New regulation pushing Western finance firms eastwards

The regulatory overhaul in western economies is accelerating moves by the
finance industry to do more business in Asia, according to a
survey of global business leaders released on Monday.
Executives questioned by international law firm Allen &
Overy (A&O) were mainly in favour of countries harmonising their
regulatory regimes.
However, the report said, national political interests
appeared to be trumping international co-ordination, meaning the
regulatory landscape was looking increasingly fragmented.
Alan Ewins, a regulation partner at A&O's Hong Kong office,
said the trend of finance moving to east from west began with
the financial crisis as firms seek better growth.
"One only needs to look at the pattern of job losses in
financial services in Europe and the hiring that is going on in
Asia to see that banks are reallocating their resources."
The report found 62 percent of executives surveyed wanted
more regulatory harmonisation, with the most support coming from
those in India, Singapore and Thailand. Some 65 percent of
executives in South Korea wanted less harmonisation.
LURE OF GROWTH
Asian countries have all signed up to the G20 group of
leading economies' commitments to regulatory change, including
tougher rules on bank capital and derivative trading.
The G20's regulatory task force, the Financial Stability
Board, launched its Asian consultative group of regulators and
central bankers from across the region on Monday.
The consultative group discussed the impact of the new
global framework that will impose capital surcharges on the
world's biggest banks, known as G-SIFIs, and the risk of
spillover into Asia of the euro zone debt crisis.
FSB Secretary General Svein Andresen said he was not aware
banks were moving operations to Asia for regulatory reasons.
"If they are doing so for regulatory reasons, it cannot be
because of the G-SIFI requirements, because those would apply to
these institutions wherever they are," Andresen told reporters.
"If financial institutions in other parts of the world are
moving operations or expanding operations in Asia, then no doubt
that has what to do with the fact that economic activity in the
region is high and high wealth is accumulating," Andresen said.
Asia fared relatively better during the financial crisis
than Europe and the United States, with governments not facing
the same political pressure for a complete rewriting of
regulatory rule books.
"While the west seems to be focused on constraining business
through regulation, the east is doing all it can to harness the
potential of business to fuel growth. The competition between
markets to attract business is only going to intensify," Ewins
said.
While financial institutions may be keen to shift more
resources over to Asia, the survey found China was seen as the
toughest market to enter, with 20 percent of respondents naming
it ahead of the United states which had 18 percent.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/1-regulation-pushing-western-finance-firms-eastwards-131823376.html

Business buy-in / takeover in Singapore. Security Firm

Business buy-in / takeover in Singapore. Security Firm

Singapore Security and Investigation Firm

Local licenced security and investigation firm
Over 20 years in the market
Existing projects and contracts with firms ranging from SME to MNC (residential to commercial properties)
Estimated Turnover per year SGD 600k.
Owner retiring, Asking only SGD40k. Serious buyer please contact 90293036.

Setting up Singapore registered company

Corporate Secretarial Services provided

Range of services include,

• Incorporation of Singapore Company
• Provision of Nominee Residential Director
• Provision of Nominee Shareholder
• Provision of Registered Address
• Opening of Bank Account
• Accounting Services
• Tax Planning
• Application of Employment Pass/EntrePass/PR

BELIZE: INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES BILL, 2011

INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES BILL, 2011

AN OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

1.      Conceptually, a Limited Liability Company or an LLC is a hybrid between two familiar business structures, namely, a corporation and a partnership.  An LLC combines the best of both worlds by offering the advantage of both a corporation and a partnership without the disadvantages of either form.

2.      A normal corporate structure while avoiding unlimited personal liability of shareholders, leads to multilevel taxation of the earnings of the corporation as several countries tax corporate income at both the corporate level and the shareholder level (when the income is distributed to the owners of the company).  A limited liability partnership avoids multiple taxation but it does require unlimited liability exposure of at least one general partner. Such exposure to risk is too great for an individual to assume and thus limits the usefulness of partnerships.

