A trust is a legal arrangement where one party, the trustor, gives another party, the trustee, the right to hold title to property or assets for the benefit of a third party, the beneficiary. In India, trusts are primarily governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.

• Trust Deed: The most important document. It specifies the trustee’s powers, duties, and remuneration. If the deed is silent, the trustee may not be entitled to a fee without court approval.
• Asset Value: The primary driver of fees, often charged as a percentage. Corporate trustees use a tiered slab system (e.g., higher percentage on the first few crores, lower percentage on the balance).
• Complexity: Managing diverse or complex assets like multiple businesses or real estate requires more work and thus, higher fees.
• Type of Trustee: Corporate trustees often have a standardized fee structure, while professional individual trustees might have more flexible or fixed fees.