Offering Retirement planning and Wealth Management for expats- specializing in Offshore

stephen_aubrey says on May 16, 2009, 11:02:

In Canada the same thing ,there is always a commercial on tv put out by the Canada Revenue Agency advising against these offshore companies,and they will catch you in the end.

" Most people talk a lot, few are up for the moment"

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njc (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 16, 2009, 11:49:

offshoreadvisor2009 says on May 16, 2009, 11:49:

Thanks for your comments, I appreciate the opportunity to share light on the vast differences in financial centers that are known as"offshore". They are not all created equal. I'd like to share the following news article in regards to the Isle of Man. I'll share more but this is a great start.

"The Isle of Man has been confirmed as one of the world’s leading international finance centres by both the G20 and OECD.

At the conclusion of the recent G20 London Summit, the G20, in collaboration with the OCED, delivered on their pledge to detail the standing of all international jurisdictions in fulfilling their international tax obligations.

The Isle of Man is now one of only a handful of offshore jurisdictions included on the OECD White List, ranking with the United States, United Kingdom and other leading nations of the world. Some of the more traditional financial centres who have failed to live up to their international obligations, such as Switzerland, the BVI and the Cayman Islands, have been placed on the OECD Grey List and branded as Tax Havens.

Confirmation of the Isle of Man’s standing on the international stage is testament to the innovative, pragmatic and forward thinking approach to business of the Isle of Man Government. Isle of Man Treasury Minister Allan Bell, on release of the list, commented:

“This is exactly what Treasury has been trying to achieve in all our negotiations over the years, that there needs to be a genuine differentiation between those countries which are well regulated and those that aren't”

Chief Minister Tony Brown added:

“The OECD white list provides recognition at the highest level of the Isle of Man’s place in the mainstream of economies that comply with the global standard on tax. This is a defining moment for us, confirming our position amongst the most responsible and co-operative countries of the world.”

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offshoreadvisor2009 says on May 16, 2009, 12:03:

Guernsey welcomes ‘white listing’ at G20 summit outcome
Fri, 03/04/2009 15:15

Guernsey’s has welcomed its ‘white listing’ by the OECD as a result of the G20 summit in London.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (pictured) said that the Island’s inclusion on a white list with some of the world’s top financial centres cemented Guernsey’s position as an internationally compliant and transparent low tax jurisdiction.

“It has been a long and hard process to get where we are today. Recognition as a jurisdiction which has substantially implemented the internationally-agreed tax standard is nothing more than we deserve,” said the Chief Minister.

“We are a well-regulated, transparent, co-operative jurisdiction and the international community appears to have embraced that message. I see the news as a massive boost for business in Guernsey and the Island’s economy.

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 12:48:

I wonder why I sense a disconnect between the statements “All investments grow completely free of taxes, and investors are guaranteed ‘100% confidentiality’” and “Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (pictured) said that the Island’s inclusion on a white list with some of the world’s top financial centres cemented Guernsey’s position as an internationally ‘compliant and transparent low tax jurisdiction’.”

To me, confidentially is saying that you’ll tell nobody, while it seems that transparency means anybody can look in, no?

And, tax free or low taxes?

I must be missing something.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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RAAAY says on May 16, 2009, 13:25:

I've always wanted to get into an offshore fund, especially one that is promoted on PBH. This could be a great opportunity.
Hey, Offshore fella............is it possible to get involved as a syndicate..? Myself, elSapo, Miguel-Clavo and Gringoloid are among the richest here. We could probably muster up $50 between the four of us. We would like some sort of gurantee that you could make this grow into $500,000 each, fairly quickly.

On the other hand, you should send mnanderson a pm...............he's stinkin rich...........right at the top of the heap.


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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RAAAY says on May 16, 2009, 14:13:

Johnny...........I don't mean to make little of your loss, but you are not getting the big picture.

$10,000 here.........$10,000 there................make a profit....?? Lose $100,000...........This is chicken feed to the folks here on PBH. You probably know by now, that PBH fellas are stalked by big time investment gurus across the globe. They all want to get a piece.

