AWM Associates is dedicated to bringing international best practices to the management of registered trusts in Kenya. Our approach combines global expertise with deep local knowledge, ensuring that Kenyan families benefit from world-class trust management tailored to their specific needs.
With the recent amendments to the Trustees (Perpetual Succession) Act, Kenya has taken significant steps to modernise its trust framework. These changes have created new opportunities for wealth preservation, succession planning, and asset protection. AWM Associates specializes in managing registered trusts under this new framework, offering our clients the full benefits of these legislative advancements.
2005
Geneva Office
Richard Waugh and John McDonald set up Waugh McDonald Wealth Management in 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by Waugh McDonald Private Office in 2017.
2015
2018
Switzerland and Dubai
2024
Director
Richard Waugh, Managing Director of AWM Associates, plays a crucial operational role. Richard is instrumental in running the day-to-day business operations that enables AWM Associates to deliver world-class advice and services. His expertise in integrated wealth management and family governance structures, combined with his on-the-ground presence in Kenya, ensures that AWM Associates remains closely attuned to the needs of local clients. Richard holds Family Wealth Advisor and Family Business Advisor certificates from FFI, is a Chartered Member of CISI, and a Certified Facilitator of FEAT. This unique combination of operational leadership and wealth management expertise allows Richard to align AWM’s services with the specific requirements of Kenyan family businesses, ensuring a holistic approach to preserving and growing family wealth across generations.
Director
David Heaney, brings over 25 years of experience in complex fiduciary matters. He has worked in multiple off-shore jurisdictions and status as a Chartered Governance Professional ensure AWM’s trust services adhere to the highest international standards. David’s expertise in trust structuring and governance is particularly valuable in the Kenyan context, where he applies global best practices to local requirements.
Director
John McDonald, offers over 20 years of experience in integrated family wealth management. His dual certification as a Family Wealth Advisor and Family Business Advisor from the Family Firm Institute (FFI), combined with his Chartered membership in the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), enables John to provide comprehensive advice on both family dynamics and financial strategies. As a Certified Facilitator of the Family Enterprise Assessment Tool (FEAT), John brings unique insights into family wealth and business dynamics within the Kenyan context.
Founder
With over 30 years of experience in the fiduciary industry, David is the founder of Amity Partners Sarl in Switzerland and a founding member of AWM in Kenya. David specializes in establishing trust and estate planning structures. His extensive experience in multijurisdictional trust administration is crucial for navigating the complexities of international wealth management while ensuring compliance with Kenyan regulations.
This team’s combined expertise in trust management, wealth planning, and family dynamics, coupled with their understanding of the Kenyan business environment, positions AWM Associates to provide comprehensive, tailored solutions for complex wealth management needs in Kenya.
AWM Associates combines international standards with local expertise:
We focus exclusively on managing registered trusts in Kenya, ensuring full compliance with local regulations while leveraging international best practices.
Implementing robust governance structures that align with global standards while respecting Kenyan cultural nuances.
Utilising advanced risk assessment and mitigation strategies tailored to the Kenyan context.
Ensuring clear, regular communication with settlors and beneficiaries, fostering trust and understanding.
Our team regularly updates their knowledge on both Kenyan regulations and international trust management practices.
At AWM Associates, we recognise that effective trust and estate planning requires a holistic approach. We work closely with our clients, their tax advisors, and legal counsel to create bespoke solutions that address all aspects of wealth management and succession planning:
We collaborate with clients’ tax advisors to ensure trust structures are optimised for tax efficiency within the Kenyan legal framework.
Our team works alongside legal counsel to ensure all trust arrangements are compliant with Kenyan law and aligned with international best practices.
By coordinating with other professional advisors, we create comprehensive estate plans that seamlessly integrate trusts with other wealth management strategies.
We maintain regular communication with clients and their advisors to review and adjust trust structures as family needs and legal landscapes evolve.
This collaborative approach ensures that our clients benefit from a cohesive strategy that addresses all aspects of their wealth preservation and succession planning needs.
By choosing AWM Associates, Kenyan families gain:
Leveraging the new legal framework for registered trusts in Kenya to provide robust asset protection.
Seamless wealth transfer across generations, respecting both Kenyan law and family dynamics.
Strategic approach to trust structuring for optimal tax efficiency within Kenyan legal frameworks.
Benefiting from international best practices applied within the Kenyan context
Skilled management of family dynamics and potential conflicts, drawing on our team’s extensive experience in family wealth advisory.
Fedha Plaza, Mpaka Road P.O BOX 66125 Westlands Nairobi, Kenya
Send us a message below and one of us will be in touch.
Fedha Plaza, Mpaka Road P.O BOX 66125 Westlands Nairobi, Kenya
Made with ❤ by Distribute Digital