31 August 2012

SFO: Three jailed for £10 million fraud on Majorca ex-pats


Two men and a woman were sentenced today to prison terms of up to nine years for their roles in an investment fraud conducted against expatriates in Majorca. Around £10 million was entrusted for claimed high return growth on the US stock market but none of it was invested. Instead much of it paid for the fraudsters' lavish spending. Confiscation/compensation proceedings are to follow.

Sentencing details:

  • Nine years' imprisonment for John Hirst, 61, of West Yorkshire.
  • Six and a half years' for Richard Pollet, 70, of Dorset.
  • Two and a half years' for Linda Hirst, 64, of Surrey. 

Background

Gilher Inc, registered in the Seychelles, and with its bank accounts in Cyprus, was a company set up by John Hirst. It was supposedly an investment business but its purpose from the start was to defraud investors. These were mostly from the British expatriate community in Majorca but residents in the UK were also drawn into the scam. The fraud relied very much on introductions where members of the same club, family or circle of friends were brought into contact with Gilher Inc and exposed to its promotional hype. The crimes prosecuted occurred between 2001 and 2009.

John Hirst was previously an insurance and pensions advisor working in the UK. He and Linda Hirst (then Linda Waite) moved to Majorca in the early 2000s where they rented a flat and he worked as a labourer. They had been unsuccessful with some earlier business enterprises they started in the UK and had accumulated debts of around £100,000. Richard Pollett was working in Majorca as a chartered accountant and financial consultant. He and John Hirst became acquainted there which resulted in the creation of Gilher Inc., designed to be an investment fraud from the start.

The fraud

Richard Pollet was projected as the finance professional, a reassurance. He helped to make the introductions and recommendations. John Hirst played the role of someone successful with investments, an example of how his scheme could reap good returns. Linda Hirst was complicit through money laundering.

False promises made to investors included that Gilher Inc would invest their money in stocks on the New York exchange Dow Jones Index which would produce a return of 20% to 35% per annum. Unrealistic assurances were given that the investments were low risk, secure and that the investment capital could be returned within 14 days of asking. Some so-called profits were paid out to some investors to suggest successful trading but gradually desperate to keep the cash flow momentum to make those payments and to finance the plundering, guaranteed returns of 40% were being promised to attract more investors. Around half of the invested funds were never returned.

There were examples of investors borrowing against inheritances, or using their life savings such was the appeal of the scheme so cynically being promoted by Hirst and Pollett. . Money handed over to the Gilher operation for investment went on property, travel and lifestyle spending by the fraudsters.

Investigation and proceedings summary

The investigation commenced in November 2009 following a complaint by an investor. Working with the SFO on the investigation were the police forces of West Yorkshire and of Surrey. The defendants were charged on various dates during March to July 2011. Pollet was extradited from Spain to be charged.

John Hirst had pleaded guilty ahead of trial which opened at Bradford Crown Court on 18 June 2012 with HHJ Jonathan Durham-Hall presiding. The case against the other four defendants was presented to the jury who, after a seven-week trial, retired on 7 August to consider their verdicts. By 13 August Pollet and Linda Hirst were convicted of their roles. Two other defendants were acquitted.

Confiscation and compensation proceedings are to follow. 

Notes

1. The charges:

a) John Neil Hirst, (D.O.B 11.03.51) of West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and two counts of money laundering, contrary to s327(1) and s328(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

b) Richard John Pollet (D.O.B 05.02.42) of Majorca and Poole, was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud.

c) Linda Christine Hirst (D.O.B 24.10.49) of Surrey, was found guilty of three counts of money laundering, contrary to s327(1) and s329(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. She was also found guilty of one count of evading a liability by deception contrary to s2(1)(a) of the Theft Act 1978

d) Two other defendants (Daniel Hirst and Zoe Waite) were acquitted of charges of money laundering (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002).