3.      An LLC, on the other hand, has distinct advantages over both a corporation and a partnership in that it not only avoids multiple level taxation, it also limits the liability of its members to the extent of the contributions made by them to the Company.  No member of an LLC has personal liability for the debts of the LLC except where there are personal guarantees or other special arrangements. Moreover, LLC members, unless restricted by agreement, fully participate in the management of the LLC, while limited partners in a limited partnership may not participate in the management of the enterprise without risking the loss of their limited liability status.

4.      Legal entities similar to LLC have long existed in civil law jurisdictions, for example, the French societe responsibilite limtiee (SARL) and the German Gesellschaft mit beschrenkter Haftung (GmbH). In common law jurisdictions, however, they are relatively recent legal phenomena.  The first common law jurisdiction to enact LLC legislation was the State of Wyoming in 1977.  Since then, most States in the US have enacted some form of LLC law.  The LLC has quickly become popular because of the combination of direct management and limited liability characteristics.  Under the new United States Internal Revenue Regulations, properly established LLC’s are now treated as tax transparent entities for federal tax purposes unless the owners of the LLC specifically opt to be treated as a corporation.  This allows the LLC to freely distribute its profits to members without incurring federal corporate tax.

5.      Innovative draftsmen in international financial services (or offshore) jurisdictions have further enhanced the benefits of the original US LLC design.  Most of the international financial centers (IFCs) have enacted LLC laws to attract US customers.

THE BELIZE BILL

6.      The Belize International Limited Liability Companies Bill, 2011 (“the Bill”) is modelled on the Nevis LLC law of 1995 and the Cook Islands LLC Act of 2008.  It is designed to give statutory certainty on some of the key issues of concern to US attorneys using domestic LLCs.  The Bill introduces several unique asset protection features consistent with the importance of this industry in the international market place.  It is an ideal tax planning and asset protection tool and would be a useful addition to Belize’s offshore industry infrastructure.

SALIENT FEATURES

7.      The Bill provides a broad foundation to structure an LLC according to its own rules, rather than being dictated by statute.  The operating agreement may contain any provision for the conduct of business that is not contrary to law and relates to the business of the company and the conduct of its affairs. (Cl. 52).

8.      An LLC shall be a legal entity with separate rights and liabilities distinct from its members and managers.  (Cl. 14).  No manager, officer, member or employee of an LLC shall be liable for the debts, obligations or liabilities of the LLC unless he has assumed such liability by written contract.  (Cl. 33).

9.      The Bill contains certain special asset protection features.  Like most LLC jurisdictions, a creditor of a member is permitted to apply for a charging order against a member’s interest. (Cl. 36).  To the extent so charged, the judgment creditor shall only have the rights of an assignee of the member’s interest and shall have no right to partake in the management of the company.  The Bill further provides that the charging order remedy shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to a judgment creditor or other creditor of a member.  (Cl. 36).

10.    The Bill provides that only the judgments delivered by a court in Belize shall be enforceable against an LLC or any manager or member thereof.  This would, of course, include judgments rendered in appellate courts not located in Belize but which relate to actions commenced in a court in Belize. (Cl. 38).

11.    An assignee of a member’s interest shall in no event have any right to interfere or enquire into the management or administration of the company, or to become a substituted member except as may otherwise be provided in the operating agreement.  An assignee shall only have the right to receive distributions attributable to a member’s interest in the LLC.  (Cl. 57).

12.    LLC’s from other jurisdictions may transfer their domicile to Belize       (Part XI) and Belize LLCs may move to another jurisdiction (Part XII).  However, by redomiciliation, LLCs would not be able to escape existing corporate debts.  The Bill specifically provides that the transfer of domicile of any foreign LLC to Belize or of a Belize LLC to a foreign jurisdiction shall not affect any obligations or liabilities incurred prior to redomiciliation.   (Cls. 88 and 93).

13.    The Bill is confined to international LLCs and, as such, only non-residents would be able to form LLCs.  (Cl. 14).  There are also restrictions on doing business in Belize.  (Cl. 15).

