Hong Kong company incorporation guide for non-resident investors: NNC1, IRBR1, business registration, BRN, directors, secretary and compliance readiness.

Royalty is the consideration for the use of, or the right to use any copyright of literacy (Software), or any artistic or scientific work. It consists of patent, trade mark, design or model, secret formula, information or process which is usually a secret and not commonly available in the public domain. Information (know-how which is not registered) concerning industrial, commercial or scientific experience.

The shareholders’ continuity test holds that the same shareholders must hold at least 50% of the company’s total shares as at both the relevant dates. If the test was not fulfilled, the losses would be dismissed permanently unless a waiver to fulfil the test is obtained from IRAS.

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.

AGENDA: Reasons for conducting an internal investigation, Key success factors of an effective internal investigation, Productive cooperation with top-level managers- Penalties under the FCPA and UK Bribery Act, Basic skills an expert in the sphere of corporate investigation should hold

Master your ECI filing in Singapore. Our complete guide covers deadlines, penalties, calculation, and e-filing with IRAS. Learn about exemptions and ensure full tax compliance.

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.

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.

AGENDA: The most common methods of Double Tax Treaty (‘DTT’) abuse, The current practical problems associated with the application of DTTs, The OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project: proposed amendments to DTTs, The OECD’s 01/07/18 Multilateral BEPS Convention: global changes to be made to DTTs, Potential Implications of the latest amendments to DTTs.

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.

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.

Explore how AI and tokenisation are reshaping financial markets, asset ownership, settlement, legal rights and investor protection.

UCITS is a pan-European Fund product which when established in one EU country can be sold cross boarder within the EU under a harmonised legislative framework without any requirement for additional authorisation. UCITS is the result of the evolution of mutual fund legislation to ensure better investor protection.

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.

Cyprus residence planning should not be treated as a single administrative ladder. After first essential analysis of the first stage of entry and correct residence route , the long term strategy will be a next logical step.

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.

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.

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.

Some companies conducting a particular type of activity need to fill out notices of economic substance and submit reports. The Economic Substance Report/Notice must be submitted through the UAE Ministry of Finance Portal by the due date.

Significant changes to the commercial and company law in Singapore have come into effect. The changes to the Singapore Companies Act will hopefully make business entities more transparent as well as mitigating the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing.

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.

Singapore has established the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering transparency and combating illicit financial activities. This article will delve into the critical aspects of the RORC, its significance, and how it reinforces corporate governance in Singapore.

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.

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.

The European Commission proposed an ambitious and comprehensive package of measures to tackle non-performing loans (NPLs) in Europe, making the most out of the promising progress already made in reducing risks in the banking sector.

AGENDA: What is the purpose of compliance?, The different types & reasons behind briberies, International legislation on anti-bribery compliance, The impact of UKBA & the FCPA, ISO 37001 and its main objectives, How to build anti-bribery compliance, Governing body’s duties in anti-bribery compliance, Top management’s duties in anti-bribery compliance, Anti-bribery compliance functions, Suspicious reporting, who & in what circumstances, Tipping off procedure.

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.

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 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.

Dematerialisation of shares is not compulsory and an investor can still keep shares in the paper form. Shares are part of the ‘life’ of the company, so dematerialisation has both positive and negative aspects that affect corporate governance.

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.

The UAE recently released their own version of CFC legislation: The Cabinet of Ministers Resolution n.31/2019 which came into effect in April earlier this year, in order to better regulate Economic Substance (ES) in the United Arab Emirates.

The financial and reporting requirements for Scottish Limited Partnerships (SLPs) vary depending on whether the company is a micro-entity, or a small, medium or large entity. Micro-entities and small companies benefit from less burdensome requirements.

AGENDA: Personal income tax, Special contribution, Corporate tax, Back to back loans, Annual levy, Special defense contribution tax, Capital gains tax, Immovable property tax

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.

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.

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.

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.

The fact that money can be transferred from one jurisdiction to another means, that money laundering as a concept involves the entire modern world. In the United Kingdom, banks are always under the supervision of strict regulatory bodies.

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.

The Hong Kong government has published significant changes to its tax laws over four decades in its Official Gazette. These amendments introduced a tax on the profits of multinational enterprises from foreign sources, which is currently not taxed.

