Trusts in the Commercial World

This session explores how trust structures - widely used for international business ownership and asset protection - can unravel when personal trust between key actors breaks down. Drawing on recent cases in the DIFC and other major jurisdictions, the discussion will examine how opaque governance, competing beneficiaries and contested control can trigger complex, multi‑layered disputes. Speakers will analyse strategic challenges including satellite litigation, tracing and disclosure issues, and the risks of inconsistent findings across courts. The session also considers a recent groundbreaking case we worked on where the same judge (who is a judge of both the DIFC and Isle of Man Courts) simultaneously heard proceedings before the DIFC and Isle of Man Courts in respect of the same dispute.

We understand this is a world first and marks a significant and new development in the world of international and cross border disputes in particular in terms of the implications for efficiency, fairness and tactical decision‑making.

A sandwich lunch will be provided from 1pm and we would be delighted if you could join us before the session starts at 2pm.