It is always reassuring to discover that these ramblings of mine are being read – at least by a couple of people. One of my regular correspondents told me that she had read last month’s article on residency and some of the key points to bear in mind when choosing one country over another. Since my article appeared, the result of a survey of British expats conducted by Lloyds TSB International has been published. It appears that 46% of those questioned cited missing the British countryside as their chief regret about moving abroad – although the same study quotes 68% as saying they are happier abroad.
As my friend is considering her own residency plans at the moment, she asked if I could expand on the topic this time. What she wanted to know was how she could be assured that life would be as she expected if and when she took the plunge and moved country. I misheard her and thought she had said “insured” and off I went on one of my tangential monologues. She stopped me just in time and reminded me she was looking for some overall comfort although she realised an important part was to sort out her various insurance policies.
The conversation got me thinking. Actually insurance of one type or another is one of the vital components in setting up home in a new country, be it here in Gibraltar or elsewhere. But so is that overall comfort level – the “assurance” expatriates seek that overall the right decision is being made. As this is the Gibraltar Magazine’s finance column I thought I should restrict myself to some of the more important financial choices to be made when moving abroad – wherever abroad may be – concentrating on insurance in general and a word on pensions.
There are several types of insurance that should be considered when looking at setting up home in a new country, of which private health cover is without doubt the most important. Now that winter is in full swing and people are coughing and sneezing all around me, health care is the first insurance issue I wanted to consider. This is an increasingly competitive area and several articles have been published recently in the local media on the subject.
But in a prosperous place such as Gibraltar, is private health insurance really needed? After all, we have a health authority that provides good general care based on the UK NHS model and a state of the art hospital at St. Bernard’s. In 2010, my partner needed a few days as an inpatient and we were impressed with both the level of care offered, professionalism of the staff and the facilities available. But as in the UK, publically funded health care has its limitations. For specialist care, waiting lists can be an issue, together with the need when necessary to obtain treatment elsewhere, maybe in nearby Spain or perhaps in the UK. For incoming expats, the position can be even more serious as it is often the case that their terms of employment only allow for emergency treatment. This leaves the individual at risk of not being able to access important, albeit non-emergency, treatment when it may be required.
There are a number of options available on the market that might cover an incoming new resident in their new country. However it is generally true that someone becoming an “expat” is likely to require health cover in other places too. One only need look at our own existence here in Gibraltar. It would be a most badly advised expat resident who did not consider being covered should they happen to cross the border into Spain – or perhaps when they go even further, maybe by driving home to the UK. The sheer common sense of having an international private medical insurance (IPMI) plan becomes self-evident.
The cover available is very wide and will of course need to be considered along with the relevant premium. Issues to consider are not just the overall insured amount but also whether out-patient and chronic conditions are covered together with evacuation and repatriation and so on. As I noted earlier, there has been a spate of articles on this subject locally and not without good reason. In one of them, my colleague Geoff Trew of Sovereign Insurance Services reported that local demand for such IPMI cover is growing. “Gibraltar is attracting increasing numbers of businesses from the UK and the rest of Europe. Their employees expect relocation packages and benefits that include giving them and their families the most comprehensive healthcare insurance protection available in the market,” he said.
But in seeking the same type of assurance you feel in your home country, your car and valuables must also be insured. This is not such a subjective area as health care where one gets to choose the level of cover required. One’s car is either insured or it is not, so price becomes a very important factor. Here in Gibraltar we are well used to the cross border issues – whether one is allowed to drive a “G” registered vehicle, or if one can come into Gibraltar with a Spanish hire car etc. Drive further afield to Portugal or perhaps even Morocco, and choosing the right international insurance becomes that much more important.
Home contents insurance is another area that needs to be considered carefully when moving abroad – particularly if another language is involved. It surprises me how lackadaisical people can be, especially in regard to holiday homes that might be left for weeks or months unattended. Of course there are no such language difficulties here in Gibraltar and home contents are insured in the same way as Britain. But there are some things to think about. Until I moved here nearly eight years ago, I had not come across the use of salt water for flushing. A great idea I thought – until my first leak. Water damage however it is caused creates problems but when the water is salty they escalate. “You’ll soon find out there’s nothing as bad or damaging as salt water” said my plumber cheerily as I looked at the mess and contemplated the bill. Some policies will cover you for damage caused by the water damage but not the costs involved in finding the trouble. Caveat emptor indeed. You might be very happy with the cover but it’s worth reading the small print at the outset so you know in advance what to expect should a claim arise.
Lastly and moving away from insurance but still rather ensuring the security of one’s financial future, the question of pension provision must be considered. Given the reduced value of the euro against the British pound in recent years, expats all over Europe have found their spending power significantly reduced through no fault of their own. In recent weeks, the pound has recovered somewhat but the days of GBP1/€1.60 are probably long gone (although don’t quote me). Moreover, not a day seems to go by without some new scare story about the latest pension scheme closing and so on. As always, the best thing to do is seek professional advice as soon as possible in order to exploit the options available to an expatriate. The English language press in Spain and Portugal are full of adverts and articles relating to QROPS, where someone leaving the UK may transfer their pension into an overseas version offering significant benefits. Less well known are QNUPS which relate to assets that have not received UK tax relief. Again this is another product that offers great potential but the area is complex so seek the right advice every time.
I concluded last months’ article with my normal suggestion that potential émigrés should always get the right advice and be careful etc. I went on to say that the rewards of an expat life can far outweigh the disadvantages – for people with the right mind set. My lady correspondent who started me off on this article is right to be concerned – she needs that assurance – but things won’t be the same as back home and I think that’s part of the attraction. Provided one is aware that areas such as insurance and pensions differ once you’ve gone through passport control, all will be fine. Assurance brings peace of mind and lets you get on with the important bit away from all that finance talk – simply enjoying the new life you have chosen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
2012 – Another New Year, and a review of the one just gone
As you read this column, another year has just turned the corner – and probably not one that many people will be sad to leave behind; so perhaps it’s a hearty goodbye to 2011 from most of us, and a warm hello to 2012.
Although 2011 was in all manner of ways a difficult year, it was also a momentous one. With general elections behind us in both Gibraltar and Spain, together with several new governments in other European countries, we are all going to have to get used to the new order. And that is not to mention the ongoing convolutions of the “Arab Spring” which rumbled inexorably into an Arab summer, autumn and winter as it moved from Tunisia and Egypt, through Libya, the Yemen and Syria. And not just in political terms; there will be economic consequences too.
And talking of economics, 2011 was certainly a year to remember – or, I guess, forget depending on your point of view. In several respects I believe history may record that it was the most challenging year from a financial perspective since the world went into economic crisis in 2008. And it would not be surprising if 2012 doesn’t continue along a similar track.
So what happened in 2011 that turned life on its head for so many countries? Simply put, the fact that there was too much unaffordable debt around started to dawn on the markets, the speculators and eventually the people. Several countries in Europe came close to defaulting; others, specifically Greece, avoided a formal default only through a clever form of words and the necessity for the rest of the Eurozone to start bailing out before the ship sunk.
