Posts

BVI Business Companies Act: Key Reporting Changes for 2025 - Acquarius

Image
  BVI’s new reporting rules affect company compliance. Acquarius ensures clients meet requirements for beneficial ownership and member registers. Over the last forty years, British Virgin Islands, or BVI, has become a benchmark for well-established yet cost effective company entities, legislation for which, as in Gibraltar, is based on English Common Law. The territory experienced massive growth in this sector following the introduction of the International Business Companies Act (1984) which gave rise to the eponymous International Business Company or IBC.  ‍At the start of the new century and in common with its global peers, BVI updated its legislation by introducing the BVI Business Companies Act (2004). This took account of growing demands by the OECD, EU and others for greater transparency and alignment with internationally accepted corporate governance conventions. The Business Companies (Amendment) Act (2024) adopted changes concerning both the Register of Member...

Private Placement Life Insurance: A Flexible Wealth Planning Tool - Acquarius

Image
  PPLI offers a tax-efficient, flexible solution for wealth preservation, estate planning, and succession within a Gibraltar-based financial structure. Regular readers will know that I have frequently highlighted the benefits of using a Gibraltar trust, company, or a combination of such structures to achieve tailored client solutions. These vehicles offer flexibility and can address even the most complex scenarios – whether involving large families, valuable multinational businesses, or intricate succession planning. ‍However, in today’s increasingly complex international environment, traditional trusts and companies may not always provide a complete solution. Some client circumstances demand a yet more sophisticated approach. ‍ The Role of Insurance in Wealth Planning ‍Life insurance, though sometimes overlooked, can be an effective tool in these cases. While not suitable for everyone, it is becoming an increasingly sought-after and compliant strategy. That said, extreme...

Regulation Of Trust & Corporate Service Providers In Gibraltar - Acquarius

Image
  Gibraltar's financial sector thrives under a strong yet balanced regulation, ensuring credibility, compliance, and a business-friendly environment. It is bold to suggest that regulation of the Trust & Corporate Services Provider (TCSP) sector here in Gibraltar is world-class and amongst the best found anywhere. However, this is not just a nod to local interests but my honestly held view. Let me explain.  ‍Robust regulation is crucial to the financial services industry. It is key to the sector’s development that has grown exponentially since “offshore” first became a thing seventy years ago.  ‍More than providing protection to clients and their advisers, regulation adds to the overall credibility of a jurisdiction. It is a pillar upon which we rely to differentiate ourselves from our peers. – something we use to promote Gibraltar compared to other UK overseas territories, crown dependencies and the rest. Around twenty-five recognised international finance cen...

Why Choose Gibraltar For Residency? Unlock The Benefits - Acquarius

Image
  Discover why establishing residency in Gibraltar is a smart move for high-net-worth individuals and senior executives. Explore tax benefits, Mediterranean living, and expert guidance from Acquarius . I read a great deal and devour articles on topics and places close to my heart. Among my regular reads are the endless analyses of the consequences of the UK’s first Labour budget in fourteen years. While I do not believe everything I read, I might be forgiven for thinking that an overwhelming number of British residents – including the now almost mythical “non-doms” – are actively considering leaving the UK for a new life overseas. ‍A reality check is in order as we await the 2024 emigration figures. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 479,000 people emigrated from the UK in 2023. For balance, it is worth noting that around 1.2 million people moved in the other direction, but that, as they say, is a subject for another day. ‍While the number of people leav...