 14.   The Bill exempts LLCs from taxes, duties and exchange control in Belize except that an instrument relating to a transfer of property situate in Belize, including any shares in a local company, shall not be exempt from stamp duty.        (Cl. 94). 

15.    The Bill contains the usual confidentiality provisions.  All proceedings, other than criminal proceedings, relating to LLCs shall be held in camera and information may be divulged only in limited circumstances.  There are penalties for unauthorised disclosure.  (Cl. 96).

16.    Every LLC shall at all times have a registered agent resident in Belize      (Cl. 27).  Any person licensed by the IFSC to provide company formation and management services would be eligible to act as a registered agent for LLCs.  (Cl. 2).

17.    There is no requirement in the Bill for an LLC to prepare annual accounts or to appoint an auditor.  However, a simple annual return in the form to be specified by Regulations would be lodged with the Registrar setting out the name of the LLC and the address of the registered agent.  (Cl. 104).

CONCLUSION

18.    On the whole, the Bill provides a comprehensive but not cumbersome framework for the establishment and operation of LLCs.  A Belize LLC would be ideally suited for those needing a flexible business entity with strong asset protection features, that can accommodate personal organisational requirements, achieve the least imposition of tax in the jurisdiction where business is conducted, and provide statutory limited liability to the owners.  Along with international trusts and international foundations, it will make Belize a jurisdiction of choice as providing a variety of attractive vehicles for tax planning and asset protection.

Office of the International Financial Services Commission

29^th August 2011

About us

http://www.streetdirectory.com/businessfinder/company_detail.php?companyid=127930&branchid=10858

Promoting Education in Singapore

Getting an Education in Singapore

By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.

We can help students seeking a creditable and recognized education in Singapore. Presently we have representation in Shenzhen and Vietnam.

For further information, contact us via blog, email bernard@grobartigerhafen.org, FB using email or call +65 90293036.

Opportunities in India

Looking for business ,investments or work opportunities in India, let us assist you.


You can contact us at bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Berhad with Singapore bank account for sale

We have a few Berhad with Singapore bank account for sale.
Interested please email bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Accounts Clerk

Looking for accounts data entry clerk. Full/Part-time. Call 90293036 for more details.

Getting an Education in Singapore

By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.

We can help students seeking a creditable and recognized education in Singapore. Presently we have representation in Shenzhen and Vietnam.

For further information, contact us via blog, email bernard@grobartigerhafen.org, FB using email or +65 90293036.

Delaware Corporation & LLC

Our Delaware office offers:

1. Incorporation of Delaware Corporation & LLC

2. Provide Registered Agent Services

3. Filing of Documents

4. Application of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Employer Identification Number (EIN)

5. Opening of Bank Account in Delaware

 

 

For further details,email bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Business buy-in / takeover in Singapore. Security Firm

Business buy-in / takeover in Singapore. Security Firm

Singapore Security and Investigation Firm

Local licenced security and investigation firm
Over 20 years in the market
Existing projects and contracts with firms ranging from SME to MNC (residential to commercial properties)
Estimated Turnover per year SGD 600k.



For more info contact bernard@grobartigerhafen.org or 65-90293036

Major Exporter Scheme (MES) - Singapore

Major Exporter Scheme (MES) is designed to ease the cash flow of businesses that import and export goods substantially.
Under normal rules, the businesses have to pay GST upfront on importation and subsequently obtain a refund from IRAS after submission of their GST returns. This can create cash flow problems for businesses that export goods substantially as no GST is collected from the zero-rated supplies to set-off their initial cash outflow on importation.
If you are under the MES, you can import non-dutiable goods with GST suspended. With effect from 1 Jul 2006, you can also enjoy GST suspension on goods removed from a Zero GST warehouse.


For more information contact us via blog or bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Singapore tops the World Bank Ease of Doing Business report for the fifth year

Singapore tops the World Bank Ease of Doing Business report for the fifth consecutive year. Various public agencies including ACRA played a part to make Singapore the easiest place to do business.