The underlying incentive was that by helping out, the other European governments were acting to prevent the “contagion” spreading to other states, including their own. As it happened, the EU’s inability to move quickly enough meant that this contagion occurred anyway, so we ended the year with several countries at risk of a Greek-style crisis. At the same time various ratings’ agencies chose to reassess the economic prospects of a number of sovereign states with the result that the debt rating of several was downgraded.
Nor was this limited to Europe – even the national debt of the US, the largest economy of them all, was downgraded during the past year as their politicians indulged in a ruinous “Mexican stand-off”.
Across the world, but particularly in the Eurozone, banks continued to struggle. They were simultaneously expected to repair their balance sheets and pressured to increase their lending book. Time and again over the last year we have seen this same contradiction: state sponsored bailouts of banks across Europe whilst those same institutions were being “encouraged” to bolster economic recovery by lending to domestic customers. It is no wonder that little forward progress was achieved.
Economic growth rates in Europe are very low at best and in several cases, they ended the year in negative territory. For countries such as Greece, negative growth – or recession – appears to be an almost permanent feature of their economy. It is difficult to see how recovery is going to come any time soon to such countries.
Commodity prices have risen – and in the case of energy in particular, this has had a dramatic effect for domestic and business consumers as they have suffered enormous increases in costs. Taken with the resulting increases in food bills as well as fuel, many consumers struggle to understand how the official – and relatively low – inflation rate is calculated.
As investors will know only too well, 2011 saw many of the world’s major stock markets languish. Currency exchange rates have also been in the news during the year just past. For those of us here in Gibraltar who generally earn pounds but also spend euro over the border in Spain, we have seen the exchange rate locked in a tight range during most of the year. Despite all its problems, the euro has remained stubbornly strong against certain currencies, including sterling. Looking at the same issue from a global perspective, exchange rate “pairs” such as the US dollar/ Chinese yuan have become far more significant as the US struggles to work its way out of recession and China seeks to maintain high rates of growth.
It is also interesting to see the spectre of the Europeans approaching countries such as China and Brazil for assistance by buying Eurozone bonds. It’s an example of the new world, or at least a couple of the emerging BRIC economies, coming to the rescue of the old. Who would have thought it?
So what does 2012 hold? As regular readers will know, I am wary of making detailed predictions. You won’t be reading my guesstimates of the exchange rate or the price of gold in these columns. Still less will I get involved in politics and you certainly won’t catch me predicting a royal baby in the year ahead!
But as I write this at the end of 2011, there are some areas in the financial world in which I can predict developments in the year to come with some confidence.
First of all, what lies in store for us here in Gibraltar? For some time, I have been writing that although we are in no way immune to the financial crisis engulfing Europe, overall we have proved to be fairly resilient given the modest size of our economy. I don’t see any reason why this should change in the year to come although we may experience a greater impact from developments in Spain. A new Spanish government was elected last November and how Spain deals with its economic woes is going to be critically important.
In Europe as a whole, it’s clear that the national leaders will have to continue fire fighting across the continent. With some exceptions, most countries are in a similar position. Staggering levels of national debt combined with low or negative growth rates are likely to dominate the headlines in 2012 as they have in the year just past. As a result interest rates are likely to remain low for the foreseeable future although, should the spectre of inflation return, increasing rates cannot be ruled out.
In Gibraltar our other main concern is the state of the UK economy, for that is what determines important issues for us – interest rates and the crucial exchange rate with the euro, and indeed other currencies. In Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, the government will continue its efforts to reduce the burden of national debt whilst seeking to inject some much needed growth into the economy. It will be a difficult juggling act.
Once the winter months are behind us, the Diamond Jubilee should cheer everyone up across the Commonwealth. Later in the summer, the London Olympics should provide an enormous boost to the economy and hopefully to Britain’s standing around the world. Early reports are very favourable; the infrastructure appears to be ahead of schedule. We must all hope for a decent haul of medals and records too.
And speaking of records, your diligent scribe is due to hit a significant personal milestone in the coming year that no amount of denial can do anything to alleviate. One wonders where the last 50 years have gone!
So as we all recover from the excesses of Christmas and New Year, welcome back to Gibraltar in January. Let’s all hope that the winter – and indeed the economic freeze – will be short and sweet. From the viewpoint of the financial world it must be goodbye, and good riddance to 2011. Hello and welcome to 2012; please be kinder to us all.
Whatever 2012 brings, I hope sincerely that it proves to be a good one for you. On behalf of all my colleagues at Sovereign Trust here in Gibraltar, I wish you and your families a very happy and indeed prosperous New Year.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
До свидания, оффшор! До свидания?
Земельный департамент Дубая недавно объявил о том, что в настоящий момент (по состоянию на 1 января 2011 года), упразднена регистрация недвижимости в Дубае на имя оффшорных компаний или компаний, не зарегистрированных на территории ОА Э. Единственным исключением являются оффшорные компании, зарегистрированные в СЭЗ «Джебель Али» (Jebel Ali Offshore Company). Уточним, что данное правило не распространяется на индивидуальных владельцев недвижимости, а касается только иностранных оффшорных компаний, зарегистрированных вне территории ОА Э.
Приведенные далее ответы на часто задаваемые вопро-сы помогут разобраться иностранным покупателям и инвесторам в недвижи-мость в ближневосточном регионе в послед-ствиях внедрения Земельным департа-ментом этих новых правил, а также в том, как данные изменения влияют на последую-щую процедуру регистрации собственности на имя оффшорных компаний.
Для чего человеку использовать оффшорную компанию при покупке недвижимости в Дубае?
Существует ряд причин, объясняющих растущую популярность использования оффшорных компаний при регистрации недвижимости. Наиболее очевидная –желание избежать непривычного местного законодательства при наступлении ситу-ации наследования. Компания никогда не умирает. Если ваша собственность заре-гистрирована на бюджетную оффшорную компанию, вы (а также члены вашей семьи или партнеры) могут владеть акциями ком-пании в соответствии с долевым участием или исходя из предпочтений. Таким образом, вместо вашего имени (физического лица) на официальном документе о владении собственностью (Title Deed), будет указано название компании (юридическое лицо). Это самый простой способ для совместных инвестиций, который в то же время добав-ляет дополнительной конфиденциальности при владении недвижимостью.
Получается, на сегодняшний день, единственной оффшорной компанией, на которую я имею возможность заре-гистрировать недвижимость, является оффшорная компания «Джебель Али»?
Совершенно верно. Однако это касается только Дубая. Например, вы можете приоб-рести недвижимость в Абу-Даби, зарегистри-ровав её на имя компании в оффшорной зоне БВО (Британские Виргинские острова). Согласно решению Земельного департамента Дубая от 1 января 2011 года, недвижимость, приобретенная на территории Дубая, может быть зарегистрирована на имя оффшорной компании в «Джебель Али».
Может ли иностранная компания владеть оффшорной компанией «Джебель Али»?
Да. Вы можете, например, использо-вать компанию на БВО, или траст для вла- дения акциями вашей компании в СЭЗ «Джебель Али». Однако вам необходимо будет предоставить требуемый минимум информации на владельца компании и недвижимости, включая сертификаты акций и копий паспортов.
