On 17th June 2015 the European Commission has presented the Corporate Tax Reform Action Plan which signifies the second and more comprehensive step towards remodelling corporate taxation in the European Union.

This article looks at the many benefits associated with overseas banking; and how this has left the industry open to abuse.

The foreign exchange market is where money in one currency is exchanged, purchased or sold for another. The fluctuation in value between one currency or amenity and another one can be a profitable hobby or business venture, if the correct expertise is applied.

Money laundering is the act of transforming money or other money obtained as a result of any illegal activity, in money or investments that appear legal, so that their illegal source cannot be traced.

Notional Interest Deduction or NID is an estimated expenditure offered to all Cyprus-resident companies (including non-resident companies with a permanent establishment in Cyprus) against their taxable profit resulting from application of new equity introduced in their share capital.

As a result of the ACRA Amendment Act in 2014, Registered Filing Agents and Corporate Service Providers now have to conduct independent Anti-Money Laundering / Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) reviews as part of their annual audit reviews.

Nowadays, an increasing number of Russian companies are required to prepare their Financial Statements as per the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

A Limited Partnership registration in Scotland offers different advantages than other company structures in the UK. Scottish LPs are considered a legal entity and as a result can hold assets in their own name, as well as having significant tax benefits that differentiate them from the structures available in England & Wales.

AGENDA: Eltoma Corporate Services in Singapore, Companies in Singapore, Company incorporation, Company maintenance, Tax treatment, Key benefits

The MAS issued a statement clarifying that the offer or issue of digital tokens in Singapore will be regulated by the MAS, if the digital tokens fall within the definition of “securities” regulated under the security laws. MAS has observed that the function of digital tokens has evolved beyond just being a virtual currency.

All Hong Kong businesses providing Trustee Services will not be able to operate without a valid trading license after March the 1st 2018. The new scheme is designed to better regulate individuals carrying out services within the financial sphere in Hong Kong and will be overseen and administered by the Hong Kong Companies Registry.

Nowadays, to enter the regional or global market, there are a vast number of attractive jurisdictions. Nevertheless, according to analysts, in the last decade, the attention of our compatriots has been increasingly attracted by a small country in Southeast Asia - Singapore.

Being unaware of Compliance Matters in Singapore could end up with Business Owners and founders of Singapore companies heading to Court, as ACRA puts a stop on companies that consistently do not hold an Annual General Meetings or AGM.

The Central Bank of Cyprus has released new guidance for all credit institutions on the island, refining the definition for shell companies and subsidiary entities; coming into effect from November 2018.

Regardless of an individuals’ status of tax residency or domicile, an expat relocating to Cyprus from overseas qualifies for one of 2 income tax reductions on revenue generated from legitimate employment.

The 2017 G20 leaders’ summit took place in Hamburg last week where the European Commission Council and leaders discussed the priorities and primary projects for the upcoming summit. EC President Jean-Claude Juncker has stated that advancing the global combat against tax evasion is top of the list.

There are a number of methods of obtaining a Cyprus Passport, giving freedom of movement to the rest of Europe, as per the Schengen Agreement.

There are two types of Variable Capital Companies in Cyprus; UCITS and AIFS. Read on to find out more about Alternative Investment Funds.

Since the report on the collapse of the Cooperative Credit System was released recently, everyone seemed to have an opinion on the matter about who was to blame for the whole debacle. The report was fairly conclusive, giving a general overview of what the public enquiry discovered.

AGENDA: General information on Hong Kong, Company registration procedure and types of companies in Hong Kong,MCompany corporate documents, First directors, shareholders and company secretary, Nominee service, Compliance regulations, Options to liquidate a company

Any person who withholds tax from interest, royalties, management fees, Directors’ remuneration or other payments paid to a non-resident person must complete and submit the IR37 form to the Comptroller together with the relevant amount of tax withheld.

The types of companies that may be formed and regulated under the new Companies Ordinance in Hong Kong are public and private companies limited by shares; companies limited by guarantee without a share capital, public and private unlimited companies with a share capital.

