Jersey’s trust structure could help win more business in Saudi Arabia for Jersey firms, according to Anthony Cooke-Yarborough, chief executive of Mourant Private Wealth, after a recent visit to the country. He said that a trust structure established in Jersey could appeal to those Arab families that wished to adhere strictly to the principles of Shariah law, being “not all that different from an ancient concept known as the waqf, a vehicle that adheres to Islamic religious principles which is well understood in Saudi Arabia and in other Islamic countries." Mr Cooke-Yarborough went on to say: "As they understood the concept of the waqf, it was easier for them to grasp the basic purpose of the trust. We were able to outline how placing assets into a trust can alleviate many of these difficulties for the wealthy owner of a family faced with issues of succession and the control of assets should he die.”