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

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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

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