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Our 203rd issue of Offshore Investment magazine reveals cutting edge commentary on the real issues behind the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit:

BEYOND COPENHAGEN

“Copenhagen and the Future – welcome to the brave new world of global change”
According to western media sources, the Copenhagen climate change summit was an utter failure, while media reports in emerging markets hailed it a success. Julian Stargardt dissects the real issues uncovered, not least a shift in the balance of power. He offers his thoughts on why he believes the summit provides a significant road map for the future.

“Despite Copenhagen, a change is coming - investing in a carbon constrained world”
Investors face a new challenge; what and who is likely to prosper in a carbon constrained world? Stephen Dickey warns of the dangers of underestimating the effects of a changing environment or the impact the inevitable policy changes could have on our offshore investment vehicles. He reveals where future opportunities lie.

Other important features include:

BANKING

“The “Silo Effect” – Symptoms, Causes, Cure and Prevention”
Private banking clients are often unknowing victims of internal inefficiencies or what Erik Halvorssen describes as the “silo effect”. Erik discovers the symptoms and causes of this serious affliction and proposes a cure that may provide relief even after years of exposure.

“Wealth Management after the Crunch”
Bruce Weatherill reveals the intriguing results of his recent research project which delves into perceptions of the wealth management sector. He correlates the results to predict the future role offshore financial centres will play in this competitive industry.

“Insights into Islamic Banking”
Islamic law regulates a vast range of facets of Islamic society, including the system of banking. Egbert Wetherborne provides a fascinating view of the application of Shari’a principles and ponders whether the ethical aspects of conventional banking could benefit from observing the principles that govern the Islamic system.

DIVORCE

“What is mine is mine! Can financial awards in divorce be determined in advance?”
Lynsey Crawford clarifies the relevance of pre-nuptial and post-marital agreements and gauges their significance today in light of MacLeod v MacLeod and Radmacher v Granatino. She dissects these groundbreaking cases and elaborates on their practical implications.

JURISDICTIONS IN FOCUS:

RAS AL KHAIMAH – Ras Al Khaimah has two competing freezones both offering an International Business Centre regime: RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. Adriaan Struijk endorses the benefits conferred by this competitive environment and promotes the RAK Investment Authority’s offshore facility. A unique feature of a Ras al Khaimah International company is the choice of law option which is embodied within the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Jas Sekhon guides us through the procedure for securing the benefits of this unparalleled possibility.

SINGAPORE – Singapore recently acceded into the OECD “white list” by signing its 12th Tax Information Exchange Agreement. Furthermore, it passed new legislation to facilitate its commitment to the OECD standard. Angela Nicolson analyses the implementation of these new agreements and predicts how they will operate in practice. Jennifer Tan highlights some of the key tax incentives which would be of interest to offshore businesses and foreign companies seeking to invest in Singapore.

SAINT LUCIA – As the international financial services industry continues to evolve, creating innovative products to facilitate international trade and business, Ryan Devaux demonstrates the importance of niche. He illustrates how Saint Lucia has carved out a niche which is conducive to the future success of the jurisdiction.

ANGUILLA - Anguilla prioritises the promulgation of innovative and progressive legislation to maintain a competitive edge. John Dyrud and Disa Billington provide a detailed overview of the plethora of products and structures available under this comprehensive legislation. Anguilla is one of the few jurisdictions to have passed legislation enabling the creation of a protected cell company and protected cell accounts. Carlyle Rogers unravels the significant aspects of this innovative, hybrid concept.

Regular features include World Report, Dubai Digest and Latin Letter.