We’re thrilled to have you join us on this platform where we share insights, offer expert advice, and explore the exciting world of international bank licensing, fintech, and regulatory compliance. Here, you will find a wealth of information spanning various topics, from starting up an international bank to navigating complex tax and business planning strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned player in the financial services sector or an entrepreneur looking to enter this space, our blog aims to be a reliable resource for you. We hope to inspire, educate, and engage you as we delve into the intricate dynamics of the regulated business landscape together. Enjoy the journey, and don’t hesitate to engage with us – we value your questions, comments, and ideas.
How to Finance Real Estate Overseas
To finance real estate overseas you must jump through all kinds of hoops and apply to multiple lenders in hopes of getting a decent rate. Compared to applying for a mortgage in the U.S., the battle to finance real estate overseas can seem confusing at best and silly at worst. First, lets talk about why […]
Aged Population to Stress the Economy
Aged populations will be the norm by 2020, placing a great deal of stress on world wide economic systems, especially those founded on government backed treasuries and bonds. Other areas of weakness will be Social Security and Medicare. As our population ages, we can expect higher taxes on our IRA and passive investments. Here’s why […]
The IRS Data Collection Machine
Much like the NSA, the IRS data collection machine is building a file on all Americans. It’s online now and will be ready to use in all audits within one year. The IRS collects more useful data on you than does the NSA and will begin making it available to auditors shortly. Some IRS data […]
Prepare for an Offshore IRS Audit
There’s no worse feeling in the world than coming home to a letter from the IRS telling you that you are being audited … until you get notice of an offshore IRS audit. No matter how organized you are, you should fear the great IRS. If you have unreported accounts or become the subject of […]
How to Close an Offshore Company
Did you form an offshore company but the business didn’t go as planned? Do you need to close an offshore company? There are two ways to go about this. To close an offshore company that’s never done any business and has not yet opened a bank account, “allow it to die a natural death.” This […]
The Impact of FATCA
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act is finally here and you can be sure that the impact of FATCA will be severe. This brief article considers the impact of FATCA on Americans living, working, or investing overseas. FATCA is founded in a U.S. tax code that attacks small business and lavishes tax holidays on the wealthy […]
Panama Tax Review
If you’re an American living, working, or investing in Panama, the Panama tax system is your friend. The Panama tax code may allow you to live tax free in Panama and, possibly, in the United States. This Panama Tax Review will explain how to reduce your worldwide tax bill. Before getting in to specifics, it’s […]
Panama 2015 and Beyond
Panama 2015 looks to be a great investment with continued growth of 7%. While the tiny economy will face a number of challenges, chief among them is competition to its canal, expect solid returns to continue. First, a brief mention of Panama’s 2015 banking sector. Significant amounts of wealth will continue to flow in to […]
IRS Criminal Investigations on the Rise
If you thought an IRS audit was bad news, just wait until the IRS agents with guns come and take you down. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division, or CID, can seize your records, tap your phone, spy on your emails, and treat you like a major criminal – all for failing to pay up. The […]
Should I Give My Son a U.S. Passport?
My son Timothy is nearing his first birthday and our household is filled with debate and discord. Should I give him a U.S. passport? Is a U.S. passport his birthright or a curse? Should my son identify as a U.S. citizen, a Panamanian, or both? Allow me to give you a bit of background. I […]
The Costs of Banking Regulation
As U.S. banking regulations have increased each and every year, the costs for smaller domestic and offshore banks have made doing business with the U.S. prohibitive. These banking regulation costs have more than doubled since 2003, and are now running at about 15% of most institution’s income… essentially, a 15% tax levied on all banks […]
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion 2015
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for 2015 breaks the six figure mark! The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for 2015 is $100,800, up from $99,200 in 2014. The FEIE is the best way to minimize your US taxes as an Expat and the most important tool in your tax kit.
Foreign Assets and FBAR Reporting
Ever increasing U.S. reporting obligations on Americans living, working, and/or investing abroad, make it difficult to keep up. This is a review of your foreign assets and FBAR reporting requirements. Foreign assets are reported on IRS Form 8938 and the FBAR is sent to the Treasury on FinCEN Form 114 (Report of Foreign Bank and […]
UK to follow IRS Levy Rules
The U.K. tax authority to allow IRS Levy type actions. If you owe the HMRC, they now have the authority to seize your bank account and raid your assets, just like an IRS levy. Now, it’s no surprise that the U.K. is following in the footsteps of the mighty IRS levy. It’s just interesting that […]
Chile’s Tax & Economic Climate
The republic of Chile is one of the most business friendly nations on earth… as tax and business efficient as it is long. Chile’s focus on high-tech start-ups has brought a wealth of talent and business to this nation that is vying to be the Singapore of Latin America. Chile is one of the longest […]
IRA Gold Rules
Yes, you can take your IRA offshore and buy IRA gold… so long as you follow the rules and buy the right kind of gold. If you will invest in IRA gold, this brief post is a must read. Here are the basics of buying IRA Gold: First, if you wish to hold IRA gold […]
Should I buy the Alibaba IPO?
The largest IPO in the history of the market is coming. Alibaba, a Chinese company, is set to go public on the U.S. exchange. The transaction will break all volume and valuation records. Alibaba is a combination of Google, eBay and Amazon, and dominates the Chinese market. The question is, should you jump on the […]
Panama Foundation IRA Tax Review
The Panama Foundation has been approved as the “owner” of a U.S. retirement account in Panama. This means that, those who want to invest in Panama, have access to banks or brokerage services in Panama, or hold their retirement account n the most advanced asset protection and estate planning tool available, may now move their […]
Move Your IRA to Panama
We have been working for months with lawyers, banks, and government agencies in Panama and are finally ready to announce some great news for those seeking asset protection. You may now move your IRA or other retirement account to Panama and in to the best protection and estate planning tool available… the Panama Private Interest […]
The Foreign Pension Tax Trap
If you’re working abroad for a foreign company, watch out for the foreign pension tax trap. If you get caught, you might be paying double tax on your retirement income… once when earned by the U.S. and once at distribution in your country of residence. First, let me say that this is not meant as […]