An offshore financial service refers to a financial transaction that takes place in a country other than where an individual or business resides. These services offer various benefits, including tax benefits and privacy laws. Many countries have established legal and regulatory frameworks
to govern offshore financial services.
Read on to learn more about these frameworks.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Model Tax Convention
OECD models provide countries with guidelines for negotiating bilateral tax agreements to avoid double taxation. It is a widely-used framework that is vital for firms conducting cross-border transactions.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that develops and promotes global standards for measures to prevent financial crimes. The FATF conducts mutual evaluations of countries' compliance with these standards and publishes reports to help identify areas for improvement.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)
BEPS is an initiative led by the OECD to address concerns about multinational companies shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions to avoid paying taxes in higher-tax jurisdictions. BEPS has led to changes in tax laws and regulations in many countries and increased scrutiny of transfer pricing arrangements and other tax strategies.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The FCPA is a US law that prohibits US individuals and businesses from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. It also requires public companies to maintain accurate books and records and to have internal controls to prevent bribery.
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
IFRS are accounting standards developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) for use by companies worldwide. Many countries require companies to use IFRS for financial reporting, and adherence to these standards helps keep companies engaged in offshore financial services.
Exchange Control Regulations
Some countries have rules that set a limit on foreign currency transactions and require special permission for certain types of transactions. These regulations are in place to manage the flow of money and prevent issues like currency instability.
Corporate Governance Regulations
Corporate governance regulations promote company transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. Transparency is achieved by appointing a government official as the director of the company's management team. The director can then share details like employee salary and create plans to manage risks and be socially responsible.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulations
The SEC regulates the securities markets in the US and has jurisdiction over offshore offerings of securities by US companies. The SEC requires these offerings to comply with US securities laws, including registration and disclosure requirements.
The legal and regulatory frameworks for offshore financial services are complex and vary by country. Because of this, individuals and corporations need to stay up-to-date on changes to the laws and regulations to avoid any confusion later. If you’re looking for expert guidance on offshore financial services, look no further than First Anguilla Trust Company Limited. Our team of experts can give you tailored advice and solutions to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn about our services and how we can help you navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks of offshore financial services.