Australian Wealth Succession, Family Trusts & Tax Planning | Grant Thornton

Wealth succession in Australia is not simply a question of transferring assets to the next generation. For high-net-worth families, business owners and globally connected families, effective planning must bring together tax, legal structures, asset protection and family governance.

In this episode of the GloryHouse Podcast, GloryHouse Founder and CEO Garth Hu speaks with Sara, Director of Asian Business Services at Grant Thornton Australia, about family trusts, common asset-holding structures and the tax issues that can arise during succession.

Sara explains why planning should begin once a family owns meaningful assets—including property, company shares, investment portfolios or cross-border holdings—rather than being postponed until retirement. Early planning can reduce future legal, tax and communication complexity.

The conversation also examines how Australian family trusts operate in practice. A trust is not simply a tax tool: control, beneficiary arrangements, income distribution, asset protection and long-term family objectives all require careful consideration and regular review.

Although Australia does not currently impose a traditional inheritance tax, succession can still create tax consequences through capital gains tax, asset transfers, property transactions, company ownership and cross-border arrangements. Families should obtain advice that reflects their specific circumstances.

About the Guest

Sara is Director of Asian Business Services at Grant Thornton Australia and advises Australian and cross-border families, business owners and high-net-worth clients on tax, structures and succession planning.

About the GloryHouse Podcast

GloryHouse Wealth Management produces the GloryHouse Podcast for high-net-worth families, business owners and globally connected families, with a focus on wealth management, succession, next-generation education and global investment.