Offshore Financial Services License
I get a lot of questions about starting various types of financial services businesses. In this article I will go through the basics and – for most of you – shatter your dreams. What is a Financial...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Seychelles
At long last, it is finally the Seychelles’ turn to be dissected and examined. Its reputation is among the worst in the industry. Few surpass it: Nauru, Comoros, Liberia, and maybe Vanuatu. What may...
View ArticleBank Review: UBS (Switzerland)
Time for another one of these. Same format as last time: First impressions Fees Opening An Account Internet Banking Card Products Customer Service Account Management Other Services Final Notes Again:...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Today we will be looking at Saint Luc- err… Sorry, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Mostly known for the shoe-box banks Loyal Bank and the aptly named Euro Pacific Bank, being neither in Europe nor...
View ArticleLife as an Offshore Gambling Affiliate
Once an online gambling affiliate starts taking off and the tax man comes to collect their lawful amount, many turn to the offshore sector for refuge. In this article, I will go through some common...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Cyprus
It’s been a long time since we looked at a jurisdiction in Europe. To make up for this, I will be covering two European jurisdictions in a row. This week, it’s Cyprus and the week after next, it’s...
View ArticleBehind The Scenes at a Bank
Let me warn you that this post will get technical. If reading about what goes on in the machinery of a bank doesn’t actually interest you, this particular article is not for you. This post is inspired...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Northern Cyprus
This jurisdiction is only recognized by one other jurisdiction: Turkey, the nation that founded Northern Cyprus. Situation at the northern tip of Cyprus, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC...
View ArticleOffshore Web Hosting
What is offshore web hosting? First of all, offshore can mean a lot of different things. In the financial services context, it is usually in reference to secretive and/or low-tax jurisdictions with...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands… IBC legislation? Check. Mobile bearer shares? Check. LLC legislation? Modern, responsive corporate registry? Check. Politically stable? Check. Low tax even for resident persons?...
View ArticleFinding A Tax Adviser
Why You (Might) Need One “I’m afraid I can’t answer that. You need to speak to a tax adviser.” That is a common answer to questions asked in the blog comments and forums here, and elsewhere. There are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Comoros (Anjouan, Mwali)
One of the least reputable, most irresponsible jurisdictions in the world, the Comoros is often categorized together with Nauru as one of the two absolutely worst. Arguably, even TRNC is a more...
View ArticleTax Residence
It is finally time to tackle this issue, which is the biggest source of confusion for the would-be, could-be, and often shouldn’t-be offshore entrepreneur. You Pay Tax Where You Live In its simplest...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda
Our last stop for this year’s journey across offshore jurisdictions and tax havens will be Antigua and Barbuda. Sometimes considered a David to the Goliath that is the US over its WTO and online...
View ArticleThe Best Offshore Banks 2015
It’s that time of the year again. The time of the year when I crown the best offshore banks of the year. As usual, best in this context shouldn’t be taken to imply financial stability, regulatory...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Dominica
Welcome to 2016! We are starting to run out of Caribbean jurisdictions to inspect. Dominica is however is one you definitely cannot overlook. It has a lot in common with Antigua and Barbuda and Saint...
View ArticleFree Trade Zones
For the sake of ease, I am going to bundle Free Trade Zones (FTZ), Free Zones (FZ), Free Ports (FPs), Free Economic Zone (FEZ), Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and other variations thereof into the term...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Ras al-Khaimah (UAE)
Ras al-Khaimah (or more commonly RAK) is a subnational entity – an emirate – of the United Arab Emirates (or more commonly UAE). The UAE is a federation of hereditary absolute monarchies called...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Dubai (UAE)
Because many readers will read the UAE posts individually, much of the content will be the same or very similar. Dubai is a subnational entity – an emirate – of the United Arab Emirates (or more...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jurisdiction Spotlight: Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Because many readers will read the UAE posts individually, much of the content will be the same or very similar. Abu Dhabi is a subnational entity – an emirate – of the United Arab Emirates (or more...
View Article