Why Establishing a Private Fund Foundation With BrightPath Caribbean Is the Smartest Move for Your Asset Protection Strategy

In today’s global investment landscape, safeguarding your assets while ensuring long‑term flexibility is more critical than ever. For individuals and families investing or settling in Sint Maarten and the English‑speaking Caribbean, a Private Fund Foundation (PFF) known locally as a Stichting Particulier Fonds (SPF) has become one of the region’s most strategic wealth‑planning tools.

But beyond choosing the right structure, choosing the right partner to set it up and manage ongoing compliance makes all the difference. Here’s why BrightPath Caribbean is the trusted authority when it comes to establishing, maintaining, and optimizing Private Fund Foundations.

What Is a Private Fund Foundation, and Why Do Investors Choose It?

A Private Fund Foundation (PFF) is a legal entity designed to protect and manage assets, investments, or funds for specific purposes or beneficiaries. It allows foreign nationals full participation without requiring external members or shareholders.

Key advantages of a PFF include:

• Asset protection for real estate, intellectual property, investments, and family wealth.
• Privacy and flexibility, since beneficiaries can be named with general or limited rights.
• Tax efficiency, with exemptions from corporate and income taxes.
• Ability to distribute funds without requiring a social or charitable purpose.

In Sint Maarten, a significant number of major real estate transactions involve a PFF, because investors understand its power in protecting high‑value assets.

The BrightPath Caribbean Advantage

BrightPath Caribbean has long been recognized as the most trusted corporate and immigration services provider in Sint Maarten and the English‑speaking Caribbean.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Deep Expertise in Private Fund Foundation Creation

Our multidisciplinary team executes PFF formations with speed, precision, and alignment with your estate‑planning goals. We tailor every structure to your needs and ensure seamless coordination, especially when aligned with real estate acquisitions or investment strategies.

Foreigners can create and fully participate in a PFF without needing external shareholders, making BrightPath an ideal partner for international clients.

2. Integrated Tax Compliance Support With CaribTax

A PFF must remain compliant to preserve its tax‑advantaged status. That’s where CaribTax, our in‑house tax advisory division, becomes an invaluable asset.

CaribTax provides:

• Monthly & annual tax compliance services
• Accounting and financial advisory services tailored to Sint Maarten
• Ongoing support to maintain good standing with tax authorities

Our tax specialists ensure your PFF remains fully compliant—protecting you from audits, penalties, and operational disruptions.

3. Seamless Coordination With Real Estate Services

BrightPath works closely with BrightFuture Realty, our affiliate company, to synchronize the establishment of your PFF with your real estate purchase timeline. 1

• This is especially important when ensuring:
• Your purchase offer is contingent on the PFF’s establishment
• Your asset is titled correctly from day one
• Tax considerations such as TOT (Turnover Tax) are correctly applied

This end‑to‑end coordination eliminates costly delays and ensures your property is immediately secured within your PFF.

4. Strong Compliance Framework: Essential for Asset‑Holding Foundations

In today’s regulatory climate, PFFs must adhere to strict standards. Non‑compliance can result in heavy penalties, frozen accounts, or loss of banking relationships. BrightPath Caribbean ensures:

• Accurate record‑keeping
• Timely filings
• Full adherence to AML/KYC regulations
• Preservation of the foundation’s legal and financial protections

Our team safeguards your structure against risks that frequently impact foreign investors operating in the Caribbean.

5. Unmatched Immigration and Business Expertise

Your foundation strategy often overlaps with relocation, business, or investment needs, and BrightPath Caribbean leads the region in immigration solutions.

Our immigration services include:

• Employment‑based residency
• Investment residency
• Family reunification
• Cohabitation agreements
• Step‑by‑step handling of all documentation and submissions

We make your move or investment journey fully aligned with your PFF strategy.

Pairing immigration know‑how with corporate structuring is unique to BrightPath, and provides unmatched protection and efficiency for foreign investors.

6. A Trusted, Experienced, and Highly Recommended Partner

For over a decade, BrightPath Caribbean has been the go‑to consultancy for:

• Incorporation
• Immigration
• Banking setup
• Real estate coordination
• Tax advisory
• Asset‑holding structures like PFFs

Clients repeatedly highlight our transparency, reliability, and expert support, especially in navigating complex local regulations.

Why Entrust Your Private Fund Foundation to BrightPath Caribbean?

Choosing a PFF is a strategic decision. Choosing BrightPath Caribbean means ensuring:

• Your foundation is correctly structured from the start
• Your tax obligations are expertly managed by CaribTax
• Your immigration and incorporation needs are seamlessly integrated
• Your assets, investments, and legacy are professionally protected
• Your experience is guided by the most trusted firm in Sint Maarten

From formation to long‑term compliance, BrightPath is your dedicated partner for secure, tax‑efficient, and future‑proof wealth planning.

Ready to Secure Your Assets the Right Way?

Contact BrightPath Caribbean today and schedule your consultation. Let us help you protect your wealth, simplify your compliance, and build a strong foundation for your future.

FAQs

1. What is a Private Fund Foundation (PFF) in Sint Maarten?

A Private Fund Foundation (PFF), also known as a Stichting Particulier Fonds (SPF), is a legal entity used to hold and protect assets such as real estate, investments, intellectual property, and family wealth. It is widely used in Sint Maarten for asset protection, estate planning, and long-term wealth structuring.

2. Why do investors use a Private Fund Foundation for asset protection?

Investors use a PFF because it separates personal ownership from assets, helping reduce exposure to personal liability, creditor claims, and succession risks. In the Caribbean, PFFs are commonly used to hold high-value real estate and investments due to their legal strength, flexibility, and privacy features.

3. Can foreign nationals establish a Private Fund Foundation in Sint Maarten?

Yes. Foreign nationals can establish and fully participate in a Private Fund Foundation in Sint Maarten without requiring local shareholders or external members. This makes PFFs especially attractive to international investors, expats, and families seeking secure asset-holding structures.

4. What tax benefits does a Private Fund Foundation in Sint Maarten offer?

A properly structured PFF benefits from exemptions from corporate income and profit taxes in Sint Maarten. However, ongoing compliance is essential to maintain these advantages. Professional tax and accounting support ensures the foundation remains in good standing with local authorities.

5. How is a Private Fund Foundation different from a U.S. trust?

A Private Fund Foundation functions similarly to a U.S. trust in that it separates asset ownership from beneficiaries and is commonly used for estate and asset protection planning. However, unlike a trust, a PFF is its own legal entity rather than a legal arrangement. This makes it easier to use for holding Caribbean real estate, opening accounts, and managing assets locally. For U.S. persons, tax treatment differs and requires proper integration with U.S. tax planning

6. Why choose BrightPath Caribbean to establish a Private Fund Foundation?

BrightPath Caribbean provides end-to-end Private Fund Foundation services, including formation, ongoing compliance, tax advisory through CaribTax, and coordination with real estate and immigration services. With over a decade of experience in Sint Maarten, BrightPath ensures your foundation is properly structured, compliant, and aligned with your long-term asset protection strategy.

Do you have additional questions?

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you throughout the process!