University of Liechtenstein > Financial Services > Chairs

On 1st September 2009, the newly established Chair of Company, Foundation and Trust Law at the Institute of Financial Services was filled. The scope of work covered by the Chair’s occupant, Prof. Dr. Francesco A. Schurr, and his staff primarily relates to Liechtenstein, European and International company law, with a particular focus on the new law of foundations and the law of trusts. Furthermore, with regard to study, research and the transfer of knowledge, all of the subjects relating to company law, such as private international law, the law of contract, and also the law of succession, play a crucial role.

These subject matters are taught as part of the curriculum of the Bachelor degree programme in Business Administration, of the Master degree programme in Banking and Financial Management, as well as of advanced training courses, of the post-graduate programme of study in Trust Services and in particular of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Company, Foundation and Trust Law. In addition, the Chair of Corporate, Foundation and Trust Law holds the annual “Liechtenstein Convention on Foundation Law” (Liechtensteinischer Stiftungsrechtstag) a conference which addresses the latest developments and trends in national and international laws of foundations. Furthermore, a “Jurisdiction Symposium” (Rechtsprechtag) is held six times a year, at which the newest case law of individual jurisdictions is presented, discussed and analysed. Moreover, the new event series "Lunch & Learn" is held four times a year. A further novum of the Chair is the annual "Trust Conference", which deals with the latest questions and topics on Liechtenstein trust law.

The main focus of the research at the Chair lies on topical problems regarding Liechtenstein’s corporate, foundation and trust laws. In the near future, the examination of the most recent legal developments, with particular regard to the new law of foundations and the continuing development of trust law, will assume a pivotal role. As part of the transfer of knowledge, possible approaches are not only being sought in domestic law, but also in the case law and literature of neighbouring countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany, as well as the common law countries. Suitable approaches from these legal systems should be adapted in a practical and academically sound way for the Liechtenstein market. In this respect, research and transfer of knowledge at the Chair strive towards achieving the broadest possible horizon. The Chair would like to make a contribution to ensuring that the Principality of Liechtenstein is also able to cope with the challenges of increasing competition in the legal systems within Europe as well as around the world in the medium and long term.

The Chair for Company, Foundation and Trust Law is a member of the ISTR International Society for Third-Sector Research.

Hochschule Liechtenstein