united states

Affinity South Dakota

South Dakota is one of the most powerful jurisdictions in the U.S. for trust structuring and private wealth preservation.

jurisdiction brochure

our deliverables

Affinity (South Dakota) Limited provide a range of corporate services to local and international clients for a range purposes, including high-value assets, legacy planning and family investment entities.

South Dakota is often chosen for its legal advantages, asset protection strength, and long-term planning flexibility, due to its modern legislation, tax neutrality and creditor protection.
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Our South Dakota team have the experience, professionalism and dedication you require to optimise the benefits the Cyprus makes available to you.

Expert guidance

Bepsoke solutions

Personal service

First-class network

Our team

Our South Dakota leaders

Contact our support team and with any questions or queries you may have.

Andy Morgan

Group CEO

Alex Gardner

Group COO

the jurisdiction

Key benefits

Stable legal, economic and political environment

No state income tax, state capital gains tax or state tax on dividends or interest

Multiple trust structures available, including dynasty trusts and self-settled asset protection trusts

Top-tier asset protection laws, offering strong creditor shielding

Competitive trust features, including privacy, quiet trust options, decanting and trust supporter roles

Useful for holding luxury assets, such as art, aircraft, yachts and investment portfolios

Favorable environment for family wealth planning, ideal family investment entities

Strong reputation among U.S. private wealth attorneys

Tax efficient

robust legislation

modern vehicles

business friendly

Key industries

South Dakota’s economy is driven by a mix of manufacturing, energy, and a strong financial services sector especially in banking.

South Dakota has become particularly well known for its role in private wealth services, with a mature trust industry and specialist firms supporting high-net-worth and multi-generational planning.

It has no state income tax, and it’s known for maintaining legal frameworks that support financial services, asset protection, and long-term structuring, especially through trusts.

supportive frameworks

The Government

South Dakota is widely seen as business-friendly due to its low-tax approach, relatively light regulatory burden, and consistent pro-business policymaking.

For business owners and private clients, the appeal is stability, clear rules, predictable governance, and an environment that supports holding structures, family investment entities, and long-term wealth planning with strong privacy and asset protection features.

stable landscape

business friendly

global reputation

FAQ

You ask, we answer

Why is South Dakota popular for wealth structuring?

It offers no state income tax, strong asset protection laws, perpetual (dynasty) trusts, and high levels of privacy, making it one of the most attractive U.S. jurisdictions for long-term wealth planning.

Is South Dakota mainly used for operating businesses?

Not typically. It’s more commonly used for trusts, holding companies, and family investment entities rather than day-to-day operating companies.

Do you need to live in South Dakota to use its trust laws?

No, many families establish South Dakota trusts without being residents, provided certain trustee and administrative requirements are met.

What makes South Dakota trusts different?

They can last indefinitely (no rule against perpetuities), offer strong creditor protection, allow directed trust structures, and provide enhanced privacy.

How strong is asset protection in South Dakota?

It is considered among the strongest in the U.S., including recognition of certain self-settled asset protection trusts.

Can a South Dakota trust own luxury assets?

Yes. Trusts can hold yachts, aircraft, art collections, investment portfolios, and other high-value assets.

How does South Dakota compare to Delaware or Wyoming?

Delaware is widely used for operating companies, while Wyoming is known for low-cost LLCs. South Dakota is particularly strong for trust law, privacy, and long-term wealth structures.

Does the asset need to be located in South Dakota?

No. The trust can be domiciled in South Dakota while the asset is located elsewhere (e.g., a yacht in Miami or Europe).

Are trust records public?

No. South Dakota provides significant confidentiality protections around trust structures.