The EU Economic & Financial Affairs Council placed BVI in a list of countries with concerns however were actively working to resolve them. Appropriately, the BVI Government made a commitment to implement reforms by the end of 2018 to ensure that BVI businesses have adequate economic substance.

Step-by-step guide to Hong Kong private company share transfer. Learn about stamp duty, board approval, share transfer form & legal requirements for shareholders.

AGENDA: Relevant legislation requirements, What is Know Your Client and the KYC Procedure, KYC Procedure – Client Acceptance Policy, Categorization of Customers, What is Due Diligence

UK non-dom regime ends April 2025. New 4-year FIG regime for foreign income & gains, inheritance tax changes. Strategic planning for wealthy individuals.

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.

Demand Generation marketing efforts refer to the various marketing approaches companies of different sizes and stages of commerce need in order to drive attention and interest in products & services, to acquire clients. Essentially what turns a good idea into a sustainable business.

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 per new legislation, every company incorporated in Hong Kong will be required to keep and maintain a register of all persons who have significant control of the company. The record must be updated as required and kept at the registered company address, even if there are no persons of significant control.

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

Income, earned by a Cyprus tax resident individual, arising from the rental of immovable property which is situated in Cyprus is taxable both under the Cyprus Income Tax and the Special Contribution Tax legislation.

There are many factors that influence an investor to obtain a second citizenship in another country. Aspects such as relocation, retirement, security or even long-term plans for future generations are all benefits and considerations in the prospectus for investment. Several countries now offer this option through different investment schemes.

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.

Berlin-based non-governmental organisation Transparency International are putting pressure on the European Commission to create plans to allow for reporting and full disclosure of all passport schemes of member states that allow foreign investors to acquire either EU citizenship or residence permit.

Singapore provides a well-regulated legal framework as well as all the benefits of a stable financial centre with a reliable reputation, excellent banking system and low tax rate. Due to these factors, Singapore is one of the most optimal jurisdictions for Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) fundraising.

AGENDA: Main criteria for choosing of a bank, Corporate Bank account Opening, What you need to know for Singapore as jurisdiction, Main requirements for a bank account opening in Singapore, Corporate Bank Account Maintenance, Automatic exchange of Information, Closing of Corporate Bank Accounts in Singapore

According to the Singapore regulations the digital tokens can be classified as “securities” or as “utilities”. The real nature of the digital token identifies the rights attached to it and the terms of its regulation.

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.

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.

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.

Hong Kong Articles of Association 2025 guide: essential for company setup and compliance. Covers purpose, mandatory content, and how to amend under new laws.

Rapid advances in technology and the higher demands and increasingly complex international clients are forcing Singapore-based Lawyers to transform the way they work. An example of this is the huge of growth of Wi-Fi on airplanes, with many cities now providing coverage free of charge including on metros and trains.

Belize has amended its International Business Companies Act. These changes were to maintain its financial services industry in the increasingly regulated international market & meet the OECD white list requirements.

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.

AGENDA: Tax Residency – general application, Cyprus Tax Residency rules, General Rule VS “60 Day” Rule, Procedure to obtain Cyprus Tax Residency under “60 Day” Rule, Main tax guidelines for Cyprus Tax residents

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

Overseas companies may register a branch in Cyprus, according to the Companies Law, Chapter 113, regulated by section 347. A branch will not essentially consider as being a new legal entity in Cyprus.

An Electronic Money Institution (popularly known as an EMI for short) is a fully licensed financial institution which engages in electronic payment services. The full license for a Hong Kong electronic money institution currently has no restrictions to either trading period or sector of activities.

On the 7th of May, 2015 a new legislation was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus, that of Insolvency Consultants Law of 2015 (64(I)/2015 (the “Law”). This new legislation outlines the criteria for qualification, regulation and monitoring of persons that have the role of insolvency consultant.

In light of recent global events, Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has declared that no measures restricting the Russian Web such as censorship or government-driven heavy regulations are to be undertaken. According to Mr Putin, the Government should take steps to provide Internet security for the purpose of state sovereignty.

Master the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance Cap. 622. Our guide covers company incorporation, director duties, shareholder rights, and key regulatory requirements for business.

Since 1 November 2007, companies in Singapore are required to file financial statements with ACRA, and filing financial statements in XBRL. With effect from 3 March 2014, the revised XBRL filing requirements under the BizFinx system apply.

The June 2019 plenary session of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ended with the issuance of a binding interpretive note for international regulation of virtual assets and virtual-asset service providers.