The Doing Business 2011 ranks 183 countries on how they do in 9 areas including Starting a Business. For 2010, Singapore’s rank under two indicators, Starting a Business and Closing a Business, held steady at the 4th and 2nd positions respectively.

Business buy-in / takeover in Singapore. Security Firm

Singapore Security and Investigation Firm

Local licenced security and investigation firm
Over 20 years in the market
Existing projects and contracts with firms ranging from SME to MNC (residential to commercial properties)
Estimated Turnover per year SGD 600k.



For more info contact bernard@grobartigerhafen.org or 65-90293036

Accounts & Admin Assistant Wanted.

Singapore
Looking for Accounts & Admin Assistant (IMMEDIATE)
Contract position.
Central area.
Experience with Quickbook an advantage.
Salary SGD1500 per mth
Interested candidates please email bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Warehouse staff (Male). URGENT.

Singapore
Client looking for Warehouse staff (Male). URGENT.
Permanent position. West area.
Experience required with forklift license.
Call 90293036.

Job Opportunities in Singapore

Singapore
Client looking for Accounts cum Administrative Assistant
Permanent position.
Town Area (Near City Hall MRT)
Experience an advantage.
Salary expected SGD1400-1600
Interested candidates in this position or other openings, please email bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Singapore Budget 2011

For your reading.

http://app.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2011/default.aspx

Singapore Budget 2011

For your reading.

http://app.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2011/default.aspx

Looking for property investment in Singapore? Contact us now.

Singapore Q4 office rents climb 12.2%

Singapore saw a 12.2 percent growth in rents in the fourth quarter of 2010, while rents in Shanghai and Beijing also continued to rise.
The Asian office market continued to take advantage of the improved business sentiment in Q4, as Asian corporations expanded to capture a larger market share and multinational firms focused on growth markets in the region, said CB Richard Ellis (CBRE).
In 2010, the aggregate net absorption of prime office space in 16 key Asian cities more than doubled the level seen in 2009 and reached levels not seen since the 2007 global financial crisis, said CBRE in its Q4 2010 Asia MarketView report.
"Although there were signs that Asian economic growth was slowing towards the end of the year, office demand remained strong in the fourth quarter of 2010," said John Falkiner, Managing Director of Transactions for Asia at CBRE.
"The period saw a steady flow of pre-commitments to new development schemes and cities including Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Mumbai and New Delhi reported a number of large leasing deals involving premises of over 100,000 sf."
Asia's overall vacancy rate further fell by 50 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 11.3 percent. Grade A space in CBD areas saw strong demand with vacancy rates in Singapore, Hong Kong and New Delhi dropping to levels below or at three percent.
Overall, Asian office rents jumped 3.9 percent quarter-on-qaurter in Q4 2010 and 9.6 percent for the whole year, as cities in Singapore and Greater China continued to see strong demand for prime leased office premises.
Singapore rents surged 12.2 percent in Q4, while Hong Kong rental growth slowed to 6.6 percent quarter-on-quarter, from the 10.9 percent quarter-on-quarter growth seen in Q3.
Meanwhile, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul saw declines in prime office rents ranging from 0.2 percent in Seoul to 4.5 percent in Hanoi.

Singapore raises 2011 inflation rate forecast

FOR YOUR READING.

Singapore on Thursday raised its inflation forecast for this year, a move analysts said could soon be followed by an interest rate hike by the central bank.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announcement came as it also said the city-state's economy grew at a slightly slower rate last year than originally thought.
The ministry said inflation would likely hit 3.0-4.0 percent in 2011, up from its previous prediction of 2.0-3.0 percent.
It forecast prices to rise 5.0-6.0 percent in the first few months of the year before moderating in the second half.
"Given the raised inflation outlook, be warned... that the central bank may tighten its monetary policy further in April," said CIMB regional economist Song Seng Wun.
Several Asian economies have recently raised interest rates in response to escalating inflation, largely driven by higher food and energy prices.
The World Bank said Tuesday that rising food prices have pushed about 44 million people into poverty in developing countries since June.
China, which this month hike rates for the third time in four months, said Tuesday inflation hit 4.9 percent last month, running close to a two-year high and sparking renewed speculation of more monetary tightening from Beijing.
South Korea, Australia and Taiwan have also been forced to increase lending rates as central banks try to be vigilant in the face of strong economic growth following the global downturn.
MTI also Thursday that Singapore's economy grew 14.5 percent in 2010, a little slower than the the 14.7 percent figure given in January, which was based on preliminary estimates.
It retained its earlier projection of 4.0-6.0 percent growth this year.
The ministry also upgraded its total trade growth forecasts for 2011 to 8.0-10.0 percent from 6.0-8.0 percent.

