FAQ's

For many clients going offshore holds no fears; for others the questions are myriad. Here we hope to allay some of the fears of the less seasoned offshore client:-

1. Q. What are the advantages to me of going offshore?
   A. See "Advantages of Offshore".
2. In what jurisdiction should I establish my company or settle my trust?
   A. See "Choosing a Jurisdiction".
3. Q. How do I know that my money / assets will be safe?
   A. See "Peace of Mind" and "Offshore Banking".
4. Q. How long will it take to get a bank account for my company / trust?
   A. Where AIL directors are involved and subject to full due diligence being received, a bank account should be open within two weeks. Where a client supplies their own directors this may be extended to three or four weeks. Trust accounts generally take two to three weeks to open. These timescales are, however, indicative as we are subject to the individual bank's internal procedures.
5. Q. Can I have a debit or a credit card on the company account?
   A. Where AIL directors are involved this will be subject to their discretion and a limit set accordingly. Where a client provides their own directors this will be at their own discretion. (Please see Offshore Banking).
6. Q. What will my yearly costs be?
   A. AIL's fees are set out under Companies or Trust pricing. Those fees marked with an asterisk are annually recurring fees while those not asterisked are one-off costs.
7. Q. What are the recurring costs?
   A. On the anniversary date of the incorporation (or acquisition) of your company or the establishment of your trust, you will be billed the associated costs. These will include the provision of directors, secretary(ies), nominee shareholders and registered office / agent (if applicable), government exemption charges and other associated costs.
8. Q. Why do you levy a charge for opening bank accounts?
   A. In accordance with Anti - Money Laundering legislation in the Isle of Man we are required to provide substantial detail to the bank with regard to both AIL and the beneficial owners of companies / settlors of trusts. This takes time and effort and therefore we must charge accordingly.
9. Q. What information about my company / trust is in the public domain?
   A. This will depend on the jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions there are minimal reporting requirements while in others there are quite onerous requirements. Please refer to our Statutory Requirements page.
10. Q. Does AIL establish offshore banks or insurance companies?
    A. Due to Isle of Man legislation AIL does not get involved in the establishment of offshore banks or insurance companies.
11. Q. Where can I go for tax advice?
    A. AIL does not give tax advice although their consultants may have many years experience in numerous countries' tax regimes. We recommend that you seek independent tax advice before asking AIL to assist you in your offshore requirements.
12. Q. I am concerned about confidentiality.
    A. Don't be. Neither AIL or the banks or other companies with which we deal will disclose any information about you or your company or trust, unless compelled to do so by relevant legislation or directed to do so by court order or if serious concerns arise regarding the company in relation to arms dealing, money laundering, gun running or drugs dealing.
    

Fees

AIL believe that their fees are competitive. In accordance with their philosophy of "taking the mystique out of offshore" we quote all our fees upfront and resist the temptation of "hidden extras".

We constantly monitor our competitors' fees and aim to provide the most price competitive service consistent with our stated aim of providing value at a reasonable cost. Our investment in staff training and IT infrastructure means, we at AIL, are constantly updating our commitment to the offshore industry.