Private Investment Companies (PICs) are increasingly used by high-net-worth individuals and families as a flexible alternative to traditional trust structures. They provide a corporate vehicle through which wealth can be held, managed, and transferred—offering enhanced control, transparency, and long-term planning benefits.
What Is a Private Investment Company (PIC)?
A Private Investment Company is a company established to hold and manage investments on behalf of an individual or family. The company typically owns a diversified portfolio of assets such as equities, real estate, private equity, or other investments.
Ownership of the PIC is usually structured through shares, which can be tailored to reflect economic rights, control, and succession planning objectives.
How it works
A PIC is incorporated and funded by the founder (or family), who transfers assets or capital into the company. The company then holds and manages those investments.
Different classes of shares can be created to separate:
- Control (e.g. voting shares retained by the founder)
- Economic benefit (e.g. growth shares for family members)
This allows families to retain decision-making authority while gradually transferring value to future generations.
Typical use cases:
- Family wealth holding vehicle:
Centralise and manage diversified investments within a single company structure. - Succession Planning:
Pass value to the next generation through share ownership while retaining control at senior family level.
- Investment Management:
Provide a structured platform for managing portfolios across asset classes. - Family Governance:
Establish clear rules and decision-making processes through company governance frameworks.
