James Gleeson, James Dickinson and Craig Swart act for GTC (previously Rawlinson & Hunter Trustees SA) in proceedings relating to the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust (TDT). GTC has also been the trustee of other trusts associated with Robert Tchenguiz (“RT”). Various proceedings have arisen out of RT’s application to confirm his replacement of GTC with new Trustees (there have been eight sets of proceedings) which are related to the well-known £160m Investec v Glenalla proceedings in Guernsey. DG has been advising GTC in relation to ongoing proceedings concerning the TDT and related trusts and representing it in proceedings in Jersey as to the validity of appointment of additional trustees and subsequent transfer of trusteeships. One issue which has arisen regarding GTC ceasing to be trustees is that GTC had been provided with a personal indemnity from RT in relation to legal costs, by RT’s secretary, cc’d to RT and bearing his signature. RT now claims his secretary signed his signature without his authority, or knowledge, and he did not read the email. The validity of the indemnity was considered at a 5-day trial in March 2025 The unusual facts means the judgment will be ground-breaking on the issues of ostensible. Judgment is reserved.