2. John Hirst's background includes serving a prison term in the early '90s for an investment fraud with similar characteristics to the Gilher operation. The target victims in that case were Yorkshire miners with redundancy payments.

3. The Serious Fraud Office is a government department responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious and complex fraud. The SFO is headed by the Director (David Green CB QC) who exercises powers under the superintendence of the Attorney General. These powers are derived from the Criminal Justice Act (1987).

30 August 2012

London's lead in global foreign exchange trading up to 18%


The UK accounted for 38% of global foreign exchange trading in April 2012 according to our Foreign Exchange 2012 report. Its share of global turnover was up 1% compared to six months earlier, and well ahead of the next largest centres of the US (18%), Singapore (5%) and Japan (5%). London accounted for the bulk of the UK’s daily turnover, which averaged $2,000bn in April, the most recent month for which central banks have published data.

The increase in UK’s share over the six months is a continuation of a decade-long trend during which the UK increased its share by 6%, from 32% in 2002. The US, Japan and Singapore have all seen a decline in their share of trading during this period.

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of TheCityUK, commented: “The latest figures show that twice as many US dollars are traded on the foreign exchange market in the UK than in the US, and more than twice as many euros are traded in the UK than in all the euro-area countries combined.

“The increase in London’s share demonstrates the importance of the UK as a centre for international financial services. However, these are competitive times and we are facing competition from other financial centres. We need to do all we can to ensure that the UK’s financial and professional services sector remains globally competitive and can flourish.”

Daily turnover on the global foreign exchange market, including trading in foreign exchange derivatives and products traded on exchanges, averaged around $4.9 trillion a day in 2012. Although this was down 5% on the previous year, since 2009 trading in foreign exchange has been at or near record levels.

The long-term increase in the volume of trading is largely a result of the growing importance of foreign exchange as an asset class, an increase in global fund management assets and the development of electronic trading platforms which make it easier to access this market. According to our report, the turbulence in financial markets did not interrupt liquidity in trading, and foreign exchange was one of the few sources of steady profits for banks since the start of the economic downturn.

29 August 2012

Wealth Management: FSA to commence further thematic work


Following a review that we undertook in a sample of wealth management firms, we wrote in June 2011 to all Chief Executive Officers of firms that offer wealth management services to retail clients. In this Dear CEO letter we highlighted that our work had identified significant, widespread failings, which we were concerned might also be common in firms outside our sample.

We have continued to interact with those firms in our sample to mitigate the risks identified, principally around record-keeping and/or suitability. This has led to enforcement referrals, skilled person’s reports and significant remediation programmes. In addition we have delivered a series of external seminars to compliance officers and consultants, raising awareness of the standards we expect.

We will be interviewing key individuals from firms that formed part of our previous work to review the approach their firms have taken to remediate problems identified in their client portfolios, and in particular whether they have taken sufficient steps in identifying and dealing with past detriment that consumers may have suffered. Following these interviews we shall consider whether we need to take further regulatory action.

The Dear CEO letter stated that we expect firms to take reasonable steps to ensure that a personal recommendation or a decision to trade is suitable. Our findings gave rise to concerns that there is an unacceptable risk of clients of wealth management firms experiencing unfavourable outcomes. The failings may point to deficiencies in the management and control architecture of firms, so wealth management businesses can expect to see continuing and increasing supervisory focus.

Since publication of the Dear CEO letter, we have maintained our focus on client outcomes when conducting assessments of firms. We have now commenced a new phase of thematic work and will, again, be making judgements on the suitability of client outcomes, but also complementing this approach with a direct assessment of firms’ systems and controls. We will be acutely interested in whether firms have heeded the warnings and concerns contained within our previous communications. We will provide further updates on this work in 2013.

Nereus India Alternative Energy Fund


Nereus India Alternative Energy Fund, LLC, a Mauritius limited liability company with limited life, is a newly-formed fund that is being established to invest in companies engaged in the development, construction, and operation of renewable and clean energy power generation assets or the deployment of clean energy technologies in India. The target size of this fund is US$ 250 million. The fund will be domiciled in Mauritius.