The new law states that an ABSD of 35% must now be paid in advance in such a case. However, a tax refund is possible if the sale of residential property is to a trustee who holds the assets of one or more identifiable beneficiaries in the trust. Testamentary trusts are also exempt from tax.

According to the recently published Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023, the UK is projected to experience a net outflow of 3,200 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the coming year. In contrast, Australia is projected to attract the highest net inflow of HNWIs in 2023, with an estimated 5,200 individuals seeking to establish residence there.

A Cyprus Company Director may be found liable by the Inland Revenue or Customs & Excise with regarding tax related issues. As per the legislation, the Inland Revenue or Customs & Excise may personally prosecute the Company Directors who are involved in any taxation offence(s) or related financial matters.

The following companies shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Auditors and Statutory Audits of Annual and Consolidated Accounts Law2009 submit their financial statements to an Auditor for auditing: every company required by this Law to prepare consolidated financial statements; every public limited-liability company; every private limited-liability company not being a small-sized company.

A successive round of new allegations about some of the largest Nordic banks being involved behind the scenes in indirectly channeling dirty money through their Baltic locales.

AGENDA: Introduction To Copyrights, Patents & Trademarks, Nature of Rights, Rental and Lending Rights, Duration of copyright and moral rights, Exclusive rights, the fair use doctrine, Absolute grounds for refusal, Relative Grounds for Refusal, Exploitation and use of trademarks, Limitations, Infringement and possible remedies, Misrepresentation.

Immigrants wishing to live work or study in Cyprus are required to have either a valid work or residence permit. Fines may be imposed on anyone found to be employed in the country without valid and up-to-date paperwork. Citizens of any EU country can freely enter Cyprus with the correct passport/ID card.

The Government in Panama officially approved Law Number 52; legislation which creates the regulatory framework for the implementation regarding automatically exchanging tax information, in a further attempt to comply with global regulations for tax transparency, and to be fully in line with all supervisory and compliance matters.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued amendments to the current legislation regarding company mergers and commercial take-overs as per section 139 of the Securities and Futures Act in Singapore.

AGENDA: Introduction to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HK SAR), Company incorporation in Hong Kong, Company maintenance, Tax treatment, Key benefits

When cryptocurrency issuers want reviews for their coins, reports have surfaced that several prominent companies have been found offering money to advertisers in exchange for positive appraisals.

There are two types of VCCs in Cyprus; UCITS which we will discuss in the following article, and AIFS. A UCITS shall take the legal form of a limited liability company, its name shall include the reference: “Variable Capital Investment Company”, and it shall be in compliance with the provisions/requirements of the Law 78(I)/2012.

When income is paid to a non-resident of a country, it is typical of the country to collect tax from the non-resident; the payee is required to withhold tax before paying the net amount to the non-resident. It is a tax subsidised by a non-resident on income derived or deemed to be derived from Singapore.

A shipping operator who operates Singapore ships or foreign ships can enjoy exemption of specified income as a ‘shipping enterprise’ under Section 13A of the SITA.

Following Circulars No.2011/11 and No.2011/5, this article will explain what a “dormant company” is, its symptoms and consequent requirements. The following is an extract from PART 1.7 of the “Company Income Statement” form (EP 4), whereby a definition of a dormant company is considered to be a company that meets certain conditions.

This article is intended to help corporate service providers understand and identity how money launderers typically operate in order to successfully target and stop those who are facilitating crimes being turned into profit.

A new regulation will require certain British Virgin Islands companies to gather and retain details of Beneficial Owners with 25% or more of the company’s shareholding rights, with an ongoing requirement to keep the details up to date.

The European Commission has recommended the implementation of a new regulation regarding companies or intermediaries who promote or design cross-border tax planning schemes will going forward be required to provide full disclosure to the tax authorities of their relevant jurisdiction within five days of offering them to clients.

The Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CySEC) has revealed new details about its efforts to increase oversight of cryptocurrencies and related assets by integrating EU anti-money-laundering rules into Cyprus legislation.

