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Introduction: The New Age of Transparency

By mid-2009, evidence was emerging that the trust and wealth management industries were adopting to the new age of transparency instigated by the OECD countries in response to the global financial metldown and subsequent economic crisis. Participants in a survey conducted by the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners agreed that three key trends would develop in the industry over the course of the coming years.

These include:

The end of secrecy will mean families will seek out advisors and trustees who can master global tax advice. Economic conditions will mean tax competition between countries will increase and the distinction between offshore and onshore will disappear;
The industry will modernise its practices to attract a wider audience; increasing its market share through adopting best practices in investment management and enhancing compliance processes to reduce risk;
Products and services will continue to be combined together to create new revenue opportunities for wealth structuring professionals. Trust and Estate Planning practitioners will have to be increasingly innovative to expand the number of strategies in its ‘toolbox’ to create bespoke solutions in higher value structures.

Shortly after the results of this survey were published, STEP released figures which indicated that sentiment was improving amongst practitioners, with 41% of the organization's members predicting that trust and estate business would "improve" or "significantly improve" over the year ahead. This was almost double the number that held this view earlier in the year.

STEP Chief Executive David Harvey said: “The move to positivity among STEP members is a great indicator that, despite the economic downturn and the regulatory environment providing new challenges for trust and estate practitioners, the industry is looking to the future with renewed confidence. Our members are looking to embrace the opportunities afforded by the needs of international families to plan and to be compliant on an increasingly global, rather than national, basis."

The Report

Offshore Trusts Guide: Introduction

The History of Offshore Trusts
Development of Professional Competence in the Jurisdictions
What Future for the Trust?
The New Age of Transparency
The Swiss Association of Trust Companies
The Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners

Offshore Trusts Guide: Jurisdictions

Offshore Trusts News

IRS Extends Disaster Tax Relief To Georgia Friday 22/9/2017 The IRS has extended disaster tax relief to the entire state of Georgia as part of its coordinated federal response to the damage caused by severe storms and flooding.

ATO Publishes Figures On 'Lost' Super Friday 22/9/2017 The Australian Taxation Office has said that there are over 6.3 million lost and ATO-held superannuation accounts, with a total value of almost AUD18bn (USD14.3bn).

Switzerland Consulting On WHT Reforms Friday 22/9/2017 The Swiss Federal Department of Finance is consulting on proposals to amend the Withholding Tax Ordinance, to more clearly define the rules for non-resident taxpayers.

Canadian Revenue Dip 'Linked To Tax Planning' Wednesday 20/9/2017 Personal income tax minimization strategies reduced Canada's personal income tax revenues in 2016/17 and dragged total revenues lower, the Government has said.

BVI Government Updates Business In Wake Of Irma Tuesday 19/9/2017 The British Virgin Islands Premier, Orlando Smith, has provided an update to territory businesses on the service issues facing the territory in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Australia Clarifies Small Business Rate Rules Monday 18/9/2017 The Australian Government has released draft legislation to clarify that passive investment companies cannot access the lower company tax rate for small businesses.

New Zealand Labour Outlines Tax Plans Monday 18/9/2017 New Zealand's Labour Party, which is edging ahead of the incumbent National Party-formed government in recent polls, has proposed a number of tax changes ahead of the September 23 election.

Swiss Bankers Urge Care In Information Exchange Monday 18/9/2017 The CEO of the Swiss Bankers Association has stressed that confidentiality, data security, and data protection requirements must be complied with when the automatic exchange of tax information gets underway.

Guernsey Ready To Support 'Impact Investing' Activity Friday 15/9/2017 Guernsey's financial services promotion agency, Guernsey Finance, has released a paper on the opportunities "impact investing" presents for established international financial centers.

Mexico Offers Tax Relief To Earthquake-Hit Firms Friday 15/9/2017 Mexico's Inland Revenue is to waive tax obligations for businesses impacted by an earthquake in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas on September 7.