Как проходит процедура регистрации, если недвижимость еще не сдана в эксплу-атацию? Если договор купли-продажи был подписан до января 2011 года от моего лица, могу ли я перерегистрировать право собственности на имя компании?
Земельный департамент Дубая имеет два реестра: первый – временной реги-страции собственности, и главный –реестр учета недвижимости, уже сданной в эксплуатацию. В момент регистрации в главном реестре (что происходит после сдачи недвижимости в эксплуатацию), можно будет изменить имя собственника с физического лица на оффшорную компа-нию в «Джебель Али», предоставив соот-ветствующее подтверждение о не смене владельца, т. е. свидетельство, подтвержда-ющее факт, что бенефициаром компании выступает владелец недвижимости.
Должен ли я буду оплачивать допол-нительный взнос за перерегистрацию собственности, если в настоящее время договор купли-продажи оформлен не на имя оффшорной компании в «Джебель Али»?
Для совершения процедуры пере-регистрации прав собственности на имя компании, застройщик должен выдать «Сертификат об отсутствии возражений» (NOC) на перевод недвижимости на имя оффшорной компании в «Джебель Али». Как отмечалось ранее, застройщику необходимо предоставить доказатель-ство того, что лицо, указанное в дого-воре купли-продажи, является факти-ческим владельцем новой компании.Стоимость сертификата обычно не пре-вышает 3500 дирхамов ОАЭ.
Если сертификаты об отсутствии воз-ражений предоставлены застройщиком и СЭЗ «Джебель Али», процедура пере-регистрации проводится без взимания дополнительной оплаты, опять же по предоставлению доказательства того, что лицо, указанное в договоре купли-продажи, является фактическим владель-цем новой компании.
Что делать, если моя недвижимость уже зарегистрирована на имя оффшорной компании на БВО?
Изменения в регистрации недвижимо-сти относятся только к случаям, имевшим место до 1 января 2011 года, и не затраги-вает существующие структуры владения собственностью.
Позволяют ли оффшорные компании в «Джебель Али» владеть недвижимостью по всей территории Дубая?
В соответствии с циркуляром СЭЗ «Джебель Али» от 2006 года, оффшорные компании в «Джебель Али» могут владеть недвижимостью в любом проекте Дубая, при-надлежащем таким застройщикам, как Dubai World, Dubai Holdings и Emaar Properties.
В принципе, хотя и не существует никаких ограничений на регистрацию недвижимости на имя оффшорной ком-пании в «Джебель Али», владельцу ком-пании необходимо получить «Сертификат об отсутствии возражений» от СЭЗ «Джебель Али», для того, чтобы зарегистри-ровать собственность в Земельном депар-таменте Дубая. По состоянию на сегодняш-ний день мы не сталкивались с отказом в выдаче «Сертификата об отсутствии возражений» на недвижимость вне пере-численных выше проектов.
Как проходит регистрация офф-шорных компаний в СЭЗ «Джебель Али»? Сколько это будет стоить инвестору?
Процедура регистрации довольно про-ста, требования по предоставлению доку-ментации на владельца компании стандар-тна. Когда сооветствующие документы пре-доставлены, регистрация занимает около 4-5 рабочих дней. От акционеров компании требуется единовременное посещение СЭЗ «Джебель Али» для подписания учреди-тельных документов (или предоставление доверенности на третье лицо). Стоимость регистрации компании составляет US$ 4500, ежегодное продление лицензии – US$ 2050.
Компания Sovereign Corporate Services является одним из первых агентов, зареги-стрированных в СЭЗ «Джебель Али». Услуги по регистрации и сопровождению компаний осуществляется квалифицированным персо-налом в составе 25 человек.
Расскажите, как проходит процудура продажи недвижимости, которая зарегистрирована на имя компании (юридическое лицо)?
У вас есть два варианта: вы можете либо продать имущество компании, просто под-писав соответствующие документы от имени её директора, или продать акции компании (предполагается, что компания владеет только одним активом – недвижимостью).
Земельный департамент Дубая должен быть уведомлен о внесении изменений в структуру компании, для этого в него необходимо предоставить копии соответствующих заверенных доку-ментов. Мы будем рады помочь со сбором и предоставлением документов.
На все последующие вопросы специалисты компании Sovereign Corporate Services с удовольствием вам ответят. Пожалуйста, обращайтесь:
Анастасия Белова, менеджер по развитию бизнеса
abialova@sovereigngroup.com
+971 4 448 6010
+971 50 785 9180
Приведенные далее ответы на часто задаваемые вопро-сы помогут разобраться иностранным покупателям и инвесторам в недвижи-мость в ближневосточном регионе в послед-ствиях внедрения Земельным департа-ментом этих новых правил, а также в том, как данные изменения влияют на последую-щую процедуру регистрации собственности на имя оффшорных компаний.
Для чего человеку использовать оффшорную компанию при покупке недвижимости в Дубае?
Существует ряд причин, объясняющих растущую популярность использования оффшорных компаний при регистрации недвижимости. Наиболее очевидная –желание избежать непривычного местного законодательства при наступлении ситу-ации наследования. Компания никогда не умирает. Если ваша собственность заре-гистрирована на бюджетную оффшорную компанию, вы (а также члены вашей семьи или партнеры) могут владеть акциями ком-пании в соответствии с долевым участием или исходя из предпочтений. Таким образом, вместо вашего имени (физического лица) на официальном документе о владении собственностью (Title Deed), будет указано название компании (юридическое лицо). Это самый простой способ для совместных инвестиций, который в то же время добав-ляет дополнительной конфиденциальности при владении недвижимостью.
Получается, на сегодняшний день, единственной оффшорной компанией, на которую я имею возможность заре-гистрировать недвижимость, является оффшорная компания «Джебель Али»?
Совершенно верно. Однако это касается только Дубая. Например, вы можете приоб-рести недвижимость в Абу-Даби, зарегистри-ровав её на имя компании в оффшорной зоне БВО (Британские Виргинские острова). Согласно решению Земельного департамента Дубая от 1 января 2011 года, недвижимость, приобретенная на территории Дубая, может быть зарегистрирована на имя оффшорной компании в «Джебель Али».
Может ли иностранная компания владеть оффшорной компанией «Джебель Али»?
Да. Вы можете, например, использо-вать компанию на БВО, или траст для вла- дения акциями вашей компании в СЭЗ «Джебель Али». Однако вам необходимо будет предоставить требуемый минимум информации на владельца компании и недвижимости, включая сертификаты акций и копий паспортов.
Как проходит процедура регистрации, если недвижимость еще не сдана в эксплу-атацию? Если договор купли-продажи был подписан до января 2011 года от моего лица, могу ли я перерегистрировать право собственности на имя компании?
Земельный департамент Дубая имеет два реестра: первый – временной реги-страции собственности, и главный –реестр учета недвижимости, уже сданной в эксплуатацию. В момент регистрации в главном реестре (что происходит после сдачи недвижимости в эксплуатацию), можно будет изменить имя собственника с физического лица на оффшорную компа-нию в «Джебель Али», предоставив соот-ветствующее подтверждение о не смене владельца, т. е. свидетельство, подтвержда-ющее факт, что бенефициаром компании выступает владелец недвижимости.