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

Cyprus joining Schengen in 2026: Analysis of visa-free travel, investor residency benefits & business implications for companies using Cyprus structures.

The Income Tax Act does not give a definition for royalties. However, royalties can be defined as a payment for the right to use a patent, copyright and other intellectual property. E.g. payment for every book sold or an artist album sold on VCD.

Navigate the Hong Kong MSO license application. Our expert guide covers requirements for Money Service Operators, AML/CFT rules, and how to obtain your money changing or remittance license.

Tether Ltd, the issuer of Stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency under the ticker USDT, has been hotly debated for the past year. Many representatives within the crypto-community suspect the issuer of the “tokenised dollar” regarding the insufficient supply of the currency, as well as the regular “quantitative easing” of the market during periods of recession.

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

The combination of an exponential increase in potential blockchain applications has become a real reason for the emergence of a new format of the digital economy. It is an entirely new product that has launched a mechanism for additional control by regulatory authorities.

By failing to report any incorrectly filed records, is breaking the law, with the service provider or intermediary also potentially becoming liable for the assistance and enabling of tax evasion accordingly.

Section 2(1) of the SITA defines a PE to mean a fixed place where a business is wholly or partly carried out including a place of management, a branch, an office, a factory, a warehouse, a workshop, a farm or plantation, a mine, oil well, quarry or other place of extraction of natural resources, a building or work site or a construction, installation or assembly project.

Compare Singapore vs Hong Kong for business in 2025. Expert analysis of taxes, industry opportunities, costs and which Asian hub suits your expansion goals.

Complete guide to the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa. Learn about the €3,500 income requirement, step-by-step application, tax residency rules (Non-Dom status), and why Cyprus is a top remote work hub.

Complete guide to the Hong Kong MSO license for money transfer & exchange. Learn about AMLO compliance, application steps, and ongoing regulatory duties.

According to a recent report published by the US State Department’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) unit, Cyprus continues to upgrade its established AML legal framework, while authorities successfully 26 individuals and entities for money laundering related offences in 2018.

On the 4th of August, 2015 Cyprus and Iran signed a Double Tax Treaty agreement during an official visit of the Iranian Finance Minister in Cyprus is hoped to strengthen and develop the economic relations and allow for the expansion of investment and business opportunities between Iran and Cyprus.

This article details a beginners guide to capital statements; what to include in them, what the figures mean and how to understand and interpret them; avoiding common pitfalls many individuals experience along the way with filing their own.

All Cyprus resident companies must return their income tax accounts in accordance with the Income Tax Law (Law No. 118(I) of 2002).

AGENDA: Cyprus vs. Singapore, Tax systems overview, Main tax principles in Singapore, Tax exemption of foreign income, Tax exemptions for the newly incorporated companies (Start-Up Co), Tax Residency Certificate, Administration of tax system in Singapore, Calculation of Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI), Minimizing of taxes and avoiding of taxation, Goods and Services Tax (“GST”), How to use the company in Singapore

Generally speaking, overseas or offshore banking has garnered a bad reputation in the financial world. Usually the term is synonymously used with embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion. This article will discuss the benefits, associated with offshore banking as well as dispelling any myths.

Whilst remaining fully compliant with the OECD recommendations and EU regulations, Cyprus has addressed challenges to its tax structure through strong legislative updates

Facing Hong Kong hiring challenges? Our guide covers talent competition, visa hurdles, high salaries, and employment law compliance for employers.

The Cyprus Ministry of Finance has released a statement regarding the IMF (the International Monetary Fund) & the European Commission is recommending Bills regarding the islands longstanding issue with Non-Performing Loans.

AGENDA: Classification of foreign companies, Company documents, Authorised capital, Offshores and offshore jurisdictions, Onshore companies, “Grey” and “Black” lists of countries, Nominee service, Beneficial Owner, Due Diligence & KYC, Company Tax Residency, Company liquidation

AGENDA: The Cyprus registrar of companies, The types of Cyprus companies, The KYC rule, Nominee service, Company incorporation procedure, Company maintenance and financials, The methods of dissolving a Cyprus company

Singapore is gaining more attraction as a trust jurisdiction internationally. A range of factors have contributed to achieving a reputable offshore trust status, including but not limited to the several reasons.

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 European Commission (EC) has launched public consultations on a new draft directive on intermediaries that facilitate tax evasion and "aggressive tax planning".

