Trust Law

Definition ∞ Trust law is a legal framework governing the creation and administration of trusts, which are arrangements where one party holds assets for the benefit of another. It establishes the duties of trustees and the rights of beneficiaries. This area of law ensures proper management and distribution of assets according to the trustor’s intentions. It is a fundamental component of asset management.
Context ∞ The principles of trust law are increasingly being examined in relation to digital assets, particularly concerning custody solutions and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Questions arise about how traditional legal structures apply to digital assets held by custodians or managed by smart contracts. News frequently discusses the need for legal clarity to adapt trust law to the unique characteristics of blockchain-based assets and their ownership structures.