Choose How Your Money Grows
With Aviva’s Children’s Investment Trust, you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all approach. You can choose from various investment options tailored to different risk levels, asset types, and fund managers. Whether you prefer a cautious strategy or aim for higher growth over the long term, there’s flexibility to match your goals, all while building a future for your child or grandchild.
It’s Managed by You (the Trustee)
As a trustee, you stay in control. You choose where the money is invested, track its performance online anytime, and make changes if needed. The funds are managed on behalf of the child, but you stay in charge until they turn 18, giving you peace of mind that the gift is growing exactly how you intended.
It’s Locked in for Their Benefit
Once the trust is set up, the money legally belongs to the child, but they can’t access it until they turn 18. This means the funds are protected and can only be used for their benefit when they’re older, helping ensure the money supports important milestones like education, a first car, or a deposit for their future home.
Can I Choose Who Gets the Money?
Yes. When you set up the trust, you name the beneficiary (the child). That money is then legally theirs once they turn 18.
Is This Only for Parents?
Not at all. Grandparents, aunts, uncles —anyone who wants to give a meaningful, lasting gift can use this option. It’s a popular choice for grandparents who wish to pass on wealth without triggering taxes.
Important Considerations Before You Set Up a Children’s Investment Trust
A few things to keep in mind:
- Once funds are placed in a Bare Trust, the child becomes the legal owner. The gift is irrevocable and cannot be reversed.
- The child must be under 18 when the trust is started.
- Exit tax and a small 1% life assurance levy apply, but Aviva calculates and pays this for you.
- You must register the trust with Revenue as part of anti-money laundering rules.
Is It Complicated to Set Up?
Not really. With help from one of our financial advisors, you complete the forms, choose the funds, and register the trust. After that, you can manage everything online. It’s a one-time setup that can benefit the child for years to come.
When a Bare Trust Might Not Be the Right Fit:
- You want to keep ownership or access to the money after it’s invested
- You may need the funds for your own personal use in the future.
- You’re not ready to make a permanent, non-reversible financial gift.
- The child (beneficiary) is already 18 or older.
- You want flexibility to change the beneficiary or revoke the gift later.
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