Должен ли я буду оплачивать допол-нительный взнос за перерегистрацию собственности, если в настоящее время договор купли-продажи оформлен не на имя оффшорной компании в «Джебель Али»?
Для совершения процедуры пере-регистрации прав собственности на имя компании, застройщик должен выдать «Сертификат об отсутствии возражений» (NOC) на перевод недвижимости на имя оффшорной компании в «Джебель Али». Как отмечалось ранее, застройщику необходимо предоставить доказатель-ство того, что лицо, указанное в дого-воре купли-продажи, является факти-ческим владельцем новой компании.Стоимость сертификата обычно не пре-вышает 3500 дирхамов ОАЭ.
Если сертификаты об отсутствии воз-ражений предоставлены застройщиком и СЭЗ «Джебель Али», процедура пере-регистрации проводится без взимания дополнительной оплаты, опять же по предоставлению доказательства того, что лицо, указанное в договоре купли-продажи, является фактическим владель-цем новой компании.
Что делать, если моя недвижимость уже зарегистрирована на имя оффшорной компании на БВО?
Изменения в регистрации недвижимо-сти относятся только к случаям, имевшим место до 1 января 2011 года, и не затраги-вает существующие структуры владения собственностью.
Позволяют ли оффшорные компании в «Джебель Али» владеть недвижимостью по всей территории Дубая?
В соответствии с циркуляром СЭЗ «Джебель Али» от 2006 года, оффшорные компании в «Джебель Али» могут владеть недвижимостью в любом проекте Дубая, при-надлежащем таким застройщикам, как Dubai World, Dubai Holdings и Emaar Properties.
В принципе, хотя и не существует никаких ограничений на регистрацию недвижимости на имя оффшорной ком-пании в «Джебель Али», владельцу ком-пании необходимо получить «Сертификат об отсутствии возражений» от СЭЗ «Джебель Али», для того, чтобы зарегистри-ровать собственность в Земельном депар-таменте Дубая. По состоянию на сегодняш-ний день мы не сталкивались с отказом в выдаче «Сертификата об отсутствии возражений» на недвижимость вне пере-численных выше проектов.
Как проходит регистрация офф-шорных компаний в СЭЗ «Джебель Али»? Сколько это будет стоить инвестору?
Процедура регистрации довольно про-ста, требования по предоставлению доку-ментации на владельца компании стандар-тна. Когда сооветствующие документы пре-доставлены, регистрация занимает около 4-5 рабочих дней. От акционеров компании требуется единовременное посещение СЭЗ «Джебель Али» для подписания учреди-тельных документов (или предоставление доверенности на третье лицо). Стоимость регистрации компании составляет US$ 4500, ежегодное продление лицензии – US$ 2050.
Компания Sovereign Corporate Services является одним из первых агентов, зареги-стрированных в СЭЗ «Джебель Али». Услуги по регистрации и сопровождению компаний осуществляется квалифицированным персо-налом в составе 25 человек.
Расскажите, как проходит процудура продажи недвижимости, которая зарегистрирована на имя компании (юридическое лицо)?
У вас есть два варианта: вы можете либо продать имущество компании, просто под-писав соответствующие документы от имени её директора, или продать акции компании (предполагается, что компания владеет только одним активом – недвижимостью).
Земельный департамент Дубая должен быть уведомлен о внесении изменений в структуру компании, для этого в него необходимо предоставить копии соответствующих заверенных доку-ментов. Мы будем рады помочь со сбором и предоставлением документов.
На все последующие вопросы специалисты компании Sovereign Corporate Services с удовольствием вам ответят. Пожалуйста, обращайтесь:
Анастасия Белова, менеджер по развитию бизнеса
abialova@sovereigngroup.com
+971 4 448 6010
+971 50 785 9180
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sovereign supports rising team
NEWS RELEASE
Sovereign supports rising team
IT’S all change for basketball team Manzur this season with a new sponsor, a new name and a combined force of players going into division two of the Yorkshire Guernsey league.
Last year the side had an A team and a B team playing for divisions two and three but a strategic decision to combine top players meant the side sits neatly in division two.
Changes to league means the side will also have the opportunity to play against division one teams in a combined division knockout tournament so the team will be exposed to a highly competitive level of basketball.
This coincides with a new sponsorship deal with Sovereign Trust, which has agreed to support the side.
Now named Sovereign Trust, the basketball team includes two Most Valuable Players (MVPs) from last season. Coach Matthew Sarl was voted as the best player in division two and in division three it was Liam Doherty, who also finished highest on the scoreboard.
Mr Doherty, trainee compliance officer at Sovereign Trust, said it was a huge opportunity to pit themselves against more experienced players.
‘A lot of the players in division one frequently travel off island to play national games so the standard is just much higher. Getting to compete at that level is really exciting for us and will no doubt improve our basketball. I have high hopes. I’m obviously biased but by pooling our talent I think we could do really well this season,’ he added.
Managing director of Sovereign Trust, Rob Shipman, said: ‘Liam approached me earlier this year about getting involved with the team. We’re always keen to support staff and the community in general so were happy to assist. I look forward to seeing how they progress in this division and wish them good luck,’ he added.
Sovereign supports rising team
IT’S all change for basketball team Manzur this season with a new sponsor, a new name and a combined force of players going into division two of the Yorkshire Guernsey league.
Last year the side had an A team and a B team playing for divisions two and three but a strategic decision to combine top players meant the side sits neatly in division two.
Changes to league means the side will also have the opportunity to play against division one teams in a combined division knockout tournament so the team will be exposed to a highly competitive level of basketball.
This coincides with a new sponsorship deal with Sovereign Trust, which has agreed to support the side.
Now named Sovereign Trust, the basketball team includes two Most Valuable Players (MVPs) from last season. Coach Matthew Sarl was voted as the best player in division two and in division three it was Liam Doherty, who also finished highest on the scoreboard.
Mr Doherty, trainee compliance officer at Sovereign Trust, said it was a huge opportunity to pit themselves against more experienced players.
‘A lot of the players in division one frequently travel off island to play national games so the standard is just much higher. Getting to compete at that level is really exciting for us and will no doubt improve our basketball. I have high hopes. I’m obviously biased but by pooling our talent I think we could do really well this season,’ he added.
Managing director of Sovereign Trust, Rob Shipman, said: ‘Liam approached me earlier this year about getting involved with the team. We’re always keen to support staff and the community in general so were happy to assist. I look forward to seeing how they progress in this division and wish them good luck,’ he added.
Exclusive IFAS Programme introduced by Sovereign Trust
Exclusive IFAS Programme introduced by Sovereign Trust
For the exclusive use of IFAs Sovereign Trust (Channel Islands) Limited “Sovereign Trust” has introduced the International Financial Adviser Support or ‘IFAS’ Programme, a unique technical support programme to provide a one-stop shop for information on international pensions.