Selection of an MIS can help increase understanding and control in an organisation and can be scaled to suit the complexity of most modern businesses. If the right MIS is selected and it is implemented correctly it can provide a competitive advantage for the organisations utilising it.

Technically speaking, anyone can write a will for themselves or on behalf of others. However, just because you’ve written your own will doesn’t mean it’s necessarily valid.

The financial world is undergoing a technological revolution, with approximately 3 trillion financial deals entered into using digital ledger technology (DLT) and smart contracts within the next five years.

The audit exemption is applicable if it is a private company with an annual revenue of SGD $5 million or less. This approach is being replaced by a new small company concept which will also determine exemption from statutory audit.

Intellectual Property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets of an organisation. Choosing the right location for the management of Intellectual Property is an imperative strategic business decision.

The British High Commissioner outlined the processes currently being followed within government to prepare for the Brexit negotiations in order to find an outcome for the UK nationals living abroad in Cyprus.

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.

Learn how to become a certified company secretary in Hong Kong. Explore qualifications, licensing (TCSP), registration steps, and professional skills for compliance success.

AGENDA: What is the Automatic Exchange of Information?, The purpose for using the Automatic exchange of information, The Automatic Exchange of information: Theory and Practice, Current procedures related to the Automatic Exchange of Information, Implications of the Automatic Exchange of Information

Applying for a residence permit (also known as the yellow slip) is a process which is to be completed by every EU citizen living and working in Cyprus. And once you have managed to obtain it, the permit does not expire and is valid indefinitely.

The Singapore Tax Authority (IRAS) have special rules relating to the taxation of investment companies. An investment company is one that owns investments such as properties, shares, bonds and therefore derives income such as rental, dividend and interest.

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.

AGENDA: Definition of corporate tax residence, Circumstances under which a company can be considered as a UK resident, Tests to examine the residence of a company, Guidelines

See below the considerations that should be established to ensure you have taken the necessary steps to protect yourself and your new business in 2018.

AGENDA: Definition of the term brand and HR brand, The purpose of HR Branding for various organizations, Components of the HR Brand, Work Environment, Compensation and benefits, Achieving appropriate work – life balance, Company culture and environment.

Last month, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a series of important judgments dealing with tax avoidance and beneficial ownership in the context of the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive (PSD) and the Interest and Royalties Directive (IRD).

ACRA announced that they will be making legislative changes to the Singapore Companies Act which will be taking effect in two phases; the first phase is effective from the first of July, with the second phase to be implemented in the first Quarter of 2016.

As per the ACRA requirements for companies in Singapore, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held once every calendar year. However, under Section 175, an application is available to apply for an extension.

Cyprus has seen rapid growth in the number of startups. This increase is due to tax incentives and favourable conditions for intellectual property and innovative companies offered by Cyprus, making it a pleasant country for the development of startups.

At the request of a Cyprus company’s Shareholder, where it is proven that a more comprehensive investigation is required regarding a company’s activities, the court can issue a declaration of investigation by an inspector appointed by the Cyprus Council of Ministers.

A formal enquiry into the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca has been launched by the European Parliament’s Committee, which found gaps in beneficial ownership transparency for trusts and fiduciaries and didn’t meet the EU standard.

AGENDA: Definition of Company Director, Duties of Company Director, Extent of such liability, D&O Insurance Liability, Conclusion

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

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.

An individual is not regarded as a shadow Director solely because the Company Directors act on the advice given by that individual in a professional capacity. There are various exceptions and whether or not a person is a shadow director is a question of fact and dependent upon all the relevant circumstances.

As per Hong Kong company’s ordinance subdivision 3 section 379 subsection 1, a Company Director will have to prepare year-end financial accounts that comply with sections 380 and 383.

AGENDA: Purpose and definition of a Double Tax Treaty ('DTT'), Types of DTTs dealing with tax matters, History of DTTs, DTTs and domestic law, Format and structure of a DTTs, Tax covered and not covered by DTTs, Interpretation of DTTs.

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.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has recently released information to all Cyprus Investment Firms, Management Companies and Administrative Service Providers regarding fraudulent tax evasion, and also a proposal on the prevention of use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing.

It should be noted that bookkeeping in new Singapore companies is not just keeping records and receipts. As an entrepreneur, you will need a vast amount of new knowledge in managing and reconciling these records. When taking the first independent steps in the accounting business of a Singaporean company, your actions must be verified and well thought out to avoid future financial complications.