Brokering International Business Acquisitions - Since 1991
San Diego - Zurich


What you will find in this edition

  • Feature:
    Blockchain in Switzerland Grows
  • Business Tools:
    7 Global Strategies for Protection & Profit
  • Cross-Border Business Planning:
    Antigua & Barbuda
  • Executive Fitness:
    Yoga for Men
  • Spirits & Cuisine:
    How Absinthe is Made in Switzerland!
  • Lifestyle & Travel:
    The Leaves of Autumn
  • Corb7 International Services:
    The Swiss Trust Company Business Model

International Business

Editor’s Note

Blockchain in Switzerland Continues to Grow!

Even with the pandemic, blockchain currency continues to flourish in Switzerland.  The Canton of Zug,  which has been nicknamed the silicon valley of cryptocurrency, is trending upward this year and offers tremendous opportunities.  Below we offer a link to a recently published and important article plus an entertaining video which gives some basic insight to Zug and the attractive business atmosphere it offers.

Crypto in Switzerland


International Business

Business Tools

7 Global Strategies for Protection & Profit!

1) Trust Companies
Trust Company is a business entity organized specifically for entering into Fiduciary, Trustee or Agent relationships with individuals or organizations to administer assets.  It may act as a portfolio manager, executor,guardian, trustee, custodian of assets, fiscal agent and paying agent for corporations and governments who have issued bonds and provide services such as estate planning etc. Trust Companies frequently have numerous other financial powers, which are only limited by the jurisdiction in which they are established. Trust Companies are not required to exercise all of the powers that they are granted.

In general, a Trust Company is usually owned by one of three types of structures: an independent partnership, a bank, or a law firm.  It is frequently seen as an effective alternative to bank ownership.  The primary benefits are asset protection (either corporate or personal) and resolution to specific or unique business problems.

Jurisdiction of Preference
– Switzerland


2) Bank Ownership  

Bank ownership is not appropriate for every organization because it can be very expensive and time consuming.  Thus, it cannot offer an immediate solution to business needs.  The rewards, however, may be well worth it.   After the tragedy of 9/11, international banking laws and regulations have changed. The bank-chartering process can be an endurance test easily lasting 18-months even in the most accommodating of jurisdictions.  Often the complexity of the application provides not only the ability for extensive due diligence but discourages unqualified applicants from even starting the process.  In effect, this marathon “weeds out” those parties that are not fully committed to bank ownership.

A bank is defined as an organization usually a corporation chartered by a government which does most or all of the following: receives demand deposits and time deposits, honor instruments drawn on them, and pays interest on them; discounts notes, makes loans and invests in securities; collects checks, drafts and notes; certifies depositor’s checks; and issues drafts and cashier’s checks. The bank charter is an agreement that governs the manner in which the bank is regulated and operates. It authorizes the existence of the bank by the agency which is primarily responsible for protecting the public from unsafe banking practices.

Jurisdictions of Preference:
– Cayman Islands
– St Vincent


3) Captive Insurance Companies

Captive Insurance Company is an insurance company that primarily insures the risks of businesses, which are related to it through common ownership usual a parent company.    The entity can be domiciled and licensed in a wide number of jurisdictions both domestically or offshore. It is estimated that about 80% of the Standard and Poor 500 companies own one or more captive insurance companies. Using a captive is commonly accepted risk management technique.

Jurisdictions of Preference:
– Bermuda
– St Vincent
– British Virgin Islands


4) Special Purpose Vehicles

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a financial entity created for the purpose of fulfilling a very specific or temporary objective. It is separated from the sponsoring or parent and may be controlled by several companies working together.  SPVs are typically used by companies to isolate the firm from financial risk.  A company will transfer assets to the entity for management or to finance a large project thereby achieving a narrow set of goals without putting the entire firm at risk.  In certain jurisdictions, specific ownership percentages may be required.

Jurisdictions of Preference:
– Ireland
– Jersey


5) Asset Protection Trusts

An Asset Protection Trust is a legal structure that splits the beneficial enjoyment of trust assets from their legal ownership. A Trust is simply a contract between the people who wish to protect assets (the Grantor) and the person who will manage the assets (the Trustee) for the benefit of all Beneficiaries which may include the Grantor other individuals.
Jurisdictions of Preference:  
– Cook Islands


6) Foundations
Foundations can trace their origin to approximately 100 years ago in Western Europe.  A Foundation is a separate legal entity, without members or shareholders, and is generally established to reflect the wishes of the founder, who may be an individual or a corporate entity. These wishes are contained within the Foundation’s Deed of Incorporation and Articles of Association. Foundations can be established for a fixed or indefinite period of time and can be used for charitable, commercial or for family purposes.  They are often used for estate planning purposes and as an alternative to Asset Protection Trusts.

