Hong Kong Corporate Services Zetland points out that Carrot Approach More Effective Than Stick For Tax Havens

Instead of penalizing and outlawing international business companies, Zetland Corporate Services, a leading company formation service, has long been advocating simple market competition. The position of the business consultancy service has recently been repeated by a white paper from the British Institute of Directors.

Zetland Corporate Services, a leading offshore investment management service, has long held the position that offshore investment business has a role to play in a healthy global economy.

The sentiment was recently echoed in a paper by the British Institute of Directors encouraging the UK government to use tax rules encouraging holding of assets in the UK, instead of aiming to punish those who use international investment management services.

"Free market forces have built some of the greatest economies in the entire history of the world", said Jason Weatherhead of Zetland Corporate Services. "Yet some major world governments can't see how allowing those free market forces on an international level, instead of treating IBC owners punitively, is a much sounder long-term strategy all round".

The British Institute of Directors agrees, saying that if offshore tax avoidance is defeated, countries would no longer feel obligated to reduce their own burden on their businesses. "The resulting burdens on business will in due course slow economic growth", said the report.

Other key points of the report included:

•Aggressive action by governments to keep money onshore is actually
counterproductive
•Abolishing offshore investment businesses would effectively make a cartel of
every government
•Developing countries would attract less investment and possibly need more
humanitarian aid
•Low tax jurisdictions "can oil the wheels of commerce" (from the report)

About Zetland Corporate Services:

The Hong Kong Financial Group http://www.zetland.biz -zetland provides the offshore investor with fiduciary Services, investment management and corporate advisory services, offering personal service and professional advice with total confidentiality.

For more information please contact:

Jason Weatherhead
Zetland Fiduciary Group
Email: jason ( @ ) zetland dot biz
Website: http://www.zetland.biz

Hong Kong, Home to Zetland, Still World's Best Region For Trade, Investment and Finance 15 Years On

Wall Street and The Heriatge Foundation have released their report on the world's freest economies for 2009. It ranks three countries where Zetland Fiduciary Group have offices in the top five, including Hong Kong as the freest for the 15th year running.

Three of the home countries of Zetland Fiduciary Group offices have been ranked in the top five of the world's freest economies, according to The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation's report, the 2009 Index of Economic Freedom. Hong Kong is home to Zetland Fiduciary Group principal office, and was again ranked as the world's freest economy. It scored 90 out of a possible 100 points, with the world average standing at 59.5 points for 2009. The region ranked first in trade freedom, financial freedom and investment freedom. It also ranked in the top ten for property rights, monetary freedom and business freedom. Zetland also has offices in Singapore, which retained its second place position, and New Zealand, which came in 5th place. Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, John C Tsang, believes that the regulatory environment is critical in this ranking. "We provide a business-friendly environment where all firms can compete on a level playing field and establish an appropriate regulatory regime to ensure the integrity and smooth functioning of a free market", he said. Jason Weatherhead of Zetland believes the ranking shows that Zetland puts its money where its mouth is. "Zetland recommends each and every one of the jurisdictions it operates in to customers - Wall Street's report shows that we have made excellent choices regarding our bases, and that our customers have profited from that". The report ranks 179 of the world's economies on ten key factors. About Zetland Fiduciary Group: The Zetland Fiduciary Group - http://www.zetland.biz - provides the offshore investor with fiduciary Services, investment management and corporate advisory services, offering personal service and professional advice with total confidentiality. For more information please contact: Jason Weatherhead Zetland Fiduciary Group Email: jason ( @ ) zetland dot biz Website: http://www.zetland.biz

Tags: Zetland fiduciary group, Zetland corporate services, Financial consultancy Hong Kong, Asset protection Hong Kong, Trustee Services Hong Kong

Offshore Banking Still Making Waves Despite Swiss Debacle, Says Zetland Fiduciary Group

The debate surrounding Switzerland's banking system and breaches of privacy has created unfounded doubt about offshore banking in general, say Zetland Fiduciary Group. The company is still using offshore banking to help increase the profits and protect the privacy of hundreds of companies worldwide.

