Category Archives: Offshore Banking

In this post, I’ll explain why I believe Bermuda is the best jurisdiction for an international bank in 2024 and what’s required to build an international bank in Bermuda. This is a relatively new jurisdiction, with only one completed case as of this writing. But, I expect big things from Bermuda and for them to

Buying a bank can be a lucrative investment, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Some of the most common risks associated with buying a bank include: In addition to these risks, there are a number of other risks that could be associated with buying a bank. These risks can vary

I get a number of emails from readers each week asking how they can manage money for friends and family offshore. They want to trade cryptocurrency and make investments for others without going to the expense of setting up a licensed and regulated exchange. So, here’s how to trade cryptocurrency and manage investments for others

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

Panama is making an exit from the offshore banking business. No longer can you open a bank account in Panama and operate it from abroad. Banks now require a physical presence, tax filings, a business license, and an office address in Panama. Panama has been under a lot of international pressure over the last 2

When building a new offshore bank, you need the following 8 components: The business plan, the capital, the people (board of directors, management, and employees), the computer systems, the compliance system, the license, a correspondent account, and a tax plan. These are the 8 components to negotiate an offshore bank license and set up a

High net worth South Africans are under attack from all sides… again. This time it may turn into a full blown civil war. At the very least, your assets and safety are at risk. Here’s how to move you and your cash out of South Africa and to negotiate a second residency. A passport from

The best tax deal available to hedge fund traders and investment fund managers is Puerto Rico. There’s no tax holiday available anywhere in the world that can compete with the offer from Puerto Rico. Here’s how to setup and operate an investment fund tax free from Puerto Rico. First, let me explain why Puerto Rico

You can invest your self directed IRA in mutual funds, hedge funds, and any active business. There are very few limitations on how you invest your retirement account. But that’s only half the issue. While you can invest in whatever you like, there all kinds of tax costs associated with investing your IRA into a

Most top offshore banks are closed to Americans. In fact, 95% of the best foreign banks have shut their doors to us because of the costly reporting now required by the IRS. The only way you can get into the best banks in 2017 is through the back door. Here’s how to gain access to

It can be very difficult to open an offshore bank account. Whether you’re American, European, or Chinese, times are tough. Most international banks are closing their doors to everyone but those with residency visas. Here’s how to fight through and open an offshore bank account. Opening an account offshore is VERY different from opening one

An offshore bank account can open up new investment, privacy, and protection options. An international account gives you access to a new world of possibilities and higher returning investments not available in the United States. Here are my top 10 reasons you want an offshore bank account in 2017. Each of our clients has their

There have been big time changes in the offshore bank license industry over the last year. If you’re looking to form an international bank, here are the top 5 offshore bank license jurisdictions for 2017. In this post, I’m talking about countries where you can get a license… countries that will issue a license to

If you want to receive client funds into your offshore account, you must have a license or set up a specially designed offshore structure. Whether you’re raising money or managing money, if you’re not the owner of the cash in your offshore bank account, you will need an offshore money management license.  In this article,

The most active low cost offshore bank license jurisdiction is Dominica. If you’re in the process of selecting a country to incorporate and license an offshore bank, give the Caribbean Island of Dominica a look. You’ll find that the capital required for a bank license in Dominica is a fraction of it’s competitors. You will

As of November 2016, most offshore jurisdictions have signed on to the Automatic Exchange Agreements demanded by European governments and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). All but Panama has agreed to share information with European tax authorities. On paper, the OECD defines itself as follows: “the mission of the Organisation for Economic

Want to setup an offshore bank? Looking for an international banking license? Obtaining an offshore bank license and negotiating offshore correspondent accounts have become extremely difficult in every jurisdiction except one. The lowest cost offshore bank license is Puerto Rico. Yes, the US territory of Puerto Rico is the best island in the Caribbean to

The FBAR due date has been changed from June 30 to April 15. If you file an extension for your personal return, you will have until Oct. 15 to submit your FBAR. Finally the US government has done something which makes sense. This change to the FBAR due date will help new expats big time. Here’s why:

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

If you’re new to the world of offshore, then this article on offshore basics is for you.  Thinking about starting a business abroad?  Want to move you or your assets out of the United States?  Offshore basics will tell you how… and what’s legal and what’s not for an American abroad.  Many of the articles