The use of a corporate offshore vehicle as a means of expanding one's vision and operating range is not novel. No longer can a domestic company satisfy the needs of the global investor. Corporate structuring and planning now reach higher levels of complexity than ever before while the need for anonymity remains paramount.
Sophisticated entrepreneurs are now constantly on the look out for new ways to profit.
It is thereby imperative to have a full understanding of how offshore companies can be deployed so as to achieve cutting edge advantages and opportunities conducive to maximising profits, reducing taxes and protecting assets in a sue-happy environment. Offshore corporations are used outside of the place of original incorporation for myriad activities including trade financing, upstreaming profits, holding assets, procurement of raw materials and tax minimisation. These entitities can also serve to isolate activities, assets or profits for tax, accounting or liability reasons. Where assets are difficult or expensive to transfer, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights, it is sometimes feasible to have such assets held by distinct companies allowing the individual to transfer the shares in the corporation rather than the asset itself. An offshore company, recognized as an alien national, may confer a trade advantage or may help avoid a disadvantage.