Jurisdictions of Preference:  
– Liechtenstein
– Panama


7) Offshore IPOs
Taking a privately held entity public offshore might be an excellent means to solve specific and unique business problems or raise equity for a current subsidiary.  A very detailed process, it needs to be only handled by an experienced firm.

Locations of Preference:  
– Frankfurt Exchange
– Berlin Exchange
– Bermuda


International Business

  Cross-Border Business Planning

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth country comprising its 2 namesake islands and several smaller ones. Positioned where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, it’s known for reef-lined beaches, rain-forests and resorts. Its English Harbor is a yachting hub and the site of historic Nelson’s Dockyard. In the capital, St. John’s, the national museum displays indigenous and colonial artifacts .Whether a small or large enterprise, business owners seeking to conduct business in Antigua and Barbuda must register their business. Antigua & Barbuda have welcomed offshore banking since 1982.  One noteworthy statutory requirement is that Offshore Banks must maintain a minimum capital of US$5 million. Of this amount, US$1.5 million must be deposited and kept in a bank licensed to do business in Antigua and Barbuda.

Major events:  In January of 2016, Antigua and Barbuda agreed to abolish personal income tax.

Antigua and Barbuda
Location:  Eastern Caribbean Sea, 250 miles SE of Puerto Rico
Capital City:  St. Johns
Population:  82,000 (2008)
Language Spoken:  English
International Time:  EST + 1 hour
Airline Service Continental, Delta, American, US Airways, Windward Islands AIR
Currency:  Eastern Caribbean Dollar EC$2.70 = US$1
Type of Government:  Independent Parliamentary Representative Democracy
Main industries:  Tourism, manufacturing and international banking
OECD:  Approved
FATF:  Member CFATF


Lifestyle

Executive Fitness

How Men Can Benefit from Yoga

The popularity of yoga has grown considerably in the 21st century. But while women have embraced yoga en masse, men have been more hesitant to do so.

A recent survey from Yoga Journal found that, among the 20 million yoga practitioners in the United States, only 18 percent were men. While those figures might have risen in recent years, anyone who has recently visited a yoga studio can attest that the participants in many classes remain overwhelmingly female. That’s unfortunate for men, who could be benefiting from practicing yoga in myriad ways.

· Yoga can protect against muscle imbalances. Yoga requires various muscle groups to work together to perform certain exercises. This can reduce the risk of muscle imbalances that can develop when men design workout routines that target specific muscle groups.

· Yoga can improve flexibility. When performed correctly, various yoga exercises improve flexibility. For example, the big toe pose can help men and women lengthen and strengthen their hamstrings, while the downward facing dog pose stretches various areas of the body, including the shoulders, calves and arches. Yoga is not the only way for men to improve their flexibility, but it can be an effective supplement to exercise routines for men who routinely feel tight after traditional strength training sessions.

· Yoga can improve stamina. Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects yoga can have on muscle endurance. In 2005, researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, found that the regular practice of Hatha yoga provided a significant boost to chest and abdominal strength and endurance. Such improved stamina can have a trickle-down effect on men who practice yoga and also adhere to strength training regimens and/or participate in competitive sports.

· Yoga can help men maintain healthy weights. The Harvard Medical School notes that researchers discovered that people who practiced yoga for at least 30 minutes once a week for at least four years gained less weight during middle adulthood than those who did not. That might be linked to additional research that found people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters than those who did not, making them less likely to overeat, eat when sad or stressed or eat in response to certain cues, including the smell of food.

Fewer men than women may practice yoga, but that does not mean men cannot benefit just as much from embracing this ancient practice.


Lifestyle

Spirits & Cuisine

How Absinthe is Made in Switzerland!

Perhaps no other beverage has more myth surrounding it.  For the last 200 years, absinthe has been first originated and then brewed in this part of Switzerland and the video above does an excellent job of separating fact from fiction. Enjoy!


Lifestyle

 Lifestyle & Travel

    The Leaves of Autumn

In the United States, this week marked the beginning of Fall.  Millions of people each year look forward to the magnificent colors on display in autumn. Fall offers irreplaceable views, whether you’re atop a mountain ridge or thick in the folds of a forest. In addition, the crackle of leaves underfoot and the earthy smell of the soil tempts the senses even more. In 2020,  many will be hitting the road in search of beautiful distractions from the ever-present news of politics and pandemic.  Therefore, some advance planning can help make fall foliage trips that much more enjoyable and awe-inspiring.

Peak viewing times

Areas of the northern-most latitude will start to show color earlier than more southern areas. Generally speaking, the leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through early November for much of North America. Peak times for viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. For large swaths of Canada and the United States, plan trips for late-September to mid-October. The Weather Channel offers maps and charts at www.weather.com/maps/fall-foliage
for the peak times for many areas of the U.S.

