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Introduction
The
history of alternative investment is the record
of an evolutionary fight between high-taxing 'control-freak'
governments on the one hand, and 'free-wheeling'
tax havens and their patrons on the other.
The
20th century saw an unprecedented rise in the
level of taxation in all major developed countries,
and a concomitant surge in the efforts made by
their wealthier citizens to escape from the burden
of excessive taxation, usually in the direction
of warm islands with little or no taxation.
The
high-tax countries replied with ever-tightening
anti-avoidance taxation measures - and the battle
continues. Attacks on the offshore jurisdictions
in the last few years co-ordinated between the
EU, the OECD and the G7 - partly explained away
as a response to the obvious need to control money-laundering
- show that the high-tax countries fear they are
losing the battle, despite record levels of revenue
from taxation.
The
record levels of revenue allow them to impose
record levels of control, always of course in
the very best interests of their poor, victimised,
helpless citizens. The control manifests itself
in many ways, not least in bureaucratic efforts
to protect people from their own, human natures.
Almost all high-tax countries have in place extensive
webs of controls on investment, aimed at insulating
investors from loss, which at the same time fortuitously
prevent them from enjoying the benefits of tax-free
offshore investment.
The
InvestorsOffshore.com guide to the Regulation
of Alternative Investment will examine the regulatory
regimes in key high-taxing countries from the
standpoint of an individual wishing to make offshore
investments. What is allowed? What is not allowed?
What techniques can an investor employ to maximise
returns from offshore investment while remaining
a law-abiding citizen of his or her onshore or
offshore jurisdiction?
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