Corb7 International May 5th, 2021 Newsletter

International Business 

Editor's Note

7-Minute Video on Swiss Trust Company  Ownership

Our office continues to receive a lot of inquires regarding conflicting information about Swiss Trust Companies being found on the internet.  Below we over a brief video which is a synopsis of the benefits and perhaps clears up any misleading information found on the web.

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International Business 

Business Psychology

Mental Toughness

by Toni Delos Santos
90% Mental
90percentmental.com
   

  “Success at anything will always come down to this: Focus and Effort, and we control both.”
- Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson

The definition of mental toughness from the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology is, having the natural or developed psychological edge that enables you to: generally, cope better than your opponents with the many demands (competition, training, lifestyle) that sport places on a performer; specifically, be more consistent and better than your opponents in remaining determined, focused, confident, and in control under pressure." In business, mental toughness is what separates the high performers and top experts in their field.

Competition
Competition is the fuel that drives us to be our absolute best and win. Leaders look for employees that are driven to succeed and earn the business over their competitors.

Training
High achievers will research the competition. By doing this, they will be able to prepare their strategies according to their companies’ strengths and be able to show why they are the best choice.

Determined
When someone is driven, they are very resilient and will keep learning from each loss and figure out what is needed to win at the next opportunity.

Performing Under Pressure
Confidence and consistency come from being prepared. When you know that you have put 100% effort into your training, it is game time! Having the same approach before you begin a big meeting or presentation is key. It involves pre-game strategies, such as, visualization, deep breathing, and strong body language.  These tools will help to clear to mind and allow you to consistently perform your best.

Lifestyle
Staying focused with all the twists and turns that life has to offer can be challenging. Maintaining a good balance between work and social life is important. It is vital to compartmentalize the different areas of your life. When you are working be all in and when you are at home, be all in with our family. This will keep your relationships healthy and avoid burnout.

Mental toughness is not something that is built into your DNA. It is a skill that is developed by practicing all the strategies. There are so many talented athletes and intelligent people that never reach the top levels that they desire. They know they have more skill or knowledge but never seem to get the win when the game is on the line. The difference lies in the amount of time they spend on mental training to able to have the confidence to perform under pressure and enjoy the accomplishments that will follow! 

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International Business 

  Offshore Perspective 

Own a Cayman Bank for Profit 

   South of Cuba and Northwest of Jamaica, this small island territory is a major international hub and the fifth largest banking center in the world.  It is a location where myth and fact have often been blurred by those willing to buy into what has become known as the “Grisham effect.” 

As you may recall, the famous fiction writer John Grisham used the Cayman Islands as a backdrop for several of his books.  Some of his works were turned into movies with the most celebrated one being, “The Firm,” which starred Tom Cruise and was released in 1993.  For many years, the Cayman Islands suffered from the “Grisham effect," as it was painted within his books as location where money can be stashed away by criminals.  The beauty of the location added a certain romance to the idea of ill-gotten funds being placed in illicit Cayman banks. The reality, however, is far more boring.  The Cayman Islands is a highly regulated and full compliant jurisdiction and as such not exactly an ideal location for drug dealers or anyone else to launder their funds. 

It is possible to become an owner of a Cayman Island bank and previous banking experience is not necessary needed.   Although, in reality, it greatly improves your chances of approval, and odds are good that your directors will need a stellar CV demonstrating financial experience.  There are three types of licenses: Class A, Class B unrestricted and a Class B restricted.  Class A allows for doing business with the locals and will not be part of our discussion since it has little practical application for our needs.  The other two classes is where we will concentrate. 

Please note these are not tax shelter vehicles. 

 CLASS B Licenses: 
* Class B Unrestricted License – unrestricted to the number of clients which it can service.
* Class B Restricted License- restricted in the number of clients which it can service, which will be stipulated in the permit.   

Overview:
 A Category B bank permits the holder to undertake full banking services from within the Islands or elsewhere, but prohibits the taking of deposits from any person resident in the Islands, other than another Licensee, or an exempted or an ordinary non-resident company that is not carrying on business in the Islands. 

Fees:
The initial application must be accompanied by a fee of US$2439.02 payable to the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.  If the application is successful, a fee of US$85,365 will be payable upon the granting of the Category B license. The fees for the licensing process can range from US$45,000 and upwards.  Thereafter, the Annual Fees will be dependent on the amount of assets the bank holds:
 
* Assets less than US$100 million - US $73,170.73
* Assets between US$100 million and US$500 million - US$85,365.85
* Assets between US$500 million and US$1.0 billion - US$97,560.98
* Assets between US$1.0 billion and US$5.0 billion - US$109,756.10
* Assets greater than US$5.0 billion – US$121,951.22
 
Paid-in -Capital:
Under the Bank and Trust Companies Law (2013 Revision) all locally incorporated banks are required to maintain (on a paid-up basis) a minimum net worth of CI$400,000 or its equivalent in other currencies except for licensees that hold Restricted Banking Licenses. Restricted Category B Licensees are required to maintain a minimum net worth of CI$20,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority adopts the guidelines set by the Basel Committee for Bank Regulation and Supervisory Practices for the calculation of the capital adequacy ratio (risk asset ratio). The Basel Committee recommends a minimum risk asset ratio of 8%. However, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority requires subsidiaries to maintain a minimum risk asset ratio of 12% and privately owned banks are required to maintain a minimum of 15%.  