The recent diplomatic decision to pass on the names of some customers of a major Swiss bank changes none of the advantages of offshore banking for legitimate companies, according to leading business adviser Zetland Fiduciary Group. On February 18, Swiss bank UBS AG handed over the names of around 300 of its customers, in order to avoid US criminal charges. The major Swiss bank also paid a fine of $780 million, after accepting responsibility for assisting tax evasion for American customers. However, the debacle over the right to privacy, versus freedom of information for criminal investigations changes little of the core benefits of offshore banking for regular companies, according to Zetland Fiduciary Group. Jason Weatherhead of Zetland said "For legitimate, transparent companies, the recent happenings in Switzerland will have little impact on the benefits of offshore banking". "The law in most popular offshore banking jurisdictions is that information can be given out when a criminal offense is being investigated, including money laundering or tax fraud. For honest companies, offshore banking is still a legitimate way to protect privacy and assets, and increase profits. This hasn't changed", Mr Weatherhead continued. Offshore banking's main advantages remain unchanged, according to Zetland. These include: 1. Reducing taxation obligations 2. Protecting assets from negative economic conditions in your home jurisdiction 3. To maintain privacy about your financial records Tax evasion is not considered a crime in Switzerland, which has added to its reputation for assisting criminals. However, offshore banking is also popular in many other countries with differing laws, including Hong Kong, the Seychelles, Belize, Singapore and New Zealand, as well as Dubai, where Zetland themselves recently opened a new office. About Zetland Fiduciary Group: http://www.zetland.biz The Zetland Fiduciary Group - provides the offshore investor with fiduciary Services, investment management and corporate advisory services, offering personal service and professional advice with total confidentiality. For more information please contact: Jason Weatherhead Zetland Fiduciary Group Email: jason ( @ ) zetland dot biz Website: http://www.zetland.biz

Tags: Zetland fiduciary group, Zetland corporate services, Financial consultancy Hong Kong, Asset protection Hong Kong, Trustee Services Hong Kong, Company secretarial services Hong Kong China financial service

Go Offshore in Seychelles For Big Corporate Benefits, Says Leading Business Adviser Zetland Fiduciary Group

Zetland Fiduciary Group, a leader in company incorporations and financial services, sees the Seychelles as the best place for big business to be in 2009. The Seychelles has the ideal conditions to help offshore companies facilitate their operations and increase their profits, according to leading company incorporation specialists, Zetland Fiduciary Group.

The Seychelles has seen a surge in International Business Company registrations in recent years. New registrations grew by 45% from 2005 to 2007, and early indications for 2008 suggest a further 50% increase from 2007. Despite this, the total number of registrations is significantly less than other traditional offshore jurisdictions, making the Seychelles an ideal venue for businesses looking to take advantage of offshore conditions.

Key features of the Seychelles as an offshore jurisdiction include:
• Seychelles IBCs are 100% tax free
• Confidentiality is guaranteed by law, with a court order required to disclose shareholder's identity
• No minimum or maximum capital requirement
• Only one director or shareholder is required
• No need to file accounts with the registrar
• Competitive license fees which are fixed for life - currently US$100 annually

The Seychelles is also centrally placed for several major time zones, with its operating hours falling within business hours for Europe, Asia, Australia, Russia and the Middle East.

Zetland Fiduciary Group sees the Seychelles as "forward-thinking" and "well-regulated", according to company spokesman David Campbell. According to Mr Campbell, "the Seychelles offshore financial services sector is very well placed to further build upon the already excellent reputation it has earned, as a credible, stable, client focused jurisdiction."

In the Seychelles, Zetland is located in the top floor of the Capital City Building located in the heart of Victoria, the capital city of Mahe, the largest of the Seychelles Islands.


About Zetland Fiduciary Group:

The Zetland Fiduciary Group - http://www.zetland.biz - provides the offshore investor with fiduciary Services, investment management and corporate advisory services, offering personal service and professional advice with total confidentiality.

For more information please contact:

Jason Weatherhead
Zetland Fiduciary Group
Email: jason ( @ ) zetland dot biz

http://www.zetland.biz

Tags: Zetland fiduciary group, Zetland corporate services, Financial consultancy Hong Kong, Asset protection Hong Kong, Trustee Services Hong Kong

Top Fiduciary Firm Tags Hong Kong as One of Best Jurisdictions for Offshore Companies

Hong Kong has long been a popular region for offshore company incorporations. Basing operations there could help more companies than ever in this economic climate, according to Zetland Fiduciary Group. Hong Kong has big benefits for businesses looking to cut taxes and increase privacy with ease, according to offshore operations specialist Zetland Fiduciary Group.