AGENDA: What is a contract?, How is a contract made?, What is required for a legally binding contract?, When does a contract become effective?, Illegal and voidable contracts, Remedies

The sharing economy has become an important aspect of our daily lives, from Air BnB to Uber, some of the companies with the highest growth all involve an element of sharing resources; with many other products and amenities being shared and leased.

While the crypto-frenzy has significantly cooled down so far in 2019, with values in currencies like Bitcoin falling; meanwhile Fin-tech has continued to snowball, pioneering the likes of blockchain technologies, digital wallets and mobile applications.

The European Commission is increasing pressure on EU countries to change residency programs. Portuguese Prime Minister said the country would likely abandon its citizenship-by-investment scheme, commonly known as the "golden visa".

Some call it symbol, others name it as mark or logo but in reality, it is the way the public at large can identify and recognise a particular product and or service and has been considered by many people as the most valuable asset and as indicators of source.

We have compiled a list of answers to common questions regarding SLAs and basic tips on how your organisation or business can create effective SLAs with any vendors or business partners.

Technology is transforming Singapore’s payments landscape and has reduced the obstacles to entry to running a payments business. This, as well as the prolific adoption of the use of smartphones and tablets, has made it easier than ever for companies to obtain clients digitally.

A resolution of the board of directors is a formal document that records the decisions or intentions of the board of directors' members on behalf of the corporation. Board resolutions record decisions such as changing ownership, voting for new board members, or selling company shares.

Poland is one of the European countries with a stable economic position, whose attractive system attracts citizens from neighbouring countries to conduct business within the country. It is the Polish taxation system that is advantageous for businessmen willing to enter the international market.

AGENDA: What is Know Your Client and the KYC Procedure, Relevant legislation requirements, Who is Politically Exposed Person (PEP),mTypes of PEPs, Who is Linked Person (LIP), Types of LIPs, Reliable PEP/LIP Data

In a bid to make Singapore a shipping hub, various incentives were introduced to make it attractive to have shipping activities in Singapore. Essentially the provisions that govern the exemption of shipping activities in Singapore are found in Section 13A and Section 13F of the Singapore Income Tax Act (SITA).

A Singapore company might decide to wind up as a result of various reasons and such procedures may be a challenging and lengthy task. The difficulties faced and time to complete is dependent upon many factors, including how well the company has been managed and administered throughout its existence, the method chosen for closing down and who performs such a processes.

In order to apply for a work permit (also referred to as a working visa), the company must be eligible to apply for employing third country nationals. Eligible companies are considered where the majority of Shareholders are non-EU nationals; including Shareholders whose ultimate owners are foreign companies.

After a recent review, changes have been made to the Singapore Companies Act 2014, which came into force on July 1st, 2015. These changes are to ensure that Singapore’s corporate regulatory framework will continue to meet changing business practices, to reduce the compliance and regulatory burden for companies.

Strategically reduce your tax bill in Singapore. Our expert guide explains CPF relief, personal & family tax deductions, SRS, and how to file with IRAS for optimal tax planning.

AGENDA: Definition of ICOs, Users - Investors, Cryptocurrencies vs Tokens, ICOs vs IPOs, Legal approach (U.S. – Singapore), Examples of regulation in Singapore

Following the recent commotion created by the Swiss National Bank’s decision to discontinue the minimum exchange rate of 1.20 Swiss francs per euro with immediate effect, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is endeavouring to instigate an assessment of how far Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs) have been affected.

Officials from the British Virgin Islands have come together to clarify various filing deadlines as per the automatic exchange of information systems in a press release.

The aim of Corporate Governance is to facilitate efficient, entrepreneurial and practical management that can deliver the long-term success of the Company. Corporate governance is about what the Board of Directors of a Company does and how it sets the values of the Company.

