Criticisms of Cook Islands Trusts

Offshore Tax with HTJ.tax · Jan 7, 2026 · 3m

Cook Islands trusts are frequently presented as the strongest form of asset protection available—but they are not immune from criticism or regulatory reality. In this episode, we examine the most common critiques of Cook Islands trusts and explain how modern transparency, enforcement, and court powers can limit their effectiveness if misunderstood or misused.🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:1️⃣ Subject to Automatic Exchange of InformationDespite perceptions of secrecy, Cook Islands trusts are not invisible. They are subject to FATCA and CRS, meaning information can be automatically exchanged…