Pick your destination

Anywhere with deciduous trees provides the opportunity to witness blazing autumn color. During leaf-peeping season, travelers can go coast to coast and see awesome vistas. Some regions are particularly known for their leaf displays. New York’s Catskill and Adirondack regions are prime spots for visitors in the autumn. Those who live further north will find that leaves in Vermont are such an attraction that routes are published indicating where to enjoy the best views. Further south, Central and Eastern Virginia peak in late October. And don’t forget the shores of the Great Lakes, which are awash in reds, oranges and yellows by mid-September. The travel resource Frommer’s offers more leaf-peeping locales to visit.

Pack the right gear

While most people are not without a smartphone that can capture amazing high-resolution imagery, serious leaf photographers may want to take out their prized camera equipment for leaf-peeping excursions. Also bring along a map or a GPS-enabled device so you can explore back roads and areas off the beaten path more readily.

There are plenty of apps that can help with foliage-finding adventures, so a phone is a handy tool. When packing, also bring along hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and any equipment you’d normally take for an afternoon in the great outdoors.

Another idea is to hit the ATM machine prior to the visit. Many smaller towns and their local shops may not take credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand for food and souvenirs.

Extend the day

Make leaf-peeping part of a larger series of events for the day. Scope out vineyards where you can sample local wines or plan trips around orchards, where you can come home with beautiful photos as well as fresh-picked apples and pumpkins. You may find a county fair or street festival while exploring.


Business Services

Business Acquisitions

 SWISS TRUST COMPANIES!

A Swiss Trust Company is a Non-Banking Financial Business Model that will operate for you as a holding entity and a flagship structure adding prestige and operational authority to any venture.  This totally unique corporate structure perpetuates the legacy and tradition of the Swiss financial industry and transitions smartly into any business undertaking that you may embark on.

Swiss Trust Companies are not banks but come as close as you can get without actually being a licensed Swiss bank. Thus, many of the authorities and advantages a bank provides become available to ownership without a large capital requirement and with much lower ongoing costs. Vintage Swiss Trust Companies bestow enormous advantages upon its owner due to its history and date of incorporation, which include the opportunity for profit & asset protection.

* Free E- Book:  “The Complete Guide to Swiss Trust Company Ownership”

Click Here for Your Free Copy

Move investment capital faster
Take advantage of growth opportunities resulting in increased profit.

Exercise more control over capital transactions
Reduce third party fees thus creating savings.

Establish a major European beachhead
Protect funds from political instability and consolidate global business interest.

Alternative to captive bank ownership
which can be a very long and expensive process to successfully complete.

Because of success in their respective fields, our client’s business interests and personal interests are often intertwined.  To that end, owning a Swiss Trust Company also offers the additional individual benefits of asset protection and estate planning possibilities.

Swiss-friendly approach on Crypto regulations
Switzerland is ranked number one of top ten European countries for starting a blockchain company due to its friendly regulation environment and supportive startup ecosystem with world-class service providers. It is rapidly emerging as a crypto paradise, supported by its banking skills, low-tax-system, elite universities and Switzerland as brand itself which has attracted a large variety of foreign cryptocurrency and blockchain startups. In Switzerland cryptocurrencies and exchanges are legal, and the country has adopted a remarkably progressive stance towards cryptocurrency regulations. The long-term policy regarding crypto-currencies on the part of the Swiss Financial Market Authority and its clarification of many aspects related to their business makes Switzerland one of the best places worldwide to launch an ICO.

Crypto Valley in Zug
The Swiss city Zug in central Switzerland, also known as Crypto valley, is one of the most crypto-friendly cities in the world. Perfectly positioned to get the most out of the decentralized, stable and predictable Swiss political system and its unique business environment, Zug is incomparable for an uncomplicated and pragmatic implementation of business ideas with world-class infrastructure. Zug offers a solid basis for global growth due to its business-friendly philosophy and the openness and easy accessibility of its authorities with short communication channels. With its low-tax-system, pro-business environment and fantastic quality of life Zug has attracted numerous multinationals, creating an international and cosmopolitan culture with an easy access to powerful global networks.

Swiss Trust company as perfect support for US-investors in engaging in business activities related to Crypto
The Swiss Trust company is one of the best known and respected vehicles in the business world. Swiss Trust companies can easily function as a holding entity and a flagship structure for any company and investment. They provide administrators with an excellent level of discretion and security and maintain a great number of types of assets, including shares, commodities, real estate properties, fixed income assets and cash. This flexibility combined with discretion, privacy and prestige makes the Swiss Trust company the perfect business vehicle for US-investors in engaging in business activities related to Crypto, such as ICO, participation and investing in ICO or crypto assets, acting as escrow agent or fiduciary in crypt assets related transactions.

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