The technical expertise is provided by Isle of Man based PenTech Limited, specialist Pension Technicians, which has signed an exclusive deal with Sovereign Trust. Sovereign Trust, which already enjoys a sizeable share of the international pensions market, both QROPS and QNUPS, is part of an international group that provides financial services but is independent of any bank, law firm or IFA group.
The PenTech designed IFAS Programme is a unique web-based service that provides IFAs with access to live data and fast responses to queries about existing UK or international pensions schemes for the benefit of their clients. To access the service IFAs simply need to register and create their own profile.
Once approved, IFAs are able to log on to a secure, confidential service portal through which they can ask questions and track and review all of their cases. Each request is handled by experienced and qualified Technicians and all correspondence is recorded and can be revisited at any time. The comprehensive and unique service also includes provision of basic critical yield reports and, if required, the production of an all-important independent Pension Transfer Report (‘TVAS’).
Sovereign Trust’s managing director Rob Shipman said: ‘UK and international pensions are increasingly complex due to ever changing legislation. The Sovereign sponsored ‘IFAS Programme’ is a fantastic resource for IFAs wanting to give the best advice to their clients.’
Director of PenTech Peter Davis added: ‘The service has been far more successful than we could have ever anticipated. We are continually updating it as our clients’ needs evolve. It is completely live and offers total technical support for IFAs.’
Contact Sovereign Trust for more details of how to access this unique facility.
ENDS
Enquiries to: Rob Shipman
ci@SovereignGroup.com
Sovereign Trust (Channel Islands) Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1481 729965
www.SovereignGroup.com
For the exclusive use of IFAs Sovereign Trust (Channel Islands) Limited “Sovereign Trust” has introduced the International Financial Adviser Support or ‘IFAS’ Programme, a unique technical support programme to provide a one-stop shop for information on international pensions.
The technical expertise is provided by Isle of Man based PenTech Limited, specialist Pension Technicians, which has signed an exclusive deal with Sovereign Trust. Sovereign Trust, which already enjoys a sizeable share of the international pensions market, both QROPS and QNUPS, is part of an international group that provides financial services but is independent of any bank, law firm or IFA group.
The PenTech designed IFAS Programme is a unique web-based service that provides IFAs with access to live data and fast responses to queries about existing UK or international pensions schemes for the benefit of their clients. To access the service IFAs simply need to register and create their own profile.
Once approved, IFAs are able to log on to a secure, confidential service portal through which they can ask questions and track and review all of their cases. Each request is handled by experienced and qualified Technicians and all correspondence is recorded and can be revisited at any time. The comprehensive and unique service also includes provision of basic critical yield reports and, if required, the production of an all-important independent Pension Transfer Report (‘TVAS’).
Sovereign Trust’s managing director Rob Shipman said: ‘UK and international pensions are increasingly complex due to ever changing legislation. The Sovereign sponsored ‘IFAS Programme’ is a fantastic resource for IFAs wanting to give the best advice to their clients.’
Director of PenTech Peter Davis added: ‘The service has been far more successful than we could have ever anticipated. We are continually updating it as our clients’ needs evolve. It is completely live and offers total technical support for IFAs.’
Contact Sovereign Trust for more details of how to access this unique facility.
ENDS
Enquiries to: Rob Shipman
ci@SovereignGroup.com
Sovereign Trust (Channel Islands) Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1481 729965
www.SovereignGroup.com
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Santa in Gibraltar for Christmas
Santa in Gibraltar for Christmas
Santa Claus shivered as he emerged into the weak winter sunshine at Gibraltar’s southernmost tip. When he booked a Mediterranean Christmas break, he remembered reading about the re-development of Europa Point. Surely Gorham’s Cave had been given a makeover too? After all, wasn’t Gibraltar Woman found there – the one that would have been more famous than Neanderthal Man (for she was older) had it not been for clever marketing by those pesky Prussians or whatever they were.
But no, sad to report, Gorham’s Cave seemed to be as cold and inhospitable as it was during his first visit in 2009. He was past caring whether Gibraltar Woman was the oldest European human ever discovered – he thought there just might be another one stuck down there judging by that curious stench.
So what was this much loved Christmas figure up to by visiting Gibraltar in December? It was all due to his age. He blamed H.M. The Queen – 85-years-old and she’d just done a tour down under. And in 2012, not just the Olympics but her Diamond Jubilee too. “Face it,” he said to himself, “she might be much loved and all that, but she’s made us older chaps feel really guilty about retiring.”
Then there was Rudolph to consider. He wasn’t getting any younger and the cold was getting to his antlers. So Santa decided that this year, he would outsource all his seasonal duties to some out of work investment bankers – who’d set up a grotto in his name in the City. Santa decided wisely to pack it all in and spend “the holidays”, as Christmas now seems to be called, here in Gibraltar.
But after hundreds of years, what’s a chap to do at Christmas if not dispense good cheer and bonhomie? He was bored, but remembered his old friends The Rock Family. He reminded himself all about “The Rocks” by looking up the December 2009 edition at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com. He went off in search of them.
It had all changed quite a bit, what with King’s Wharf and the other new developments on the west side. And what about the new buses? They might be free but he wasn’t allowed on. Anyway Rudolph gets a bit upset as he has the monopoly on Santa transport but the sleigh is a difficult vehicle to manage in the Upper Town. They settled on a pair of the new Gibibikes and out stepped our hero to see what the Rock family wanted for Christmas.
“Ho-ho-ho” went the doorbell that had been adjusted for the season. The festive lights flickered as the neighbours’ own lights went out altogether. Santa had read about all the new buildings putting a demand on the electricity but all he’d done was ring the bell, honest.
After what seemed an age, Mrs. Rock duly appeared at the door, albeit after some none too discreet curtain twitching. She didn’t seem over keen to greet the visitor but smiled at him weakly. “If you’re coming in, wipe your reindeer’s paws, vale?”
Santa breezed in as Rudolph trailed rather mournfully behind. The whole family was at home – Mr. Rock Senior (miserable as sin, as always), Number One son, daughter-in-law and baby, and the 20-year-old rascal that passed for Number Two son. Santa smiled – for that is what Santa does – and told them he wanted to gift them finance-related presents for Christmas.
Old man Rock just wanted some crisp £20 notes – “and not any of those that were taken out of circulation in the summer if it’s all the same to you”. He explained that he’d been given one in his change in the bar the day before and was lost as to what to do with it. The problem was that his bank account was empty and they wouldn’t give him an overdraft. That’s because his credit card was full – or “maxed out” as his second son called it. He was going to be in for a very austere time if Santa didn’t come to the rescue with some readies.
Mrs Rock had other things on her mind. She didn’t want pounds because she was going to Spain to get her Christmas shopping. Loyal shopper in Gibraltar she wasn’t. Could Santa please do something about the exchange rate? “So I can get more euros for my pounds,” she said. Santa looked at Rudolph who rolled his droopy eyes under his antlers. “How many more times Mrs. Rock?” pleaded Santa. “The plural of euro is still euro, not euros.” She really didn’t care – it was all Greek to her! She was sure there was a joke in there somewhere, if only she could understand it.
