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.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for 2018
On October 19, 2017, the IRS announced the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for 2018. The FEIE for 2018 is a nice bump up from 2017. Here’s what you need to know about the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for 2018 and how it might be affected by President Trump’s residency based tax proposal Under Section 911 […]
Offshore Trust vs Offshore LLC
You’re ready to move some of your assets offshore. But, which structure is best? Should you set up an offshore trust or an offshore LLC? In this article I’ll compare the offshore trust vs the offshore LLC. I’m focused on offshore trust vs offshore LLC. Both of these structures are meant to protect your after […]
Offshore Corporation and Trump’s Tax Plan
There are big changes coming from the Trump administration that will affect your offshore corporation. Republicans have made it clear that they must pass tax reform or they’ll be crushed in the next election cycle. Here’s how Trump’s tax plan is likely to affect offshore corporations and and international taxation. There are three groups of […]
Puerto Rico Act 22 and Act 20 Residency in 2017 after Hurricane Maria
Puerto Rico residents are receiving relief in all forms. For example, Banco Popular has put a hold on lease and mortgage payments for 3 months and others are following suite. Moreover, the IRS issued a letter ruling regarding to residency in the territories and meeting physical presence test under section 937(a). Section 937(a) of the […]
Protect your IRA by moving it onto the blockchain
The new “offshore” is in the cloud. The new asset protection tool is the blockchain. The best way to protect your IRA is by moving it onto the blockchain and behind and offshore structure. Get your retirement savings out of the United States, on to the cloud, and out of the reach of creditors before […]
What SEC Regulation Means to ICOs in the United States
The SEC recently issued a ruling that ICOs must be treated as IPOs. This means that ICOs are now fully regulated by the SEC and that all accredited investor rules apply. But, beyond the new compliance costs, what does this mean for the ICO issuer? What does SEC regulation mean to ICOs in the United […]
What is Required to Form an Offshore Company
Quality jurisdictions are asking for more and more information on those setting up offshore companies. If you’re going to structure an international business or an IRA, you’ll need to collect a number of documents before you can form an offshore company. There are a 4 primary offshore company structures. They are: Offshore corporation, Offshore trust […]
Puerto Rico’s Act 20 and Act 22 Residents and Hurricane Maria
The entire island of Puerto Rico has been declared a disaster zone by FEMA and power may be out for months. A major dam is failing, which will further reduce available drinking water. How will Hurricane Maria affect those in the Puerto Rico on Act 20 and Act 22? How will this affect your 183 […]
What’s Next for Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria?
Puerto Rico suffered the worst hurricane to hit the island in 100 years on September 20, 2017. Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico. So what’s next for the territory of 3.5 million US citizens? Where does Puerto Rico go from here and what about it’s unique tax incentive programs? The US territory of Puerto Rico was […]
The US Government is Targeting Bitcoin
The US government has launched an all out war on Bitcoin and battles are raging on several fronts. The purpose of this war is to either kill Bitcoin so that the dollar remains dominant or, failing that, to control Bitcoin such that the government maximized taxable income and eliminates your ability to transact in private. […]
Puerto Rico Employee Requirements
This article is to clear up issues concerning employment and payroll under the tax incentive programs in Puerto Rico. These requirements for the tax incentive programs are to be used in determining how much salary you must take (taxed at ordinary rates) vs. how much corporate profits the entity can make (taxed at 4%). Keep […]
Where to buy international real estate
This article on where to buy international real estate isn’t going to be a list of countries with the highest returns. And it’s not a pitch trying to sell you the development that pays us the highest commission. Instead, this post on how to buy international real estate is how to narrow down your potential […]
ICOs come to the Caribbean
ICOs and cryptocurrencies are coming to the Caribbean. Many Caribbean islands are looking to the licensing of cryptocurrency and ICOs to boost their fledgling financial services sector. The banking, FX (Forex currency conversion), investment and brokerage industries are all moving towards blockchain. The Caribbean island who gets to a solid licensing scheme the quickest might […]
Puerto Rico Bank License Compliance Requirements
An international bank licensed in Puerto Rico must comply with all US compliance requirements. All Puerto Rico Act 273 banks must keep detailed records of account holders, and comply with all Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) rules. In a recent post on Bloomberg, the author implies that non-US persons can open […]
Tax on Bitcoin Transactions
In this post I’ll talk about how the United States taxes bitcoin transactions and how you can reduce or eliminate those taxes by planning ahead. Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are generating massive returns, but are very volatile. Proper tax planning must take both of these issues into account. The US Internal Revenue Service declared Bitcoin and […]
A Detailed Analysis of Puerto Rico’s Tax Incentive Programs
Below is an updated review of Puerto Rico’s tax incentives for 2017. Major changes were made to Act 20 and Act 22 on July 11, 2017 (the most popular of Puerto Rico’s tax incentives). In addition, some of the tax incentives have been added and others have been amended. Below is a complete list of […]
3 Ways to Stop Paying Capital Gains Tax
Here’s how to stop paying capital gains on your stock transactions. You can legally stop paying capital gains tax tomorrow by following these simple steps. If you’re tired of the IRS taking 20% of your stock gains, here’s how to cut out Uncle Sam. First, this article is not about how to reduce or defer […]
Blockchain and cryptocurrency are the future of offshore banking
As I watch the offshore banking industry fight it’s way back to respectability and profitability, I expect blockchain and cryptocurrencies to play a major role in the comeback. Small offshore banks are down, but far from out. Blockchain and cryptocurrency will bring with them a paradigm shift in costs, allowing offshore banks to compete with […]
Puerto Rico Eliminates 5 Employee Requirement
Puerto Rico has opened up its Act 20 program by eliminating the 5 employee requirement. Any US citizen can now move to Puerto Rico, set up a business under Act 20, and pay only 4% in corporate tax. By eliminating the 5 employee requirement for Act 20 businesses, Puerto Rico has opened the floodgates. Note […]
Changes to Puerto Rico’s Act 20 and Act 22
On July 11, 2017, major changes to Puerto Rico’s Act 20 and 22 were approved. These changes make it much easier to qualify for Puerto Rico’s Act 20 tax holidays. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes to Puerto Rico’s Act 20 and Act 22. As of July 2017, Puerto Rico has a […]