Discretionary trusts—last exit before AEOI? The Swiss view

Are discretionary trusts the way of getting around Automatic Exchange of Information? ‘No’ is the answer if financial assets are to be held or administered in a Common Reporting Standard (CRS) jurisdiction, certainly if the aim is to enjoy the benefit of trust property. Certain loopholes may be open for those prepared to forego the enjoyment of assets or to establish the entire structure in non-CRS territory (which may include the USA). Given the way the world is headed, however, one should not be surprised to see any gaps in the system plugged at some point not too distant.