She tried another tack. “Alright then, what about a higher interest rate for my savings?” Santa explained that this was another thing altogether but that because of the economic situation, she was unlikely to see the rate rising any time soon. “It’s all to do with no money being around you see?” She told him she didn’t see at all and disappeared into the kitchen.
Santa turned to the next generation. “And what would you like by way of a financial present this Christmas?” he asked Number One son and his wife. They pondered for a second – and the baby pouted. They do a lot of pondering these days now that all their money goes towards the little one’s upkeep. They explained that what they really wanted was low interest rates so their mortgage payments would remain affordable. Exactly the opposite present to the one demanded by Mother Rock who wanted higher rates for her savings.
Santa explained that the “base rate” was likely to stay at very low levels for quite a while longer. The banks are free to set whatever rate their clients would accept – if they were prepared to lend in the first place. Then there was the “arrangement” fee that can add a fair amount on to the real effective interest rate.
So rates for savings were low and rates for mortgages can work out to be comparatively high, if you can get the loan in the first place. Not really what the young family wanted to hear. Santa felt his despair coming on again. The same feeling he got last year when he spent Christmas spending money with the Greek Prime Minister – but that was quite another story.
Then Number Two son piped up. “OK then clever Santa,” he sneered, “what’s all this about quantitative easing, then?” Santa was startled. It turned out that the lad was studying economics. “Crikey,” thought Santa. “A know-all; just what this family needs”.
He thought about his answer for a moment, wondering whether he should even start attempting to explain that it was when governments issue new debt by paying for it themselves thereby increasing the amount of money in circulation, when old Mrs Rock returned and chimed in. “Quantitative easing? Isn’t that what cousin Cloti had last year, dear? You remember; when she was suffering from her trouble. She got some ointment and that sorted it though.”
Rudolph raised his eyes again, pointed at his watch and brayed, “Come on Santa, we’ve got to go”. Santa looked round at the family and had to agree. They all want something different but they can’t all be satisfied because if one person is happy that can only mean that the others are not – economics just doesn’t allow it.
Santa decided to send them all an M&S voucher – they’re very nice they are – and he went back to the Cave with Rudolph for the rest of the holidays. Actually it wasn’t too bad there, after all. As he settled down to his Christmas dinner whilst Rudolph went to play with the apes on the Upper Rock, Santa reflected on the year just past. As he took out the new jumbo Su-Doku book that his favourite reindeer had bought him for Christmas, he grinned as he contemplated a few days away from worrying about the economy. If it’s all going to pot, he thought to himself, this here Gibraltar is just about the best place until it’s all sorted.
He looked at his Christmas cards and picked up the one from that odd bloke at Sovereign Trust who keeps writing about things. What did it say again? Ah yes.
A very Merry Christmas from all the staff at Sovereign Trust, Gibraltar – and a Prosperous and Happy New Year 2012.
He felt jolly once again.
Santa Claus shivered as he emerged into the weak winter sunshine at Gibraltar’s southernmost tip. When he booked a Mediterranean Christmas break, he remembered reading about the re-development of Europa Point. Surely Gorham’s Cave had been given a makeover too? After all, wasn’t Gibraltar Woman found there – the one that would have been more famous than Neanderthal Man (for she was older) had it not been for clever marketing by those pesky Prussians or whatever they were.
But no, sad to report, Gorham’s Cave seemed to be as cold and inhospitable as it was during his first visit in 2009. He was past caring whether Gibraltar Woman was the oldest European human ever discovered – he thought there just might be another one stuck down there judging by that curious stench.
So what was this much loved Christmas figure up to by visiting Gibraltar in December? It was all due to his age. He blamed H.M. The Queen – 85-years-old and she’d just done a tour down under. And in 2012, not just the Olympics but her Diamond Jubilee too. “Face it,” he said to himself, “she might be much loved and all that, but she’s made us older chaps feel really guilty about retiring.”
Then there was Rudolph to consider. He wasn’t getting any younger and the cold was getting to his antlers. So Santa decided that this year, he would outsource all his seasonal duties to some out of work investment bankers – who’d set up a grotto in his name in the City. Santa decided wisely to pack it all in and spend “the holidays”, as Christmas now seems to be called, here in Gibraltar.
But after hundreds of years, what’s a chap to do at Christmas if not dispense good cheer and bonhomie? He was bored, but remembered his old friends The Rock Family. He reminded himself all about “The Rocks” by looking up the December 2009 edition at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com. He went off in search of them.
It had all changed quite a bit, what with King’s Wharf and the other new developments on the west side. And what about the new buses? They might be free but he wasn’t allowed on. Anyway Rudolph gets a bit upset as he has the monopoly on Santa transport but the sleigh is a difficult vehicle to manage in the Upper Town. They settled on a pair of the new Gibibikes and out stepped our hero to see what the Rock family wanted for Christmas.
“Ho-ho-ho” went the doorbell that had been adjusted for the season. The festive lights flickered as the neighbours’ own lights went out altogether. Santa had read about all the new buildings putting a demand on the electricity but all he’d done was ring the bell, honest.
After what seemed an age, Mrs. Rock duly appeared at the door, albeit after some none too discreet curtain twitching. She didn’t seem over keen to greet the visitor but smiled at him weakly. “If you’re coming in, wipe your reindeer’s paws, vale?”
Santa breezed in as Rudolph trailed rather mournfully behind. The whole family was at home – Mr. Rock Senior (miserable as sin, as always), Number One son, daughter-in-law and baby, and the 20-year-old rascal that passed for Number Two son. Santa smiled – for that is what Santa does – and told them he wanted to gift them finance-related presents for Christmas.
Old man Rock just wanted some crisp £20 notes – “and not any of those that were taken out of circulation in the summer if it’s all the same to you”. He explained that he’d been given one in his change in the bar the day before and was lost as to what to do with it. The problem was that his bank account was empty and they wouldn’t give him an overdraft. That’s because his credit card was full – or “maxed out” as his second son called it. He was going to be in for a very austere time if Santa didn’t come to the rescue with some readies.
Mrs Rock had other things on her mind. She didn’t want pounds because she was going to Spain to get her Christmas shopping. Loyal shopper in Gibraltar she wasn’t. Could Santa please do something about the exchange rate? “So I can get more euros for my pounds,” she said. Santa looked at Rudolph who rolled his droopy eyes under his antlers. “How many more times Mrs. Rock?” pleaded Santa. “The plural of euro is still euro, not euros.” She really didn’t care – it was all Greek to her! She was sure there was a joke in there somewhere, if only she could understand it.
She tried another tack. “Alright then, what about a higher interest rate for my savings?” Santa explained that this was another thing altogether but that because of the economic situation, she was unlikely to see the rate rising any time soon. “It’s all to do with no money being around you see?” She told him she didn’t see at all and disappeared into the kitchen.
Santa turned to the next generation. “And what would you like by way of a financial present this Christmas?” he asked Number One son and his wife. They pondered for a second – and the baby pouted. They do a lot of pondering these days now that all their money goes towards the little one’s upkeep. They explained that what they really wanted was low interest rates so their mortgage payments would remain affordable. Exactly the opposite present to the one demanded by Mother Rock who wanted higher rates for her savings.
