The Concept
The Channel Islands, for many reasons, provide a competent, stable, low-tax and convenient location where assets throughout the world may be safely owned, controlled and administered in absolute confidence.
Although the Channel Islands are often referred to as tax havens, they did not seek to become so. They are however a convenient place where funds can be placed or managed, by reason of their low tax structures, political stability and proximity to the large European Union financial centres. Consequently, in recent years, they have become substantial international financial centres. The demand for stable international finance centres is growing steadily but while many of the competitors of the Islands suffer from the disadvantages of fiscal and political instability, inaccessible geographical location, inhospitable climate and the lack of professional expertise, the Islands have much to offer.
It is possible, by the use of a trust, for a person to deal with assets in such a way that such assets will no longer be considered to be theirs, and the income therefrom may cease to accrue to them, thereby obtaining substantial tax benefits with the ability to operate in any currency, protected from political, economic and social changes or pressures both during the life and continuing after the death of the person concerned. The trust, therefore, may be used to determine the distribution of assets after death.
It is also possible to utilise companies and a variety of other entities and structures, each of which may be tailored to individual client's circumstances and requirements.
The Channel Islands, because of their British influence, and as a result of their history and local institutions, are very stable and lend themselves to the administration of wealth and assets internationally. They have enjoyed over 800 years of independent stability.
The remainder of this information is intended to provide various details of a commercial and financial nature relating to the Channel Islands and in particular, Guernsey. It is, however, important to remember that the facilities offered to any client may include the use of companies, trusts or other entities established in other jurisdictions but which may be conveniently administered from Guernsey.