Crest Trust Holdings Inc.

Planning to be the most important aspect of securing the financial future of you and your descendants

History with a future

Crest Trust was founded by Ian Brink on the 1 st of July 2005 and celebrates its 21st year in the fiduciary industry as a well-established role player. Crest Trust was born from a strong need for more personalised support in the SME and high-net worth markets.

Crest Trust Holdings Incorporated is a personal limited professional incorporated company with shareholders and directors, Ian Brink, Helena Christie and Francois du Plessis.

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

– Warren Buffet

More about us

Services we offer

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Estateplanning

Estate planning does not only include measures which come into effect at the death of the owner of the estate.

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Wills

A Will is the most important document one will ever sign. Having an up-to-date Will means that the estate will be distributed according to the wishes of the client

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Trusts

The setting up of a trust often has its origin in the planning of one’s estate and is used as a financial vehicle, offering protection of assets against potential financial mishaps.

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Administration of deceased estates

We have a well-established department that administers all of our deceased estates, making use of a software program called Legal Ease.

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Drafting of fiduciary related business contract and agreements

We have legal experts who are skilled in drafting customised agreements as well as most other fiduciary related business agreements and contracts.

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Tax advice

Crest Trust can help you keep to the straight and narrow when it comes to complying with fiduciary tax, as well as opening you up to the avenues of tax benefits related to declaring your fiduciary constituents.

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Latest News

How to put money in a trust for various purposes

If you have ever wondered how to put money in a trust, you are not alone. Trusts are often spoken about as if they are only for the ultra-wealthy, yet in South Africa they are used every day by families who want better protection, clearer succession, and more control...

What are share trusts?

Share trusts are trusts created to hold shares in a company on behalf of beneficiaries. Instead of individuals owning shares directly, the trust becomes the shareholder, and the trustees manage the shares and any benefits (like dividends) in line with the trust deed...

Trustees’ responsibilities in South Africa

Trusts are widely used in South Africa to protect assets, plan for succession, and provide structured support for families and beneficiaries. A trust can be an excellent tool, but it only works if it is governed properly. The people who make it work are the trustees....

The purpose of business trusts

A trust is not only a family wealth tool. In South Africa, many entrepreneurs use business trusts to hold and operate commercial assets, share ownership among family members or partners, and plan for succession. Done well, a business trust can support growth and...

Highlights from the budget speech

The following tax limits are effective immediately. The Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) for individuals increased from R1 000 000 to R2 000 000. The following tax limits are adjusted with effect from 1 March 2026. The annual...

The importance of a living will

A living will is one of the most compassionate documents you can create for your family. It tells doctors and loved ones what medical treatment you do or do not want if you cannot speak for yourself. Unlike a Last Will and Testament, which deals with money and...

Understanding the role of a Curator Bonis

When someone in South Africa loses the ability to manage their own finances, families often discover that a standard power of attorney no longer works. Banks refuse instructions, bills pile up, and essential assets cannot be sold or maintained. In complex or...

Power of attorney in South Africa and alternatives

A power of attorney is one of the most familiar legal tools for handling day-to-day admin when you cannot be present. In South Africa it allows a trusted person to act in your name for clearly defined tasks, from signing a sale agreement to managing a bank transaction...

The role of a minor’s trust

A minor’s trust is one of the most practical tools in South African estate planning. It allows you to leave money or property to a child without handing full control to them before they are ready. Instead, independent adults called trustees manage the assets in the...

How does a trust fund work?

A trust fund is a flexible legal arrangement that holds assets for someone else’s benefit. In South Africa, families use trusts to protect wealth, provide for children, manage business interests, and plan for tax and estate administration. Because the concept can feel...

Trust funds and the FICA Act

Trusts are a cornerstone of South African estate planning and asset protection. A trust separates control and enjoyment, with trustees owning and administering assets for the benefit of defined beneficiaries under the terms of a written deed. When people speak about...

What is a residential trust?

A residential trust is a trust that owns or holds rights over a home or other residential property for the benefit of one or more people. In South Africa, this is usually a discretionary family trust that either acquires a primary residence, holds an investment flat,...

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Crest Trust Directors

Ian Brink

Helena Christie

Francois du Plessis

Fiduciary Compliance

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