Business Magazine Mauritius caught up with Ocorian CEO, Stuart Layzell to discuss our operations on the African continent.

Wealthy families in the UAE now have local solutions for managing their wealth, assets and succession plans.

The first in a series of Ocorian Forums revealed the strength of Mauritius' role as a major partner to the UK and EU in facilitating economic growth in Africa.

Dublin is currently playing host to aviation week, welcoming well over 4000 delegates across the Airline Economics and Airfinance Journal conferences.

It will soon be possible to license and promote a domestic fund that is regulated under one jurisdiction, across the UAE. Kathryn Miller explores the benefits...

The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg has introduced a Beneficial Owners Register, the Registre des Beneficiaires Effectifs ("RBE").

With a number of high profile airlines defaulting on loans and falling into liquidation, restructuring activity in securitisations is continuing to increase across the aviation financing industry.

Despite lobbying from the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) amongst others, HMT have recently confirmed that no concessions will be granted to general partner (GP) vehicles in respect of the legislative amendments to UK corporation tax.

In another move to augment Dubai as a financial centre of choice, it has revealed plans to triple the size of the existing Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) free zone and allocate a record budget for expenditures.

We spoke to Deepesh Patel, a writer at Trade Finance Global, a leading global firm specialising in trade and receivables finance, about some of 2018's key events impacting future trade on the African continent.

In a bid to attract further US investment and enhance Jersey's pan-Atlantic relationship with the US, Jersey's new Limited Liability Company (LLC) Law will enable investors to establish LLCs on the Island for the first time.

On 7th November 2018 the UK Government published the UK Finance (No 3) Bill (the "Bill") which contained details of the upcoming changes to the charging of Capital Gains Tax ("CGT") to Non-UK-Residents upon the disposal of either directly held UK Real Estate or the shares in "UK-property rich" companies.

As part of their international financing structures, entities such as banks, commercial ship owners, fund managers, commercial ship managers and joint ventures, often choose to use offshore arrangements for administering and holding their maritime investments.

Kenny Curpen, Director of Private Client at Ocorian Mauritius debriefs on his presentation focussing on wealth preservation and transmission at the SEIP Conference in Côte d’Ivoire last month.

In a bid to engineer a more attractive investment environment, the UAE Cabinet has approved a long-term visa system for a range of disciplines including investors and entrepreneurs and has provided the criteria that need to be met for in order to qualify.

Following the recent introduction of Ocorian's Facility Agency capabilities to accompany our existing suite of corporate trust products, Ocorian's Director of Transaction Management, Chris Wilson, examines the key elements of the role in the evolving loan market.

It is now increasingly easier and affordable to own real estate within the Emirate of Dubai...

The Decree Law no.19 of 2018 (or FDI Law) will change the business landscape within the UAE, catalysing Foreign Direct Ownership (FDI) within the country.

In March 2018 the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) introduced the Foundations Law DIFC Law No. 3 of 2018, for the establishment of foundations in the DIFC.

There are an ever increasing number of Family Offices being set up by wealthy families. Below we take a quick look at some of the main reasons these offices are being set up...

As a renewed 'scramble for Africa' sees foreign investment pouring into the continent from governments and businesses across the world, Mauritius' role as an International Finance Centre is becoming integral for entities wishing to invest in the continent.

As a result of it being a federal requirement to have at least 51% of the shares of a company held by a UAE national, free zones were established in order to attract foreign businesses to the region wishing to have full control of their business.

In an effort to decrease their dependence on developed countries, numerous African nations are employing a strategy of 'Import Substitution Industrialisation' (ISI) to increase their self-sufficiency in the manufacturing industry and stimulate domestic production.

As trade tensions and security issues continue to stunt corporate growth within the developed world, increasing amounts of foreign investors are looking towards the UAE as a destination in which to conduct business.

Following Prestel and Partners' Family Office Forum in London, Richard Joynt explores the key themes discussed surrounding intergenerational conflict when wealth is transferred within wealthy families.

Those with Cayman domiciled investment vehicles need to act now to ensure they are compliant with recent changes to the Cayman Islands' Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regime.

Following the recent ABS East Conference in Florida, Ocorian's Associate Director of Product Development, Sinead McIntosh, highlights the salient points impacting the burgeoning US asset-backed securities industry.