Nereus’ anticipated portfolio will comprise seven to ten investments of US$ 15 million to US$ 35 million each in equity and equity-linked securities of companies focusing primarily on the development, construction, and operation of power generation assets in India.

The fund will be managed by Nereus Capital Management, LLC, (“Manager”), a Mauritius limited liability company, which will provide portfolio management and administrative services to the fund. Nereus Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd., (the “Advisor”), an Indian private limited company will provide investment advisory services to the Manager.

Mauritius: Attorney-General announces change in legal landscape


The Law Practitioners (Amendment) Act will come into operation on 3 September and the Rules made by the Chief Justice under Section 27 of the Court Ushers Act will come into operation on 1 September 2012, thus bringing in its wake a drastic change in the legal landscape in Mauritius, stated yesterday the Attorney-General, Mr Yatin Varma during a press conference in Port Louis.

He also announced that Mauritians qualified in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and France can as from 3 September 2012 apply to be admitted as Barristers in Mauritius.

Attorney-General Varma pointed out that the courses to be followed so as to be qualified as a law practitioner are being reviewed and will no longer be run by the Council of Legal Education but by the University of Mauritius or other authorised person.  The exams will be conducted by a Vocational Examinations Board which will have representatives of those running the course, the Council for Vocational Legal Education (CVLE).

The Council for Legal Education is being replaced by the Council for Vocational Legal Education and will be responsible for the granting of an authorisation to run the vocational course, supervise vocational courses and organise through the Vocational Examinations Board, examinations for prospective law practitioners and after consultation with the appropriate professional body, draw up and keep under review a list of law practitioners of not less than 15 years’ standing who are able to provide the required amenities and training to be pupil masters.

Pupillage is being reviewed as prospective law practitioners will henceforth need to apply to the CVLE to get pupilage.  Pupillage will be monitored with duties on the pupil master to inter alia provide the CVLE with a report and prospective Barristers and Attorneys will be able to appear in court in specific matters after six months’ of pupillage.

Continuing Professional Development will henceforth be compulsory for all law practitioners and legal officers to keep abreast with the latest developments in the law.  These will include attendance at lectures, workshops or seminars.

As from 3 September 2012, any person who wishes to be considered for appointment as a Judge, Magistrate or legal officer should follow a course to familiarise himself or herself with the duties she or he will be required to perform in the office to which one wishes to be appointed.

A Mauritian qualified as Barrister in England and Wales, France, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will need to follow an induction course to be conducted by the Institute but there will be no examination.

By virtue of the Court Ushers (Amendment) Act 2011, the profession of usher has been liberalised.  It means now we will have ushers in the civil service and also in private practice known as registered ushers.

Any citizen having the necessary qualifications may make a written application to the Chief Justice through the Master and Registrar for appointment as a registered usher.

28 August 2012

Clifford Chance: Is FATCA now workable for Europe's financial institutions?

FATCA – the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act – imposes US withholding taxes and compliance obligations on banks and financial institutions worldwide. Since it was enacted in 2010, FATCA has been widely criticised as over-broad and unworkable – with compliance potentially unlawful in many jurisdictions.

On Thursday 26 July 2012, the United States published a model intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (the G5). The aim is to simplify FATCA compliance for financial institutions in those jurisdictions.

We look at whether this aim has been achieved, and whether FATCA is now workable for financial institutions in the G5.


Mauritius: Attorney-General opens International Association of Prosecutors


Mauritius has shown its firm pledge to uphold primacy of democracy, good governance and development and strengthen national institutions that protect human rights of citizens and the rule of law serves as an important assurance of social rights and government accountability, said yesterday the Attorney-General, Mr Y. Varma, at the official opening ceremony of the 2nd Regional Africa-Indian Ocean International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) Conference.

