Asset Protection Update 2026

Programme Thursday 19 February 2026

12.30pm – 1.00pm – Registration

1.00pm – 1.05pm – Introduction 

1.05pm – 1.55pm – A guide to protecting private wealth

This session will cover:

• What is asset protection planning?
• Why do asset protection planning?
• What are the common risks to private wealth?
• How to assess these risks
• How do these risks manifest themselves?
• How to respond to these risks
• Ethical considerations
• Current Trends and Future Developments

Presenter: Sarah Wells
 

1.55pm – 2.45pm –  Securing your fortress

Using trust structures to protect your assets. This session will consider:

• Issues faced by trustees relating to independence, self-benefit, and the use of corporate trustees
• Trustee decision making and adequate deliberation
• Recognising settlor guidance
• Capacity issues – settlors, trustees and power holders
• Methods of introducing assets to trusts
• Robust record keeping
• Using trust structures for intergenerational planning or in the context of new relationships
• Keeping your trust aligned with your overall asset protection planning

2.45pm – 3.15pm – Afternoon tea

3.15pm – 4.10pm – Trust & estate litigation

Developments in the law can change how we structure assets to best protect them and avoid a claim. This session will look at:

• Trends in trust and estate litigation, including constructive trusts
• Analysis of recent case law
• The impact of these cases and how to avoid claims

Presenter: Samantha Wilson
 

4.10pm – 4.55pm – Key case law developments

Key case law developments

Many lessons can be learned from recent case law. This session will include:

• An update of key case law under:
  − Section 182 Family Proceedings Act 1980
  − Sections 44 Property (Relationships) Act 1976
  − “Bundle of rights” claims
• The importance of section 21 agreements
• Lessons to be learnt from case law in structuring asset planning

Presenter: Stephanie Ambler

4.55pm – 5.00pm – Summary