Walkers

Private Capital & Trusts

Marcél Treurnicht is a Senior Counsel in the Walkers' Private Capital & Trusts practice group and specialises in advising clients on the establishment and use of Guernsey companies, trusts and foundations for both traditional private wealth and digital assets purposes (crypto and blockchain).

Marcél's practice spans a range of areas, including traditional private wealth structures, employee benefit trusts, unit trusts and innovative trust structure tailored for the digital economy (crypto and blockchain).

With a strong international background, Marcél brings valuable experience gained during his years in Hong Kong, where he advised on private wealth structures to assist wealthy families with tax mitigation, asset protection and succession planning. His corporate trust experience includes advising listed companies on the formation and implementation of employee benefit schemes in preparation for initial public offerings and/or secondary listings.

In the digital economy, Marcél has worked with several of the largest decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) to develop trust structures that bridge the gap between traditional and digital economies while preserving decentralised principles. He has extensive experience in designing new trusts specifically for holding cryptoassets and monetising intellectual property assets connected to the blockchain space, as well as amending existing trusts, where feasible, to accommodate crypto and other blockchain assets. His expertise includes the use of purpose trusts and mixed trusts (which serve both purposes and beneficiaries). Additionally, he provides advice on holding cryptoassets through various entities such as foundations, foundation companies and standalone companies.

He offers guidance on structures and entities across multiple jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Guernsey. These structures invest in a wide range of cryptoassets, including cryptoasset funds, high-profile NFTs and even cryptoasset infrastructure, such as crypto exchanges.

Marcél is a dual-qualified lawyer in South Africa and England & Wales, with professional experience spanning Cape Town, Hong Kong and Guernsey. His diverse experience in trust law and global perspective allows him to deliver innovative and effective solutions to clients across jurisdictions.

Admitted in:

England and Wales South Africa

Full STEP member

University of South Africa – Bachelor of Laws University of Stellenbosch – Master of Laws (Trust Law) Kaplan – International Lawyers Transfer Scheme (UK qualification) CLT International - Diploma in International Trust Management (STEP)