Trust

In general, trust refers to an aspect of a relationship between two parties, by which a given situation is mutually understood, and commitments are made toward actions in favor of a desired outcome. In contrast with hope, trust is almost strictly interpersonal. In contrast with faith, trust is almost always considered a subordinate material form whereas "faith" is typically reserved for a "higher power" — God, etc.

Finance

• A trust company is a near-bank: a financial institution offering banking, investment and estate administration services. A trust company acts as a corporate trustee managing a trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
• A civil law trust company is a type of financial services company. To its clients it renders services of management, administration and bookkeeping of companies and other legal entities in a jurisdiction other than where the client has his residence. Unlike in the case of a bank, where a client holds an account to keep money in, at a civil law trust company a client holds a company, partnership or foundation that owns the clients assets. This is often referred to as off shore structuring. Typical motives for maintaining an off shore structure are (international) tax planning, estate planning and asset protection.
• An income trust is an investment trust that holds assets which are income producing. The income is passed on to the unit holders.
• A royalty trust is a type of corporation, usually involved in mining or natural resources, that is taxed according to special regulations in certain countries. In Canada the concept was extended to the generic business trust capital structure which offers significant tax savings as of 2005.