Shit, rumour has it, that Mnanderson , that king of PBH tycoons, actually bought a second beer, while out on the town last week-end.


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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fecherklyn says on May 16, 2009, 17:30:

Offshoreadvisor, you state "All investments grow completely free of taxes" Be careful what you say unless you can substantiate it!

To the best of my understanding ALL "Resident Foreigners" who have resided in Colombia for more than 5 years are obliged to declare their "Worldwide revenues and assets"IRRESPECTIVE of the country of their source. This is not an exceptional tax situation as assessing tax rates based on global revenues is quite common and used in most developped countries. The situation is further complicated in the case of Colombia as it has entered into virtually NO international "Avoidance of Double Taxation"agreements.

At least, thats what I understand.

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 18:05:

But he further quotes “Chief Minister Lyndon Trott said that the Island’s inclusion on a white list with some of the world’s top financial centres cemented Guernsey’s position as an internationally compliant and transparent 'low' tax jurisdiction’.”

Low/no?

And "All investments are 'guaranteed' and backed by the British Government and have the highest level of investor protection in the world, as well as the highest banking standards."

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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fecherklyn says on May 16, 2009, 18:19:

Sloop,

Correct. I have invested in Jersey and Guernsey based mutual funds and I can assure everyone they are NOT guaranteed by the British Government. All financial institutions based in the Channel Islands are subject to the local Financial Commission and set their own levels of guarantees. These are NOT so high as those in the UK.

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 18:29:

I didn't know, but was dubious.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 18:32:

I suspect than any financial institution doing business in Latin America will have different standards, level of service, and fees, than in the home country.

Why? Because they CAN.

That's possibly why they are there.

If you search banks like Citi and HSBC (especially in Panamá) in Latin America you'll probably find some interesting stories (find "Peter Gordon" HSBC Panama).

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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quantum says on May 16, 2009, 19:04:

well, didnt take long to get rid of him did it? The PBH hit squad does it again, hahaha............I guess he found out what a sophisticate bunch of investors we all are here, heh..

quantum

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RAAAY says on May 16, 2009, 19:08:

Maybe Mnanderson took him out to some fancy joint for cocktails, to discuss investing some of his sizeable portfolio a little differently...........


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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Gator says on May 16, 2009, 19:20:

"Three truisms:

First by P.T. Barnum: "There's a sucker born every minute."
Second: "A fool and his money are soon parted."
Third: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

"We work with the finest investment establishments in the offshore marketplace, primarily in the British and Channel islands which are the only Offshore centers to earn a AAA S & P rating."

O.K. Name them.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 19:42:

quantum says on May 16, 2009, 19:04 (today): flag

"well, didn’t take long to get rid of him did it? The PBH hit squad does it again, hahaha............I guess he found out what a sophisticate bunch of investors we all are here, heh.."

Although I had a short career as a stockbroker after retirement, I'm not such a sophisticated investor (but, hopefully not a total fool). Otherwise I'd be rich, rather than just comfortable in retirement.

It seems there were many contradictions in his quotes.

I would never trust any organization in Latin America with any considerable sums, regardless where their home office was.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 19:44:

Gator, also:

According to my avitar:

"There is no such thing as a free lunch"; W.C. Fields.

Although it seems that it's a myth, his tombstone supposedly bears the inscription:

"All things considered,

I'd much rather be in Philadelphia".

A real Pennsylvanian!

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Gator says on May 16, 2009, 19:48:

BY GOD! The man is there.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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sloopskipper says on May 16, 2009, 19:52:

I think he is interred in California, but maybe he should be in Atlantic City, near the Steele Pier, where I think he began his career.
_________________________________________

I see he is in Forest Lawn, Glendale

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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offshoreadvisor2009 says on May 17, 2009, 00:32:

Hello all,
Well it's hard to tell which responses are actual questions, and which are just sarcasm, however I'll do my best to help everyone understand the facts that make a difference. I'm very glad to see there is a lot of interest!