Santa explained that the “base rate” was likely to stay at very low levels for quite a while longer. The banks are free to set whatever rate their clients would accept – if they were prepared to lend in the first place. Then there was the “arrangement” fee that can add a fair amount on to the real effective interest rate.
So rates for savings were low and rates for mortgages can work out to be comparatively high, if you can get the loan in the first place. Not really what the young family wanted to hear. Santa felt his despair coming on again. The same feeling he got last year when he spent Christmas spending money with the Greek Prime Minister – but that was quite another story.
Then Number Two son piped up. “OK then clever Santa,” he sneered, “what’s all this about quantitative easing, then?” Santa was startled. It turned out that the lad was studying economics. “Crikey,” thought Santa. “A know-all; just what this family needs”.
He thought about his answer for a moment, wondering whether he should even start attempting to explain that it was when governments issue new debt by paying for it themselves thereby increasing the amount of money in circulation, when old Mrs Rock returned and chimed in. “Quantitative easing? Isn’t that what cousin Cloti had last year, dear? You remember; when she was suffering from her trouble. She got some ointment and that sorted it though.”
Rudolph raised his eyes again, pointed at his watch and brayed, “Come on Santa, we’ve got to go”. Santa looked round at the family and had to agree. They all want something different but they can’t all be satisfied because if one person is happy that can only mean that the others are not – economics just doesn’t allow it.
Santa decided to send them all an M&S voucher – they’re very nice they are – and he went back to the Cave with Rudolph for the rest of the holidays. Actually it wasn’t too bad there, after all. As he settled down to his Christmas dinner whilst Rudolph went to play with the apes on the Upper Rock, Santa reflected on the year just past. As he took out the new jumbo Su-Doku book that his favourite reindeer had bought him for Christmas, he grinned as he contemplated a few days away from worrying about the economy. If it’s all going to pot, he thought to himself, this here Gibraltar is just about the best place until it’s all sorted.
He looked at his Christmas cards and picked up the one from that odd bloke at Sovereign Trust who keeps writing about things. What did it say again? Ah yes.
A very Merry Christmas from all the staff at Sovereign Trust, Gibraltar – and a Prosperous and Happy New Year 2012.
He felt jolly once again.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Comparing Gibraltar is one thing – but can it compete?
In recent columns, I have written about the reasons one might consider Gibraltar as a good place to invest, work and live. I have covered issues such as the legal framework in the jurisdiction itself, regulation and, perhaps most importantly, the new corporate tax legislation that came into force in January of this year.
Then what happened? After the last column a lady reader stopped me in the street to say: “That’s all very well, but do you really have such rose-tinted spectacles?” She went on to ask if I was so enamoured of Gibraltar that I could simply ignore the competing jurisdictions. The conversation made me think.
As you can see from my mug shot overleaf, I obviously do wear “specs” – and have done since the age of five. But honestly, they’re not rose tinted. Of course everything isn’t perfect in Gibraltar but then who can show me a jurisdiction where such a utopia exists? Life would be pretty boring wouldn’t it?
So in answer to my lady critic, I thought I might take a quick look at one or two “competing” jurisdictions to see how Gibraltar measures up. What follows is necessarily a general view of just a couple of places that I genuinely consider to be our “competitors”. As always these are just my own personal thoughts so don’t shoot the messenger. If you disagree with anything that follows, do get in touch and let me know.
I decided to limit myself to considering the most obvious places against which Gibraltar is most often compared. Bring on my first problem. Being involved in the corporate services and trust business, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man were my first choices.
Other finance professionals in Gibraltar will differ; those more closely involved with the funds or insurance industries might consider Luxembourg or Switzerland. The Chief Minister is likely to say London. And to an extent we’re all right. What I wanted to consider though were the places that are already close to each other in other ways – legal system, language, etc. In that way I felt we could make a more accurate “comparison”. After all, how does one match tiny Gibraltar with a country such as Switzerland with a population of several million?
So for this article I decided to consider only the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. After all, I can always look at other places in Europe or further afield in future columns.
First though, a word about my personal position in all this. As my surname suggests, I am not from around these parts. I am instead a proud Jerseyman although I left the island over 25 years ago. I rolled up on Gibraltar’s shores when I took up my appointment with Sovereign in November 2004 so am still considered by some, no doubt, as very much a new boy.
Having said all that, my first visit here was almost 30 years ago and during my time as a banker I was here very frequently. So I’ve seen a few changes. I am settled here and celebrated National Day last month with everyone else so, of course, I am a keen fan of what one might call “Gibraltar plc” and everything the territory and its people stand for.
When considering the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, how do we compare and can we compete? Is it realistic for us in the finance industry to make such bold claims? Naturally I think we can and now I’ll try to answer why that is.
Firstly of course, Gibraltar is not an island – that much is obvious. As in the cases of the other three, we suffer our fair share of weather related issues at the airport. However, it’s rare for Gibraltar to be totally cut off and there are always options such as using Málaga. You can’t leave the islands so easily in bad weather so being joined to mainland Europe can certainly be an advantage.
I then considered some bare facts. For sheer size and population, Gibraltar is by a very long way the smallest of the four – although remember what they say about good things coming in small packages. Gibraltar’s population of almost 30,000 is half that of Guernsey and not much more than a third of the totals in both Jersey and the Isle of Man. Covering around 220 square miles the Isle of Man is many times the size of Gibraltar, and at 46 and 25 square miles respectively, Jersey and Guernsey also dwarf our small country in terms of size.
For all four jurisdictions, financial services are vital parts of the local economy. The percentage of the workforce employed in the industry varies but is significant in each place. The Channel Islands were first off the block in terms of providing what became known as “offshore” services in the ‘sixties although both the Isle of Man and Gibraltar soon followed. It’s when one considers the broader financial infrastructure and legislative framework that have evolved subsequently that one begins to appreciate how close Gibraltar now comes to the other three in almost all respects. Let’s look at a few concrete examples.
We may not have as many banks as the islands, but a number of Europe’s finest banks are represented here, not to mention a growing number of hedge funds and investment firms. We host most of the major accounting firms and although the large City law firms may be absent, many of our local lawyers have built world class reputations in such diverse areas as Experienced Investor Funds and maritime law, to name just two.
Moreover, in recent years, financial services have played an important role in the creation of a Gibraltar gaming sector that has left its competitors in Guernsey, the Isle of Man and indeed elsewhere far behind.
Looking at corporate and trust services, our firm has important offices in Guernsey and the Isle of Man, as well as here in Gib where we employ more than 60 staff. Each jurisdiction has its own specialities – for example Guernsey is particularly well regarded as a QROPS jurisdiction. But in general, Gibraltar can claim to compete across the board.
I have written about corporate taxation in recent columns. Gibraltar companies pay 10% corporation tax on the accrued and derived principle; this has been accepted at EU level and our new system is now operational. At present, with just a few exceptions, Channel Island and Isle of Man companies pay no corporate tax at all. This option is being challenged in some quarters so it may be that those rules might need to change.
