By Eléonore Delplanque de Mandelot, Head of Fiducies, France
In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, financing players are looking for solutions that are robust, flexible and protective. While sometimes seen as overly technical or confidential, the fiducie is increasingly emerging as a go-to legal tool for securing and structuring transactions.
It was in this context that I participated as a panellist at the exclusive GRI Club meeting on 3 June 2025, co-organised by IQ-EQ and Courbet Héritage, on the theme of “Fiducie in France: a vector of security and a lever for financing.”
The discussion highlighted current uses of the fiducie, its key advantages, and IQ-EQ’s forward-looking vision as a leading player in this field in France. Here are some of the key themes discussed during the panel:
Trust and security
In the current real estate market, a fiducie fosters trust between investors and creditors and facilitates transactions.
The fiducie contract implements the transfer of an asset as collateral into a fiduciary estate, managed by a regulated trustee, who holds the property for the duration of the financing operation. This transfer of ownership from the outset ensures the legal and operational strength of the structure – even in the event of insolvency proceedings.
Flexible structuring
The effectiveness of the fiducie lies in its adaptability. Its contractual flexibility allows for tailor-made guarantees, aligned with the nature of the asset, the transaction context, and the strategic stakes involved.
Preservation of value
Fiducie helps preserve asset value, serving the interests of the parties involved and the wider market. It is often used in refinancing agreements where maturity extensions are granted in exchange for investor commitments. In the event of a default triggering fiducie enforcement, such enforcement is non-judicial, allowing the continuation of any adjustments to the asset and defining a marketing strategy to maximise its value in the interest of the parties.
Expanded use
Once reserved for distressed operations, fiducie structures are now widely used in real estate development and portfolio management. It simplifies and rationalises security packages, allowing investors to acquire and dispose of assets while maintaining strong collateral coverage within a clearly defined fiduciary perimeter.
The fiducie is no longer a niche tool – it is becoming a strategic lever for securing commitments and structuring financing. It meets the expectations of lenders and investors while adapting to increasingly complex legal and economic environments.
Speak to IQ-EQ
At IQ-EQ, the fiducie is a cornerstone of our expertise. As a market leader in France, we support our clients with a rigorous, pragmatic and results-driven approach—firmly believing that the fiducie has much to offer.
Click here to learn more about our fiducie services and get in touch with our expert team today.