Taxes- any financial center in the world that offers tax free investment growth is referring to taxes collected in the Country where the institution is located, NOT the investors tax LIABILITY in their home Country. Investing in a tax free environment means that your bank or institution typically won't collect any taxes on your investment or growth nor will it report to your local Government. Thus the responsibility is on the investor to report any income to their Government and or tax authority. You can google this and find all kinds of information to clarity if needed.

Confidentiality- Top rated financial centers such as the British Islands are not in the business or money laundering and have very strict guidelines as far as who they accept as a client. All clients must verify identity and domiciled address, as well as the source of the investment money. Once the client has been accepted, their identity and information would only be released in the event that the client's Government or Tax authority provided the institution with actual physical evidence of money laundering, drug traffic, or terrorism. Would you have a reason to be worried?

Security (Latin America)- our company is headquartered in Spain, and we currently operate in more that 50 Countries and serve just over 70,000 individual clients, with 5B under management. Clients money never passes through our hands nor our office, it goes directly from the client to their bank or institution.

S & P Ratings (from S&P.com)

Guernsey
Search By Keyword
Organization Ratings
Description Rating Rating Date CreditWatch Date
Credit Rating AAA/Stable/
A-1 Feb 10, 2009

Isle of Man
Search By Keyword
Organization Ratings
Description Rating Rating Date CreditWatch Date
Credit Rating AAA/Stable/
A-1 Feb 29, 2000

I appreciate all of you're questions, and will continue to provide information to clarify the facts. There have been a lot of shady companies and dealings in the Offshore financial market over the years, and they have generated a lot of skepticism. There are a lot of places to put your money, I encourage you to do your research and get the facts. Dollars or Euros? Pesos or Yen? get the facts. Switzerland or Caymen? BVI or British Islands? get the facts. I'm happy to put you in an investment in any offshore center you like, including Switzerland if you can afford it. We're 100% independent with access to them all. We like the British Islands the most because of their excellent standards, reputation and stability. Keep the questions coming!

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Bluesdude says on May 17, 2009, 07:19:

This fella sounds like those gentlemen who are based on the Ivory Coast of Africa and send out muchos correos electronicos -- his english is similar.

A guru once said, "the mind is like a drunken monkey." If that's true, then my mind is an orangutan on a binge

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wendell13 says on May 17, 2009, 07:23:

"Keep the questions coming!" .......answer the last pertinent questions by johnny2008 then

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fecherklyn says on May 17, 2009, 07:56:

Exactly Johnny....how much confidence can a potential investor have with "Offshoreadvisor" and the group he represents?

And Offshoreadvisor, this is NOT a personal attack on you, it is the simple knee-jerk reaction to receiving investment advice from people we do not know. You said it.....the Financial Advisors' community are a motley crowd, many of whom have little in the way of useful credentials.

The point is your initial "marketing" on this board was pretty representative of the blurbs issued by F.A 's everywhere; high claims but short on detail. I will not deny it is difficult to present your "business card" on such a board with the limited text that will retain many posters attention. However, this should not allow latitude for exaggerated and misleading claims.

You have done much to vouch for the financial integrity of the investments you recommend but have provided little information regarding yourself and your group. "Headquartered in Spain" provides no special reassurance to potential investors and even seems to distance you from the financial security of the UK regulatory mechanisms you so rightly praise.

I have personally successfully sued a previous Financial Advisor for "misselling", a result that was only possible because the F.A.'s professional conduct was governed by the Financial Services Commission of the locality where he exercised his business. This is the type of information that you need to disclose if you wish to reassure potential investors that you know your trade and compensation can be made available if you are negligent.

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mranderson says on May 17, 2009, 08:09:

"Shit, rumour has it, that Mnanderson , that king of PBH tycoons, actually bought a second beer, while out on the town last week-end."

Not only did I buy a 2nd drink (coke in this case) but I also ordered a meal. Now if you´ll excuse me, I have to go check my finances.

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roloenNJ says on May 17, 2009, 08:13:

Please post an Account # and routing # I will send you my money in the next couple of days.

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sloopskipper says on May 17, 2009, 08:16:

Tax free?

