The main function of a trust is to manage assets on behalf of their owner for the benefit of the beneficiaries. For this purpose, a trust may choose any activities it deems effective and advantageous, unless the relevant contract specifies otherwise. Some of the functions of a trust include:

Managing finances
Managing investments
Paying bills
Accounting
Preparing financial reports
Distributing profits
In addition, a trust can perform almost any other management function specified by the contract. Depending on the particular case, they may also offer financial planning, tax optimisation schemes and similar services.

Trusts can be useful to anyone who possesses considerable assets. Trusts are usually set up to secure assets and property and to optimise taxation. They also have inheritance applications: assets held in trust do not require probate as they are no longer part of the settlor’s estate, and so are unaffected by the contents of his/her will.