Floris van der Rhee joined Equity Trust in 1994, around the same time that the company expanded its operations through the establishment of offices in Hong Kong, Belgium and Luxembourg. In 1997, the company was acquired by Insinger de Beaufort, adding a significant presence in the Channel Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Some years later Equity Trust established a powerful Asian presence through the acquisition of Hong Kong trust companies Brumby and Mattheson Trust.

Equity Trust became independent in 2003 when it was bought by the UK-based venture capital company Candover. Subsequent acquisitions have included the trust operation of Standard Chartered Bank in 2004, the trust operation of ABN Amro in 2005, the Luxembourg domiciliation business of Ernst & Young in 2006 and Custom House Fund Services in 2008. The ABN Amro acquisition was particularly significant, considerably boosting Equity Trust’s capacity, staff number and revenue. Floris worked closely on this deal with then CEO Peter Woodthorpe and Frederik van Tuyll, Equity’s present CEO.

Equity Trust provides trust and fiduciary services to high-net-worth individuals, corporations and intermediaries all over the world. With a global network spanning more than 30 locations, it operates in the world's key jurisdictions, which have all been chosen for their robust regulatory and legislative frameworks, as well as their stability and attractive fiscal environments.

Known to intermediaries for its ability to service complex and innovative structures, Equity Trust’s key strengths are its independence and capability to work across multiple jurisdictions. Another key attribute is its commitment to adding value to clients at every possible level through efficiency, flexibility and, most importantly, excellent service.

The company has five key business line services:

Private Clients: Facilitating complex, bespoke structures to high-net-worth individuals to enhance asset protection and estate planning in the most tax efficient way.

Corporate Services: Providing integrated corporate management services for companies, including the expertise to facilitate these companies from inception, through day-to-day operations, to liquidation.

International Incorporations: Providing companies from designated jurisdictions to professional intermediaries who wish to utilise registered office and/or registered agent services, and any related post incorporation undertakings.

Fund Services: Providing a range of corporate and administrative services to a selection of investment funds, including hedge funds, funds of funds, real estate and private equity funds.

Structured Finance: Delivering administrative and trustee services to SPVs, SIVs and trusts that are used in securitisation transactions, structured asset leasing project finance transactions.