"In terms of the taxation benefits of investing or incorporating in the Isle of Man, they are impressive and manifold. There are no capital gains taxes, turnover taxes or capital transfer taxes and there is no stamp duty. There is VAT and income tax however but the latter is levied at a maximum rate of 18% and the government are reducing this rate of tax all the time. The current lowest rate of tax has been reduced recently to just 10% and a plan is in place to remove the income tax burden on corporations to zero over the next four years."

http://www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/offshore/more/tax_havens_in_t...

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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RAAAY says on May 17, 2009, 09:07:

Gringoloid.........................you will notice from my first comment on this post that it's too late for you to back out now...............

.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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offshoreadvisor2009 says on May 17, 2009, 09:37:

All,
Again thanks for all of the interest and replies. Putting me in the same group of people that send e-mails from the Ivory Coast of Africa? That's pretty harsh! I'm as about as American as you can get, from a small town near San Francisco in northern California. If someone is interested in meeting with me and knowing me personally, talking about the 9'ers or the A's, or the best place to ski in Lake Tahoe, I'm game. In fact I already know some of your personally...
My post was meant to let the expat community know that they have a local contact here in Colombia if they wanted to begin investing and saving for their future. It was not to create a debate about the merits of investing offshore. You are all experts in GOOGLE and internet research, and can certainly form your own opinions.
I will be happy to share the name and website of my company, as well as a link to share a little more about investor protection. The last thing I want to do is defraud or SCAM anyone, not within my values. As far as full disclose, I totally agree. But here in a public forum? Not the correct place to share you personal info.

www.stjamesinternational.com is the brokerage I represent

http://www.gov.im/iomfinance/insurance/lifeassurance.xml This is from the Isle of Man government

Many offshore products are wrapped into life assurance policies to gain certain financial advantages.

Ahhh and one of the favorite companies I like to use, which has been in business for more than 170 years

http://www.generali-gi.com/

Thanks again, I look forward to PM's from anyone that is genuinely interested. I'm more than happy to meet with you here in Bogotá to discuss your questions further in person.

Best regards- William
(on my way back to the Africa jaja)

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Gator says on May 17, 2009, 10:10:

From the web site: www.stjamesinternational.com

St James International is a firm of Independent Offshore Investment Brokers and as such are not authorised to provide investment advice in the United Kingdom and only for persons resident outside the UK and the USA.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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sloopskipper says on May 17, 2009, 13:26:

I would certainly hope that a financial advisor/planner offering services in Colombia needs to be licensed/regulated by the bolsa, or some Colombian agency (except for David Murcia, of course).

After I moved to Puerto Rico, I was limited to the few Fidelity advisors who were licensed there. Of course, since I now live in Panamá there aren't any.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on May 17, 2009, 13:35:

From my experience with Generali as my insurer, I wouldn't want to trust them with anything more.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Bluesdude says on May 17, 2009, 16:20:

So, who do you know personally? I am from the Bay Area also. Maybe we know each other and some of the same people???

A guru once said, "the mind is like a drunken monkey." If that's true, then my mind is an orangutan on a binge

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christobeldawg says on May 17, 2009, 23:22:

uhoh, busted?

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

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curramberochris says on May 18, 2009, 11:39:

I am actually from the Isle of Man and we are forever being mentioned in the same breath as these "off shore havens". The IOM is in fact one of the most financially regulatyed places out there. The amount of heat we recieve from the UK/ EU is undeserved compared to the smaller more shady tax havens. Always a few places giving the rest a bad name.

I have seen some life insurance products here in Colombia from IOM companies- not sure how thta works.
I am sure that if you are wealthy enough to have wealth managers, you won't be searching for one on a backpacker website!!

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 18, 2009, 11:43:

damn, curramberochris.....that hurt! a "backpacker website"??? Ouch! jajajja

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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curramberochris says on May 18, 2009, 11:52:

you know what I mean!!! My point is that if you have the wealth to be seriously considering that type of service I imagine this won't be your first point of reference! I use this site and I am not a backpacker.