Buy-in or Takeover Business

Singapore Security and Investigation Firm

Local licenced security and investigation firm
Over 20 years in the market
Existing projects and contracts with firms ranging from SME to MNC (residential to commercial properties)
Estimated Turnover per year SGD 600k.



For more info contact bernard@grobartigerhafen.org or 65-90293036

Singapore tops the World Bank Ease of Doing Business

Singapore tops the World Bank Ease of Doing Business report for the fifth consecutive year. Various public agencies including ACRA played a part to make Singapore the easiest place to do business.

The Doing Business 2011 ranks 183 countries on how they do in 9 areas including Starting a Business. For 2010, Singapore’s rank under two indicators, Starting a Business and Closing a Business, held steady at the 4th and 2nd positions respectively. 
[ACRA]

Withholding tax - Non-resident director

For tax purposes, a non-resident director is:

• a member of the board of directors (board director) of a company incorporated in Singapore and
•  physically present in Singapore for less than 183 days in the year preceding the Year of Assessment.

If payment of income is made to the individual in his capacity as a non-resident Director sitting on the board of directors of a company incorporated in Singapore, the employer is required to file Form IR37 and withhold tax at the non-resident rate of 20% from the Year of Assessment 2005. It does not matter where the board meeting is held or that he was physically not working in Singapore. For tax purposes, the Board Director will be treated as a non-resident if he is physically present in S'pore for less than 183 days in a calendar year.

Executive director

For tax purposes, an executive director :

• holds the job title of director e.g. marketing director or managing director and
• is involved in the daily running of the business operations

 If payment of income is made to him as an executive director exercising an employment in S'pore, he has to report his employment income in an annual tax form. The income would be exempt from tax for employment exercised for not more than 60 days in the calendar year. If the employment is for more than 60 days but less than 183 days in a calendar year, he would be regarded as a non-resident for tax purposes and his income would be assessed at a flat rate of 15% or resident rate, whichever is higher. The executive Director will be regarded as a tax resident if his employment period / physical presence meets at least 183 days in a calendar year. As a tax resident, his income will be taxed at graduated rates and personal reliefs granted to him.

For further information on withholding tax issues, contact as via blog or at bernard@grobartigerhafen.org

Services we provide

Corporate Secretarial Services

Range of services include,

• Incorporation of Companies
• Provision of Nominee Residential Director
• Provision of Nominee Shareholder
• Provision of Registered Address
• Opening of Bank Account
• Accounting Services
• Tax Planning
• Application of Employment Pass/EntrePass

New Company Startup in SIngapore

Tax exemption scheme for new start-up companies in Singapore

Under this scheme, a newly incorporated company that satisfies can claim for full tax exemption on the first $100,000 of normal chargeable income (excluding Singapore franked dividends) for each of its first three consecutive YAs.
A further 50% exemption is given on the next $200,000 of the normal chargeable income (excluding Singapore franked dividends), also for each of the first three consecutive YAs.

To qualify for the tax exemption for new start-up companies, your company must:
a) be incorporated in Singapore (other than a company limited by guarantee);
b) be a tax resident in Singapore for that YA;
c) have no more than 20 shareholders throughout the basis period for that YA where:
i) all of the shareholders are individuals beneficially and directly holding the shares in their own names; OR

ii) at least one shareholder is an individual beneficially and directly holding at least 10% of the issued ordinary shares of the company.


For more infomation contact us at bernard@grobartigerhafen.org or 65-90293036