There is one area, however, where Gibraltar not only competes with its peers but can also be considered to have a serious competitive advantage. Gibraltar is a full member of the European Union, although not part of the Customs Union – there is therefore no VAT. This presents unique opportunities for EU companies that benefit from operating in a VAT-free environment. There is no VAT in Guernsey either, while Jersey levies a Goods & Services Tax (GST) – the present rate being 5% – and the Isle of Man VAT is charged at the UK rate, currently 20%. But none are part of the EU.
The second unique advantage that Gibraltar offers by dint of its EU membership is the ability for licensed, regulated firms to “passport” that status to other EU countries. This means that firms regulated here may offer services to clients in any one of the 27 EU states. Passporting is enormously valuable to banks, insurance and investment companies. This is simply not an option in the other three jurisdictions.
So in conclusion, with or without my “rose tinted specs”, can we really compare ourselves with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man? You bet. More importantly, is it realistic for Gibraltar to claim that it can compete effectively with these places? Again, the answer is a resounding “yes”.
Clearly, there is enough good quality, international business to keep the good practitioners busy in all four jurisdictions. I believe that we should always be aiming to grab a larger slice of the pie here. Gibraltar-based professionals are travelling ever further afield in order to spread that message. Let’s hope that this trend continues and that we develop our offering still further, to the benefit of all of us who live and work here.
Then what happened? After the last column a lady reader stopped me in the street to say: “That’s all very well, but do you really have such rose-tinted spectacles?” She went on to ask if I was so enamoured of Gibraltar that I could simply ignore the competing jurisdictions. The conversation made me think.
As you can see from my mug shot overleaf, I obviously do wear “specs” – and have done since the age of five. But honestly, they’re not rose tinted. Of course everything isn’t perfect in Gibraltar but then who can show me a jurisdiction where such a utopia exists? Life would be pretty boring wouldn’t it?
So in answer to my lady critic, I thought I might take a quick look at one or two “competing” jurisdictions to see how Gibraltar measures up. What follows is necessarily a general view of just a couple of places that I genuinely consider to be our “competitors”. As always these are just my own personal thoughts so don’t shoot the messenger. If you disagree with anything that follows, do get in touch and let me know.
I decided to limit myself to considering the most obvious places against which Gibraltar is most often compared. Bring on my first problem. Being involved in the corporate services and trust business, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man were my first choices.
Other finance professionals in Gibraltar will differ; those more closely involved with the funds or insurance industries might consider Luxembourg or Switzerland. The Chief Minister is likely to say London. And to an extent we’re all right. What I wanted to consider though were the places that are already close to each other in other ways – legal system, language, etc. In that way I felt we could make a more accurate “comparison”. After all, how does one match tiny Gibraltar with a country such as Switzerland with a population of several million?
So for this article I decided to consider only the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. After all, I can always look at other places in Europe or further afield in future columns.
First though, a word about my personal position in all this. As my surname suggests, I am not from around these parts. I am instead a proud Jerseyman although I left the island over 25 years ago. I rolled up on Gibraltar’s shores when I took up my appointment with Sovereign in November 2004 so am still considered by some, no doubt, as very much a new boy.
Having said all that, my first visit here was almost 30 years ago and during my time as a banker I was here very frequently. So I’ve seen a few changes. I am settled here and celebrated National Day last month with everyone else so, of course, I am a keen fan of what one might call “Gibraltar plc” and everything the territory and its people stand for.
When considering the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, how do we compare and can we compete? Is it realistic for us in the finance industry to make such bold claims? Naturally I think we can and now I’ll try to answer why that is.
Firstly of course, Gibraltar is not an island – that much is obvious. As in the cases of the other three, we suffer our fair share of weather related issues at the airport. However, it’s rare for Gibraltar to be totally cut off and there are always options such as using Málaga. You can’t leave the islands so easily in bad weather so being joined to mainland Europe can certainly be an advantage.
I then considered some bare facts. For sheer size and population, Gibraltar is by a very long way the smallest of the four – although remember what they say about good things coming in small packages. Gibraltar’s population of almost 30,000 is half that of Guernsey and not much more than a third of the totals in both Jersey and the Isle of Man. Covering around 220 square miles the Isle of Man is many times the size of Gibraltar, and at 46 and 25 square miles respectively, Jersey and Guernsey also dwarf our small country in terms of size.
For all four jurisdictions, financial services are vital parts of the local economy. The percentage of the workforce employed in the industry varies but is significant in each place. The Channel Islands were first off the block in terms of providing what became known as “offshore” services in the ‘sixties although both the Isle of Man and Gibraltar soon followed. It’s when one considers the broader financial infrastructure and legislative framework that have evolved subsequently that one begins to appreciate how close Gibraltar now comes to the other three in almost all respects. Let’s look at a few concrete examples.
We may not have as many banks as the islands, but a number of Europe’s finest banks are represented here, not to mention a growing number of hedge funds and investment firms. We host most of the major accounting firms and although the large City law firms may be absent, many of our local lawyers have built world class reputations in such diverse areas as Experienced Investor Funds and maritime law, to name just two.
Moreover, in recent years, financial services have played an important role in the creation of a Gibraltar gaming sector that has left its competitors in Guernsey, the Isle of Man and indeed elsewhere far behind.
Looking at corporate and trust services, our firm has important offices in Guernsey and the Isle of Man, as well as here in Gib where we employ more than 60 staff. Each jurisdiction has its own specialities – for example Guernsey is particularly well regarded as a QROPS jurisdiction. But in general, Gibraltar can claim to compete across the board.
I have written about corporate taxation in recent columns. Gibraltar companies pay 10% corporation tax on the accrued and derived principle; this has been accepted at EU level and our new system is now operational. At present, with just a few exceptions, Channel Island and Isle of Man companies pay no corporate tax at all. This option is being challenged in some quarters so it may be that those rules might need to change.
There is one area, however, where Gibraltar not only competes with its peers but can also be considered to have a serious competitive advantage. Gibraltar is a full member of the European Union, although not part of the Customs Union – there is therefore no VAT. This presents unique opportunities for EU companies that benefit from operating in a VAT-free environment. There is no VAT in Guernsey either, while Jersey levies a Goods & Services Tax (GST) – the present rate being 5% – and the Isle of Man VAT is charged at the UK rate, currently 20%. But none are part of the EU.
The second unique advantage that Gibraltar offers by dint of its EU membership is the ability for licensed, regulated firms to “passport” that status to other EU countries. This means that firms regulated here may offer services to clients in any one of the 27 EU states. Passporting is enormously valuable to banks, insurance and investment companies. This is simply not an option in the other three jurisdictions.
So in conclusion, with or without my “rose tinted specs”, can we really compare ourselves with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man? You bet. More importantly, is it realistic for Gibraltar to claim that it can compete effectively with these places? Again, the answer is a resounding “yes”.
Clearly, there is enough good quality, international business to keep the good practitioners busy in all four jurisdictions. I believe that we should always be aiming to grab a larger slice of the pie here. Gibraltar-based professionals are travelling ever further afield in order to spread that message. Let’s hope that this trend continues and that we develop our offering still further, to the benefit of all of us who live and work here.
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