A business trust is a form of business organization wherein assets are conveyed to trustees. These trustees manage the assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. The legal ownership of the business’s assets is held by the trustees, who are obligated to operate the business according to the trust agreement, which outlines the specific powers and duties of the trustees, and the rights of the beneficiaries. For example, a group of investors might pool resources and transfer them to a trustee who then operates a real estate development project, with the profits distributed to the investors as beneficiaries.
The value of this organizational structure lies in its potential for continuity and centralized management. Unlike a partnership or sole proprietorship, the trust can continue to operate even if a beneficiary or trustee dies or withdraws. Moreover, having designated trustees allows for consistent operational control. Historically, these arrangements provided a method for circumventing certain regulations or holding assets anonymously, but modern usage often focuses on the advantages of streamlined management and clear delineation of responsibilities.