According to the Heritage Foundation, Hong Kong has held the top position in the ranks of the world's freest economies for the past decade. It has several other important positives for companies looking to incorporate offshore, including:
1. A common law legal system that is transparent and advanced
2. State of the art infrastructure
3. Common use of English
4. A low tax burden for companies
5. Central location for Asian operations, and easy access to the world's largest economy, China.
These benefits have convinced over 800 international companies to make Hong Kong the base for their operations.

Jason Weatherhead of Zetland Fiduciary Group also notes several significant monetary advantages to Hong Kong company incorporation. "If the company operates within certain criteria, there is no profit tax liability, and any surplus funds that are generated while in Hong Kong are available for reinvestment - tax free. Surplus funds can also be remitted or loaned to other companies". "Capital gains tax is non-existent in Hong Kong, and interest on outside bank accounts is tax free", Mr.Weatherhead continued.

Other factors which work to make Hong Kong an ideal place for offshore company incorporations include:
1. All businesses operate without fear or favor, on a level playing field
2. Capital flow in and out is unrestricted
3. No foreign exchange controls or company ownership nationality restrictions
4. Time zone placement is ideal
5. A stable currency

Zetland feels that although rental and staff costs remain high in Hong Kong, profits derived from local activity should offset this factor.

About Zetland Fiduciary Group:

The Zetland Fiduciary Group - http://www.zetland.biz - provides the offshore investor with fiduciary Services, investment management and corporate advisory services, offering personal service and professional advice with total confidentiality.

For more information please contact:

Jason Weatherhead
Zetland Fiduciary Group
Email: jason ( @ ) zetland dot biz

http://www.zetland.biz

Tags: Zetland fiduciary group, Zetland corporate services, Financial consultancy Hong Kong, Asset protection Hong Kong, Trustee Services Hong Kong

Financial Consultancy Zetland: China Pledges New Focus on Latin America

As the world economic turmoil grows, China eyes strengthening ties to Latin America and Caribbean countries, according to a new report by Zetland Fiduciary Group.

China has vowed closer trade, energy and military ties to Latin America and Caribbean countries, Hong Kong-based financial consultancy Zetland reports.

In a policy paper released before a visit to Latin America by President Hu Jintao in November, China pledged to pursue a “comprehensive and cooperative” partnership with the region, Zetland says on its website.

Established in 1987 and headquartered in Hong Kong with offices around the world, Zetland Fiduciary Group is a business consultancy offering financial services and professional advice with total confidentiality.

From Hong Kong Zetland provides clients with the efficiencies and sophisticated infrastructure of one of the most dynamic international cities that is also an integral part of the rapidly growing economy of China.

According to the Zetland report, apart from China’s interest in the Latin America and Caribbean regions’ natural resources, Beijing has also mentioned its willingness to discuss debt-relief.

China’s trade with Latin America as a whole has jumped from $10 billion in 2000 to $102.6 billion in 2007.

Taking the long view at a time of financial crisis, China is investing heavily in commodity-producing countries. More than a dozen deals agreed to by Hu included purchases of Cuban nickel and sugar, along with pledges to send food and building materials to help the Caribbean nation recover from three major hurricanes.

Meanwhile, Peru and China wrapped up talks for a free trade agreement, Peruvian President Alan Garcia announced in November after meeting with Hu in Lima for the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The report on Zetland Fiduciary Group’s website is one of many offered each month. Zetland is privately owned and operates independently, while maintaining a worldwide network of banking and finance associates, professional advisers, correspondents and local agents.

About Zetland:

The Zetland Financial Group - www.zetland.biz - provides the offshore investor with fiduciary services, investment management and company formation services.

###

For more information:
Jason Weatherhead
Zetland
Email: jasonw@zetland.biz
Tel: +852 2525 7718

Tags: Asset Protection Hong Kong, Company Secretarial Services Hong Kong, China Financial Services, Nominee Shareholders Director