According to Jacqueline Teo, Partner at Wee Swee Teow LLP, a Singapore-based law firm,

“Generally, we would advise our clients to appoint a trustee who is at least 21 years of age.

While the law does not expressly prohibit a minor at or above 18 years of age from acting as a trustee, there are legal limitations which prohibit a minor holding and/or entering into contracts for the sale, purchase, lease, mortgage, assignment or settlement of immovable property (except for a lease not exceeding 3 years). These prohibitions impose practical constraints on a minor’s ability to act as a trustee, particularly where the trust property comprises immovable properties.

Additionally, a trustee owes a duty of care to the beneficiaries to exercise reasonable care and skill in the circumstances and a breach of trust may result in civil or criminal action against the trustee. It must be considered whether a minor at or above 18 years of age is able to exercise reasonable care and skill as a trustee and if not, such appointment may unnecessarily expose the minor to potential claims for breach of trust.”

Read more: Ways to Protect Your Firm From Creditors: Lee Soo Chye, Immortalize x PropertyGuru Articles