AGENDA: Types of companies in UK and governing law, Part I: Limited Liability Company: General overview, Registration procedure and standard documents, Company management, Annual maintenance requirements (Annual Returns/Tax Return/Accounting and Audit requirements), Strike off, dissolution and liquidation, Limited Liability Partnership, General overview, Registration procedure and standard documents, Company management, Maintenance requirements (Annual Returns/Tax Return/Accounting and Audit requirements), Liquidation and insolvency, Limited Partnership, General Overview (England VS Scotland), Main characteristics and annual maintenance requirements, Part II: Short Tax overview: LTD/LLP/LP, Examples of most common international structures

In an attempt to recover the approximate 600B euros lost within various EU countries to tax evasion schemes each year; the European Union has released its first official blacklist naming 17 jurisdictions that have failed to meet international standards of implementing sufficient regulations and transparency measures.

The Singapore authorities are not ready to completely give up market control. A free economy should not harm the legislative, judicial and executive systems of government. With the advent of new powers of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, doing business in the jurisdiction will become more complicated.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has released its plans to further control and regulate the current elusive virtual currency market and intermediaries that facilitate their online trade in Singapore. The anonymity surrounding so-called crypto currencies such as bitcoin raises questions over potential money laundering & terrorist financing risks.

Master Hong Kong's 2025 transfer pricing updates. Learn about new documentation rules, controlled transactions & TP compliance for MNEs. Avoid penalties with our strategic guide.

In the world of offshore, Nevis specialises in letting its clients create corporations with greater anonymity than almost anywhere else on earth. Since 2012, the island’s financial services sector has grown exponentially, as those wishing to retain anonymity relocated to a place that promises just that.

In this article, we will try to succinctly describe the technical and legal characteristics of Cryptocurrencies. The understanding of Cryptocurrencies is crucial for today’s modern payment services and investment opportunities around the world.

Company Secretary is typically named a Corporate Secretary or just a Secretary. The Company Secretary is responsible for the efficient administration of a company, particularly with regards to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and also for ensuring that decisions of the board of directors are implemented.

This 2 part series is part of a guide detailing Annual Requirements for UK registered companies. It will cover the rules governing filing of annual returns and accounts of UK registered companies, by company type.

Guide to Cyprus's 2026 tax reform: 15% corporate tax, 8% crypto tax, dividend changes, and new powers for tax authorities. Strategic analysis for businesses.

In a bid to rebuild the dwindling economy in Cyprus shortly after the financial crisis four years ago, the government launched a passport-by-investment program to temp wealthy foreigners with citizenship in exchange for an investment of no less than €2 million into the Cyprus economy.

Among the number of amendments to the Companies Act, the provisions for the inward re-domiliation regime are arguably the most important in further boosting Singapore’s character as a business hub.

Paid-up capital refers to the amount paid on shares issued by a company. These may be ordinary, preference shares or shares of some other class.

On July 1st 2015, the President of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis, has officially declared that the Cyprus taxation system needs rapid changes to increase the level of the country’s competitiveness. In order to achieve this goal, a number of amendments should be made to the tax law.

Received a Notice of Assessment from IRAS? Our complete guide explains your Singapore tax assessment, how to read your NOA, and steps to file an objection if you find an error.

Singapore’s national regulator of business entities, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) have introduced a number of legal changes and new legislation regarding how companies are required to file their annual returns, which will impact Corporate Service Providers (CSPs) in Singapore.

This article will examine the role of a Director and his duties and liability insurance and D&O insurance liability accordingly with reference to the relevant case law.

The OECDs global tax transparency initiative was launched last year in April 2016, with the purpose of encouraging every jurisdiction across the world to commit to implementation of a CRS (Common Reporting Standard) for automatic exchange of information by 2018, and to sign the Multilateral Convention on the exchanging of tax data.

Reaching the 100 clients mark means this is more work than any one person in the company can keep track of, and the business must have a significantly larger budget. In terms of marketing this is huge, as the company now has access to real client data and general branding activities.

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore has implemented the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) to enhance the transparency of ownership and control of corporate entities. This initiative is part of ACRA's ongoing efforts to uphold Singapore's reputation as a trusted financial hub.