KUCHING: Citadel Trustee Berhad has officially launched the Citadel Dynasty Trust (CDT), a first-of-its-kind private trust aimed at preserving family wealth across generations within Malaysia’s 80-year legal trust framework.
In a statement, the company said the CDT addresses a longstanding challenge for Malaysian families — the lack of effective, long-term wealth preservation strategies.
According to estate planning experts, over 60 per cent of families in the country do not have proper legacy plans in place, often due to legal restrictions, complex probate processes, and high administrative costs.
“Traditional estate administration is also known to be slow, potentially delaying beneficiaries’ access to urgently needed funds,” they said.
In light of this, the statement added that the Citadel Dynasty Trust introduces a transformative solution by offering a transparent and cost-effective structure that allows for the rapid disbursement of funds during critical life events.
It noted that, unlike conventional trusts, the CDT employs a perpetual, forward-looking approach that grants settlors full control over how their wealth is distributed — whether through full, partial, or customised payouts — in the event of death or 100 per cent total permanent disability.
“Beneficiaries stand to receive their allocated funds within just three working days, dramatically shortening the wait compared to standard probate procedures.
“The CDT also features a simple one-time setup fee with no ongoing trustee charges, made possible by settlors assigning interest to Citadel Trustee Berhad.
“This model ensures that advanced estate planning is now more accessible and streamlined than ever before,” it explained.
Commenting on the matter, Citadel Group Director Fred Chan described the launch as a landmark development.
“The Citadel Dynasty Trust is a game-changer for Malaysian families. It overcomes longstanding legal limitations and offers a transparent, flexible, and legally compliant framework that aligns perfectly with our clients’ goals.
“This trust is not just a financial instrument; it’s a promise to future generations to protect and grow their legacy,” he said.
