What is Offshore Investing?

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To achieve your goals we believe that ongoing, specific advice is paramount to keeping your financial affairs in order.

In the past, offshore investing was thought of as a tool for the wealthy to avoid taxes, and increase their net worth. Although there are wealthy people and companies that setup offshore, there are many average wage earners that are setting up offshore as well.

Some people have simple offshore structures amounting to no more than a bank account or credit card to allow them access to international markets. Others have more complicated structures that include IBC's, trusts and bank accounts.

Offshore investing is not something you hear about on the evening news, however, it is a billion-dollar industry forcing most of the world's major financial institutions to locate offices in offshore jurisdictions.

Individuals and Corporations have been setting up offshore for years. Their reasons are plentiful and vary according to their circumstances. Some reasons you may require our offshore services include:

Privacy and Confidentiality:Some people believe that it is their right to have absolute privacy in their financial, business and banking affairs. In most countries it is very difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish this due to the reporting requirements of government agencies. Many offshore countries don't have these reporting requirements. In fact, it is illegal in many offshore jurisdictions for the various institutions and agencies to divulge any information about their clients, resulting in a high level of privacy and confidentiality.

Asset Protection:In today's society, whether you are an individual or corporation, you are susceptible to law suits. This can place your assets and future at risk. By setting up offshore, you can shield your assets from creditors and possible judgments. This can be accomplished through utilization of vehicles such as trusts, International Business Corporations, bank accounts, and others.

Favourable Tax Laws:If you feel you are being overtaxed, personally or corporately, you may want to consider an offshore jurisdiction. There are a wide variety of countries that have minimal, or no tax legislation that apply to residents and exempt companies such as International Business Corporations.

Access to International Markets:International markets are offering very competitive rates of returns on mutual funds, investment certificates and other investment vehicles. The lack of taxes in the various jurisdictions allows for higher returns in certain circumstances. This is attractive to many investors.

Estate Planning:The laws in many offshore jurisdictions can make estate planning less complicated. As a result, it may be prudent for one to consider the utilisation of offshore vehicles as part of the estate planning process.