Government is now proposing to introduce the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill in the National Assembly so as to better guarantee the citizen’s constitutional rights to liberty, protection of property, freedom of movement and protection of the law whilst ensuring victims’ rights, announced the Attorney-General.

The conference which is being held at Sofitel Imperial, Flic en Flac, was opened yesterday in presence of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Satyayit Boolell and Mr James Hamilton, President of IAP and other eminent personalities.

The IAP has since its creation in June 1995 demonstrated an unwavering commitment for raising the standards of professional conduct and ethics for prosecutors worldwide, promoting the rule of law, fairness, impartiality and respect for human rights and improving international co-operation to combat crime, for the advancement of the rule of law said the DPP, Mr S. Boolell in his address.

Participants from United Kingdom, South Africa, Cameroon, Benin, Ireland, Uganda, Australia, Kenya, Seychelles, Singapore, United States, Zambia and Hong Kong are attending the conference.

The conference is focusing, amongst others, on the following themes: struggle against impunity; challenges to prosecutorial discretion; piracy in the Indian Ocean; victim and witness protection and asset recovery.

The International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), is a non-governmental and non-political organisation.  It is the only worldwide organisation of prosecutors.  The Association has over 144 Organisational Members – including associations of prosecutors, prosecution agencies and crime prevention agencies – and together with its individual membership it represents over 200,000 prosecutors in over 140 countries/jurisdictions.

The IAP was established in June 1995 at the United Nations offices in Vienna and was formally inaugurated in September 1996 at its first General Meeting in Budapest.  The rapid growth in serious transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud led to the creation of the IAP.  The need was felt for greater international co-operation between prosecutors and for greater speed and efficiency in mutual assistance, asset tracking and other international co-operative measures.

27 August 2012

Flipside of PPP in a developing economy


The incidence of using Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as vehicle for accelerating developments in recent times in many developing economies is assuming prominent position. Suddenly, PPP is like a bug that has bitten many economic managers in these economies, especially with increasing scarce resources. But the issue of scarce resources is not a recent phenomenon. It’s as old as man and will remain so!

23 August 2012

UK: Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)

A QROPS is a pension scheme that must be established outside the UK. It must meet other requirements, including the requirements of pension schemes in the country in which it is established. It must also be recognised for tax purposes as a pension scheme there.  

Additionally the scheme must be established in a prescribed country or territory or it must meet further requirements. The prescribed countries are a country within the European Economic Area or a country (except New Zealand) with which the UK has a double taxation treaty containing provisions about exchange of information and non-discrimination. The further requirements are that the pension scheme is a New Zealand KiwiSaver or that the scheme manager designates 70% of the sums transferred from a UK registered pension scheme to be used to provide the member with an income for life and all pension benefits paid no earlier than they would be under pension rule 1 (the normal minimum pension age of 55, unless the ill-health condition is met). 

These rules are set out in the Pension Schemes (Categories of Country and Requirements for Overseas Pension Schemes and Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) Regulations 2006, as amended by the Registered Pension Schemes and Overseas Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012. 

To receive transfers of UK pension savings free of UK tax, the scheme manager of a QROPS has to notify Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the scheme meets the conditions to be a QROPS and undertake to comply with any information requirements, including informing HMRC if the scheme no longer meets the conditions to be a QROPS as provided for in section 169 of Finance Act 2004.

22 August 2012

FBI Brings CODIS Software to Mauritius


Today, the FBI announced plans to share the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) technology with our law enforcement partners in Mauritius. The initiative demonstrates and reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to assist international law enforcement agencies in combating violent crime.

A letter of agreement will allow the Mauritius Forensic Science Laboratory to operate a DNA database, utilizing the same platform as many of its South American, Mexican, and Caribbean counterparts.

Once CODIS is installed, the Mauritius Forensic Science Laboratory will join more than 70 international laboratories that are using the software for the management of its DNA data. The CODIS system provided will have no connectivity to the U.S. National DNA database.

