Member Profile
Peter Goddard
Principal | IMG Trust
Office Location: Bermuda
Jurisdiction
Bermuda, Cayman Islands, England and Wales, Monaco, Switzerland
Top Specialisms
Charitable Planning and Philanthropy
Trusts & Trusteeship
Trusts: Contentious
Connect
Professional Biography
Peter has dedicated his career to delivering exceptional trust and administration services, building lasting partnerships with high-net-worth individuals, their families, and advisors worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, Peter specialises in complex trust litigation, asset recovery, and transforming underperforming trusts. His expertise also spans the development of philanthropic initiatives and managing significant business assets held within trust structures. As a former barrister with an extensive background in private and commercial trusts, Peter’s career has been built on his vast knowledge of the international trust sector. Prior to establishing IMG in 2022, Peter was head of private client services with the Maples Group in the Cayman Islands, an executive director of Forbes Hare Trust Company in the Cayman Islands, and a partner in the Private Client Group of McGuireWoods LLP in London. Before that, Peter held the position of Managing Director of ATC Trust Group's offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, as well as being a group shareholder. A Lexology Client Choice winner in the “Private Client Trust & Advisory Services” category in the Cayman Islands, Peter is listed in the Citywealth ‘Top 75 Trustees’ 2024 and ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide. He is also a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Question : What drew you to specialise in private client law/ wealth advisory?
Answer: I much preferred the more even pace of a private client practice to that of a commercial or litigation practice. I also prefer a practice which focuses on people rather than purely commercial considerations.
Question : For lawyers entering private client law, what are key skills you think are essential?
Answer: You really must have the personal touch to succeed. Plus an ability to anticipate all the issues that may arise during your practice. Private client work is not just estate planning: very often, clients are successful entrepreneurs with businesses that ar
Question : With the evolving landscape of the private client world, what are recent trends or shifts you are excited to explore?
Answer: It will be interesting to see how the trust market evolves in light of the new UK tax regime for settlors and beneficiaries. The abolition of the non-dom regime may not necessarily be the disaster everyone was predicting.
Question : Where is your favourite place to take a peer for a cocktail or coffee?
Answer: The American Bar at The Savoy, London