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International Business   

Business Etiquette

Airport Etiquette During & After a Pandemic

     by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

 Many things have changed over the past year as we’ve dealt with the pandemic the best we can, and airline travel is no exception.

Our main priority when leaving our homes is to feel – and be – safe as we go about our business.  We each have our own rules, boundaries, and comfort levels when it comes to safety.  This is why employing airport etiquette guidelines can be so helpful when traveling.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we are each responsible for ensuring that we are not spreading illness to other people.  Practicing and encouraging the basic etiquette rule of showing kindness and respect to others can save many lives although, sadly, so many have already been lost to this disease.

When you employ your Personal Responsibility Toolkit while traveling, you help ensure your safety, the safety of those around you, and polite, effective communication.What is a Personal Responsibility Toolkit as it relates to airport etiquette?

- You show kindness and respect to everyone you encounter.  A smile (even if it’s just with your eyes), a nod, saying “Please” and “Thank you” are all ways to share a little positivity.
- You understand that more people = more patience required.  Whether or not you are flying during a pandemic, there are always lines and processes and procedures for moving people through those lines.  Arriving early and using patience are the best methods for dealing with this issue.
- You are willing to follow the rules and guidelines of the airport and airline.  It is always a good idea to research online or call the airport to learn the specific protocols you will encounter and what type of service you might expect.
- You know that by protecting yourself, you are protecting others.  When you wear a mask, keep as much physical distance from others as you can, and wash your hands as often as possible, you automatically minimize the spread of any virus.
- You reduce your touch-points.  It may take some practice before you travel, but keeping your fingers and hands away from your face and avoiding contact with surfaces that are frequently touched, such as railings, can also minimize the spread of viruses.

While you can never guarantee how other people will behave, when you take it upon yourself to be responsible for your words and actions, any interactions you have will typically be drama-free.
 

Putting safety first and practicing personal responsibility are a great beginning point when traveling by plane.  Airport etiquette tips you might consider are:

- When booking your flight, ask about the airline’s cleaning protocols and if they offer online or contact-free check-in options.  Preparation is always key!
- Get tested for COVID-19 before and after you travel.  This will help you feel safer and adds to your Personal Responsibility Toolkit.  
- Don’t just have a mask on your person, wear it appropriately.  You only receive and provide the most protection from your mask when it covers both your mouth and nose.
- If you sneeze or cough into your mask, also consider raising your inner elbow to further mitigate.
- Another way to decrease touch-points is to avoid opening overhead compartments during your flight.  Have a list in mind and retrieve any items you may need at your seat before you board the plane.
- If you have to leave your seat, avoid touching others or their seats.  Standing and moving aside when a person in a window seat needs to get up is correct.
- Before the pandemic, striking up a conversation with a nearby passenger could be fun.  These days, you will be considered polite if you do not do this.  Talking with masks is a strain on the throat.  Kind glances and a nod of the head can communicate many good things.

Though you will be asked to wear a mask throughout your flight, research shows that the ventilation systems in airplanes reduce the spread of airborne germs and viruses so we can keep a level of comfort when flying.  However, this does not reduce the importance of using caution and following airport etiquette guidelines before, during, and after your flight.

New habits are hard to put in place when you’ve been doing things a certain way for a while.  But for your safety and the safety of fellow travelers, using your Personal Responsibility Toolkit as well as airport etiquette will help you do your best.  And this is all we can ask of each other. 

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Lifestyle

Executive Fitness 

Garlic is Health Food

Garlic makes a delicious addition to various meals. Though some people may avoid garlic because of its potential to contribute to bad breath, doing so means people may miss out on some surprising health benefits produced by this powerful, if pungent, bulb.

1. Garlic bolsters the immune system. As report published in the Journal of Immunology Research found that garlic appears to enhance the functioning of the immune system by stimulating certain cell types. A strong immune system helps people fight germs that can lead to colds and other illnesses.

2. Garlic can have a positive effect on blood pressure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, researchers believe that red blood cells turn the sulfur in garlic into hydrogen sulfide gas that expands the blood vessels. That makes it easier to regulate blood pressure. That's no minor benefit, as the American Heart Association notes that high blood pressure can contribute to heart disease and stroke.