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

Ship owners enjoy tax exemption on specified income derived from the operation of a Singapore-flagged or foreign flagged vessel under Section 13A and 13 F of the Singapore Income Tax Act (SITA).

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.

A Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) is a confidential legal document distinct from all other statutory documents of a corporation, applicable in cases where there are more than two shareholders and it is essentially an agreement between all the Company Shareholders that covers how the business is going to operate.

Cyprus tax reform 2026 analysis: 15% corporate tax, 8% crypto tax, dividend changes. Strategic insights for businesses and investors on upcoming fiscal changes.

Application of a manual process could work when managers have the persuasive skills and time to carry busy employees with them and apply the rigour required to consistently apply invoice approval and coding practices. Alternatively, the process can be significantly improved by introducing software.

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.

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.

A Creditor may apply to court for the issuance of a liquidation order against a company that does not comply with a demand notice to pay any outstanding debts. The notice of demand is served to the registered office of the company, who then has 21 days to pay the fine.

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

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.

The requirement to file and maintain a list of Directors and Beneficial Owners for all Seychelles companies or “IBCs” registered under the International Business Companies Act 2016 has been introduced to as a way to increase the transparency of all Seychelles international businesses for tax and money laundering purposes.

Cyprus reforms sanctions law, increasing corporate liability. Learn about enhanced due diligence, penalties, and compliance strategies for 2026 enforcement.

The Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus held a press conference dedicated to launching the Action Plan to attract companies to conduct activities and expand in Cyprus. The above Action plan is a significant improvement in promoting Cyprus as an international business centre.

An individual is considered to be tax resident in Cyprus by spending a total (consecutive or otherwise) of 183 days or more in any one calendar year in Cyprus. Anyone earning an income in Cyprus falls into two categories.

Compare Singapore’s 2026 SFO licensing exemption with Hong Kong’s proposed family-office tax reforms, including eligibility, substance and compliance.

Financial analysts and organisations are beginning to welcome the idea that in specific cases, tax efficiency isn’t enough when structuring a business vehicle that will be automatically placed under investigation by certain countries that are becoming increasingly wary of any tax avoidance patterns or practices.

Plan the first year after relocating a business to Hong Kong: accounting records, audit, Profits Tax Returns, offshore claims and transfer pricing.

The European Commission supports Cyprus Schengen accession. Learn the timeline, Green Line conditions, and what this means for businesses, investors, and residents.

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 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.

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.

The provision of Payment Services in Cyprus is regulated by The Payment Services and Access to Payment Systems Laws of 2018 and 2019, which transposed into national law regarding the provisions of the Payment Services Directive in the Cyprus market. With the license, an EMI in Cyprus may offer its services freely within the entire EU market.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is consulting on a proposal to expand the existing Investment Manager Exception (IME Exception) to include crypto assets. The IME exemption defines the types of investment transactions that UK collective investment agreement managers may undertake on behalf of non-UK resident investors.

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.

Startups are growing and changing the Singapore ecosystem for the better with their innovative ideas and new technologies. Like small and young companies, startups may need funding and guidance to start their business. If you are a startup founder looking for investors for your business and want to know how to attract them, this article is for you.

AGENDA: Definition of Company Director, Laws imposed a liability on Company Directors, Extent of such liability, Consequences, Conclusion

AGENDA: Definition of Cryptocurrencies, where we will cover some of the definitions issued by a few regulators and we will provide a the general technicalities of Cryptocurrencies, Cryptography, Blockchain, Distributed Ledger Technology, Legal approach, where we will discuss the regulatory approach towards Cryptocurrency around the world and with special focus in key jurisdictions, Regulatory outlook

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.

The Cyprus government, for the last few years have been harping tales of steady growth and booming tourism levels; referring to the relatively high rate of growth of real GDP can be attributed to a number of factors.

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.

The tables detailing general expenses in Cyprus can help give you an idea as to how much it will cost you to live there. All figures have been converted into Euros and have been taken using the median from a set of data from 2019-2020 figures ranging from the most expensive to the least.

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

To the inexperienced trader, ICOs might sound similar to Initial Public Offerings however there are resounding differences between the two. Even with the vast amount of funding being spent and the craze surrounding them, most retail investors have little in-depth knowledge of this ground-breaking fundraising vehicle.

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.