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tasco66 says on May 18, 2009, 11:53:

"I would certainly hope that a financial advisor/planner offering services in Colombia needs to be licensed/regulated by the bolsa, or some Colombian agency (except for David Murcia, of course)."

Good point sloop. UBS Switzerland thought they could sell their services in the US without being regulated. We know how that ended.

"All investments are guaranteed and backed by the British Government"

Since the British Government is near bankruptcy, I am not sure this a valid selling argument. In any case if you want to buy UK Treasury bonds (called Gilts), you do not need to pay an intermediary for that....

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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tasco66 says on May 18, 2009, 12:00:

"Why? People use this site as a point of reference for Colombia, why not for those services?"

I prefer to use e-mails I receive in my spam box "as a point of reference"...I just opened a totally secret bank account in Nigeria with a very nice gentleman called Mr. Amadou.

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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offshoreadvisor2009 says on May 18, 2009, 12:02:

In response to the questions about regulations, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey each have their own Governments and regulating bodies. Their websites are listed below. Regulations are similar if not more stringent than in the UK.

In regards to Offshore brokerages being regulated, they are neither regulated nor licensed.

In regards to investor privacy, the British Islands maintain strict investor confidence. They have and WILL share investor information with any Government that can show evidence that would stand up in a court of law that a client is involved in money laundering, drug trafficking or terrorism. If you want total secrecy look to Cayman or other well known money laundering centers.
Institutions in the British Isles are not havens for drug money, or for Tax evaders.

In regards to investor protection, the British Isles are the only AAA rated Offshore centers, and selected financial investments are protected by a 90% investor guarantee which is backed by the Government. Guarantee levels are currently $250,000 in the US; and maybe $50,000 in Colombia IF you can find anyone to actually confirm that ANY exists.

If anyone actually has money to invest and would like to learn more about the options that exist as an expatriate, feel free to PM me and we can discuss your personal goals.

http://www.gov.im/fsc/pvi/pvi_fr.html

http://www.gfsc.gg/

http://www.jerseyfsc.org/

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tasco66 says on May 18, 2009, 12:07:

What license do you have? Who is your regulator?

Are you licensed to sell your services in Colombia?

Why won't you answer these simple questions?

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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tasco66 says on May 18, 2009, 12:12:

This looks like some fly by night operation to me…

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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tasco66 says on May 18, 2009, 12:15:

"how about an office address and a office phone number ?

or even your name

better yet scan your business card and post it..."

This guy sounds as secret as his clients...

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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tasco66 says on May 18, 2009, 12:40:

This is taken from the web site:

"St James International have offices throughout the world.

If you have any kind of question or require assistance on anything, simply contact us in the manner you wish, by telephone, facsimile, post or e-mail. Our staff will endeavour to answer any queries you have as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

In order for us to provide you with details of the nearest St James International office to you, complete the 'Contact St James International form'.

Alternatively:
Write to: St. James International ( Administration Centre )
Local 8 Alta, Edificio Barclays
Guadalmina Alta, San Pedro de Alcantara 29670
Marbella, Malaga, Spain"


So we are told this a British company with offices throughout the world, but only one is listed on the web site in the well known financial center of Marbella.

This looks like a typical boiler room, and Spain (coincidence) is full of them….

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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sloopskipper says on May 18, 2009, 15:49:

offshoreadvisor2009 (newbie) says on May 18, 2009, 12:02 (today):

"In response to the questions about regulations, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey each have their own Governments and regulating bodies. Their websites are listed below. Regulations are similar if not more stringent than in the UK.

In regards to Offshore brokerages being regulated, they are neither regulated nor licensed."

"Regulations are similar . . . ", but " . . . . brokages are neither regulated nor licensed"?

Holy shit,

where do I sign?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on May 18, 2009, 15:55:

With no regulation it sounds as though, if we could spring them, Madoff & Murcia could work with you.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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tasco66 says on May 19, 2009, 03:51:

offshoreadvisor2009, you should contact Byron Kostner, he is what you guys call a “whale”. He will believe whatever you tell him, as long as you say Chavez sent you….

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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