3. Garlic can benefit the skin. Allicin is a compound that is produced when garlic is crushed or chopped. According to the online health and wellness resource MedLife, allicin benefits the body in various ways, including killing the bacteria that causes acne.

4. Garlic may help reduce lead levels in the body. A study published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology studied the potentially therapeutic effects of garlic on 117 workers in the car battery industry. The clinical signs and symptoms of lead poisoning were significantly higher among workers who were not treated with garlic compared to those who were. Authors of the study concluded that garlic can be recommended for the treatment of mild-to-moderate lead poisoning.

Garlic can make for a nutritious addition to any meal, and some of its many health benefits may surprise even the most ardent supporters of this unique bulb. 

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Lifestyle

International Spirits & Cuisine

Prantl's Bakery

“Thank You, Pittsburgh, For The Greatest Cake America Has Ever Made” 
– Huffington Post

For 28 bucks plus shipping, their “Burnt Almond Travel Torte” may just be the best pastry you have ever ordered. All we can say is … WOW! Light, fluffy and yet crunchy, this torte blew us away, and we do not have a big sweet tooth.

Prantl’s German Bakery has been located in the upscale Shadyside section of Pittsburgh for over 100 years. It is not cheap but in our opinion very worth it. Give it a try. If you order now it will likely be at your front door by May 10th which is Mother's Day!

Click Here to Visit Site 

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Lifestyle

Leisure & Style 

 

The Peculiar Story of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated by millions of people each year. Oddly enough, the majority of those people live in the United States instead of Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, during which he Mexican Army overcame significant obstacles to defeat the French Army under the direction of General Ignacio Zaragoza. On May 5, 1862, an attacking French Army battled against Mexican forces that were roughly half the size of their opponents. Despite that decided disadvantage, the Mexican Army won the battle. Mexican forces would ultimately be defeated by the French a year later, but that same year witnessed the first celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in California, where Mexican miners celebrated the heroic efforts of their countrymen a year prior. Curiously, those 1863 celebrations would prove to be a harbinger of things to come, as Cinco de Mayo eventually became a more prominent holiday in the United States than it did in Mexico.

The only major celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, where the day is a holiday but not considered a significant one (banks and government offices remain open), take place in Puebla, though the neighboring state of Veracruz also treats the day with a greater degree of significance than elsewhere in Mexico.

Historical reenactments of the battle and parades are part of celebrations in Puebla. Celebrations in the United States are considerable, as many people, including those with no ancestral ties to Mexico, look forward to May 5 as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and food as well as the many traditions that make Mexico such a unique and special place. Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States bear some resemblance to the country's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, though many American St. Patrick's Day celebrants have no connection to Ireland or the Catholic Church. Rather, the day has become an opportunity for people from various backgrounds to celebrate Irish culture, much like Cinco de Mayo marks a chance to celebrate Mexican culture. 

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Lifestyle

Travel 

Updates from Europe & UK 

  Switzerland - Swiss Covid experts predict a return to normal by summer.
Click for Article

Germany - For the second year in a row Oktoberfest has been canceled this year. 
Click for Article

United Kingdom - Britain expects to announce "Green List" of countries this week.    
Click for Article
 

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Business Services

Business Acquisitions 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SALE!

Corb7 International
"Think Seven Continents, Think a World of Opportunity"

Vintage United States Corporations for Sale:

* 11-Year-Old Vintage US Corporation
Established in the year 2010
State of Arizona
Price: $24,500

* 21-Year-Old Vintage US Corporation
Established in the year 2000
State of Florida
Price: $38,800

* 113-Year-Old Vintage US Corporation
Established in the year 1908 
State of Nevada
Price: $218,800

Shelf corporations in the United States have many profound business purposes. They are frequently used for holding personal or business assets.  Another common purpose for the creation of a shelf corporation is as a turn-key business package that can later be sold to someone who wants to start and operate a company without going through the effort to form a new one.   Others might benefit who may not qualify for a bank loan, line of credit, or government contract because they or their existing company does not have the required credit scores or a two to five year established business history.  By purchasing a shelf corporation, an entrepreneur now instantly owns an established company that has been “in business” for several years without debts or liabilities.

For Non-U.S. citizens, owning a shelf corporation in the United States may enhance privacy and open new markets.  Since the United States is not a participant in the OECD Common Reporting Standards, it is often looked upon as a privacy haven for non-citizens looking to invest here.  The Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”),  was created by the OECD in 2014 pursuant to a meeting of the G-20 nations in Australia and calls for the automatic exchange of financial account information between agreeing jurisdictions.

* Supporting Articles:

Financial Times Article

The World's Largest Tax Haven

United States Not Participant in CRS


Call:  +1-310-601-3115 (Beverly Hills Office) or
Email: contact@corb7.com 

[Additional Opportunities in Europe & US Available]