As the UK government and business leaders continue to face uncertainty over Brexit and pursue a 'Global Britain' vision, Africa is finding increased favour as a destination for UK investment.

As the UK Government continues to grapple with the EU over a suitable deal for both parties, Ocorian's Richard Hansford explores how the asset management industry is dealing with being in Brexit limbo.

Following the Dutch Parliament's approval of a revised Dutch Trust Offices Supervision Act 2018, the integrity procedures of trust offices will come under increased scrutiny from the Dutch Central Bank...

With a growing spectrum of clientele hailing from a diverse array of backgrounds, Family Office professionals need to engender a greater degree of cultural sensitivity.

Following Trump's H.R.1. legislation, which is considered to be the most significant overhaul of the US tax system in the past 30 years, Delaware faces stiff competition from the Cayman Islands as the primary domicile of choice for closed-ended investment funds.

Over the last year, George Wingrove, third year Business Management & Marketing student at Nottingham Trent, has been employed as our Marketing Assistant in the London office.

Microsoft Excel's prevalence within the asset management industry could be on the slide, and so could the fund administrators who continue to use it instead of specialist fund accounting technology.

Ocorian's Director of Transaction Management, Chris Wilson, addresses the question of why transaction parties may require the services of an escrow agent.

As Family Offices continue to evolve, the private wealth industry is coming up with innovative ways to mitigate the risk of conflict escalating into major issues.

People are now questioning whether the cyclical nature of aircraft leasing has in fact been redefined...

When it comes to corporate financial administration, the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) tends to be left alone. Research happens, it gets set up, and then it is rarely reviewed for suitability yet left in place for years and years, only to be changed if something horrible happens.

Real estate investment comes with inherent risks, and any director who sits on a board that owns or runs an asset must be aware of these risks or face the consequences.

It may soon be a legal requirement for every corporate and other legal entity in Ireland to make the identity of their true owner accessible to the public.

Ocorian's Director in Real Estate Nick Terry, evaluates HMRC's official response to consultations with industry bodies regarding taxing Capital Gains made by non-UK resident investors in UK Real Estate.

Following July's International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) Family Office seminar, Ocorian's Family Office expert and opening session moderator Richard Joynt, explores why Family Offices are experiencing a surge in popularity.

In the pursuit of operational excellence, an increasing number of investors and asset managers are engaging with specialist third parties to install oversight and control of their fund administration and accounting tasks. Ocorian's Richard Hansford explores why and where this technological expertise is helping CFOs to ring the changes.

A qualified chartered surveyor with almost 20 years’ experience in the industry, Ocorian Client Director for Real Estate Nick Terry looks at the reasons why some choose to invest in real estate.

Following Ocorian's attendance at the Irish ProShare Association's (IPSA) Employee Share Ownership Day (ESOD) and Awards evening at the Google Ireland headquarters, Elaine Kennedy stresses the importance of share ownership plans within small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and how they can be vital in attracting and retaining key talent.

Amid a restless regulatory environment, Ocorian's Richard Hansford attended the CFO Forum in Lisbon this month to gauge how the role of the CFO is evolving and how outsourcing can ease their increasing burden.

With the launch of Ocorian’s new corporate trust services, Alan Booth - MD of Ocorian UK, reveals why we’ve moved into the area.

In selecting a fund administrator, two key factors dominate above all else: reputation and relevant expertise.

How do fund managers choose the jurisdiction for their funds and investment structures? And why does Luxembourg remain so popular?

In our recent study, 1 in 4 fund managers highlighted an increased need to outsource fund administration to focus on core competences.

Cultural awareness is recommended whenever you’re doing business outside of your home country - even small things can make a big difference to your relationships - but when it comes to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, knowing the culture is essential if you want to continue to thrive, explains Ocorian's Brian Carey.

According to our research, 70% of fund managers believe that smart technology will play an increasingly significant role in all areas of fund management and administration.

Ahead of speaking at this week's Investment Property Forum event in London, Ocorian's Simon Burgess, Head of Global Alternative Investments, discusses the future of real estate investment held offshore.

Increased regulatory pressure coupled with political uncertainty in the form of Brexit is prompting a review of operations and an uplift in jurisdictional shift.

In our new briefing paper, ‘The future of Private Equity and Real Estate funds administration' we review the current challenges and opportunities facing the administration of PE and RE funds and look ahead to future developments.

With the timing of the Transitional deal agreed, Richard Hansford, Ocorian’s Director for Alternative Investments, says the UK funds market is still open for business.

The ever-present Brexit juggernaut continues to roll on. Richard Hansford, Ocorian’s Director for Alternative Investments, ponders the impact of the transitional period on the private equity and real estate markets.

South Africa might be the most developed economy in Africa, but it faces a lot of well-documented issues. Ahead of the STEP South Africa conference, Ocorian’s Global Head of Private Client - and native South African - Grant Barbour looks at how wealthy South Africans are handling the volatility.

While Europe celebrates another step forward with the Capital Markets Union, London is left wondering exactly how it can fit in post-Brexit. As Managing Director of Ocorian UK, Alan Booth brings us up to speed on developments.

All families are different and so too are their requirements when managing their family wealth. As a family extends – be it generationally, geographically or both – its needs and wants of a family office will evolve and change, as Ocorian’s Richard Joynt explains.

Reflecting on last week’s successful MIPIM conference in Cannes, Ocorian’s Global Head of Alternative Investments - Simon Burgess - shares his insights and highlights.

In the past, high net worth families have often established their family offices in their home jurisdiction but those habits are changing. A more geographically dispersed family network and differing priorities across generations are leading to a more global outlook when it comes to locating their family office, as Ocorian’s Richard Joynt explains.

An increasing number of families are looking to Family Offices to help manage and protect their wealth. However not all Family Offices are the same with different types of office delivering everything from straightforward life administration to complex investment and asset management. Ocorian’s Richard Joynt and Amy Collins examine the options.

Family investment companies are fast becoming a popular alternative to trusts in wealth and succession planning, but what are the benefits and when should they be considered? Ocorian's Amy Collins compares the options.

Rudy Tan, Managing Director at Singapore Trust Company, a subsidiary of Ocorian, and Vice-President of the Singapore Trustees Association, provides his thoughts on what’s happening to the trustee industry.

Following last week’s Budget announcement, institutional investors in UK real estate could now face a capital gains tax levy on the disposal of all types of property – not just domestic.

New regulations mean wealth creation is becoming less of a priority for Asian families. Instead, they are turning to simple wealth preservation to protect the future, writes Rudy Tan, Managing Director at Singapore Trust Company, a subsidiary of Ocorian.

As a leading market in aviation finance, Ireland has seen unprecedented growth in recent years - but is this growth sustainable and what impact will forthcoming changes have for those looking to maximise a high yield of return?

Reliable fund administration is key to a successful investment platform. The growth in private equity, real estate and infrastructure investment managers opting to outsource their back-office fund administration continues to gather pace.

As David Davis starts UK Brexit negotiations in Brussels this week with a "positive and constructive" state of mind, despite the General Election result, ESMA continues to push back, turning its attention to the topic of "Substance".

Private Equity and Real Estate Fund Managers with operations in the UK are faced with the prospect of having to change their current operating models to protect their businesses in the face of Brexit, whether hard or soft.

UK Government issues call for evidence on beneficial ownership register of non-UK ownership of UK property

With the constant onslaught of compliance requirements and regulation from various local, national and international bodies and governments all over the world, the theme of substance remains a key topic of discussion in the alternative investment industry.

Many regulatory bodies and industry associations have highlighted, and continue to highlight the importance of cyber security. From the SEC in the US to the BVCA in the UK, the threat posed by cyber risks are real and can have a significant impact on companies operating in the alternative investment space.

It is safe to say that the competition for capital in the real estate and private equity industry is as competitive as it has ever been. With an ever-growing list of funds on the road seeking new capital; performance opens the door, but to win capital from new investor's organisations must demonstrate why investors should allocate their capital to them.

Over the last number of years, in particular since the global financial crisis, the role of the CFO at real estate and private equity asset management firms has evolved. The CFO's of today are not only responsible for tactically handling the day-to-day issues regarding crunching the numbers or managing third party service providers

The development of the Real Estate and Private Equity industry in recent years, coupled with an ever-evolving regulatory landscape and an investor base typically spanning multiple jurisdictions, has resulted in many firms adopting a more complex investment structure in order to limit the liability of the investor base, manage risk and mitigate tax leakage. As a result, this is putting a greater amount of pressure on new and evolving operating models.