The FBI Laboratory sponsors CODIS as part of a technical assistance program to international law enforcement forensic laboratories. CODIS blends forensic science and computer technology into an effective tool for solving violent crimes. The software allows laboratories to store, compare, and match DNA records from offenders, crime scene evidence, unidentified human remains, and relatives of missing persons. Centralized DNA data enables law enforcement to benefit from new information in previously unrelated investigations.

In 1998 the National DNA database, known as the National DNA Index System (NDIS), was established in the United States. Currently, NDIS has over 11 million searchable profiles and has aided over 177,000 investigations.

DNA databases have proven to be invaluable to the law enforcement community and the victims of violent crimes and their families. They have been particularly helpful to investigations that are very old and no longer producing new leads. Decades ago, crimes from cold cases would have remained unsolved.

With the participation of more than 260 laboratories in over 35 countries, CODIS software has been instrumental in solving violent crimes throughout the world.

The FBI is pleased that our law enforcement partners in Mauritius are joining the CODIS team.

21 August 2012

Amendments relating to the Jersey Bank Depositors Compensation Scheme


The Economic Development Department has lodged a package of four amendments relating to the Jersey Bank Depositors Compensation Scheme (“DCS”), which will bring the DCS into line with developing international standards.

The amendments will be debated by the States Assembly on 25 September 2012.

The DCS was established by the Banking Business (Depositors Compensation) (Jersey) Regulations 2009 (the “DCS Regulations”) along with the Jersey Bank Depositors Compensation Board (the “DCS Board”) to administer the scheme. In the unlikely event of a Jersey bank failure, the DCS will pay compensation to depositors as quickly as possible with the aim of preventing hardship.

Compensation is capped at £50,000 per depositor per banking group, subject to the requirements and limitations of the DCS.

The amendments are as follows:

Draft Banking Business (Depositors Compensation) (Amendment and Miscellaneous Provision) (Jersey) Regulations 201-

This will introduce an annual administration levy on Jersey banks to fund the recurring administrative costs of the DCS. This follows a three-month public consultation in 2010 and will bring the DCS into line with international standards for funding such schemes.

The levy will pay for recurring costs such as the DCS Board’s fees, the cost of having an outsourcer on standby to handle claims, maintenance of IT systems and membership fees of relevant organisations, such as the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI).

Draft Banking (Depositors Compensation Supplementary Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations 201-

Provision for offences relating to the DCS is currently made through Triennial Regulations, which stay in force for 3 years. The current Regulations expire in November 2012.

This amendment renews the existing Triennial Regulations, providing relevant offences for a further three years. No new offences are being created.

Draft Banking Business (Amendment No. 8) (Jersey) Law 201-

This amendment will amend the legal power under which the DCS Regulations are made so that they can provide for offences in future, thus avoiding the need to renew Triennial Regulations every three years.

A new duty will also be put on the liquidator of a failed bank to cooperate with the DCS Board and ensure that compensation is paid to depositors as soon as possible.

Bankruptcy (Désastre) (Amendment No.6) (Jersey) Law 201-

This amendment will alter the order of priority for a bank insolvency to make the DCS Board a priority creditor. This follows a three-month public consultation carried out in 2010.

This means that, in the unlikely event of a Jersey bank failure, the DCS Board will receive recoveries from the liquidator before the bank’s other unsecured creditors. This should make additional liquid capital available to the DCS Board and, thereby, speed up the flow of payments to depositors.

The total amount over which the DCS Board will be entitled to priority will be the same as the total amount of compensation paid to depositors.

Many other jurisdictions have similar priority arrangements or, like the United Kingdom, are planning to introduce them.

Further amendments to the DCS Regulations are planned for late 2012. These will extend coverage of the DCS to include some small company deposits and introduce a “straight-through payout” system so that, in appropriate cases, depositors will not have to submit application forms.

Further information on the DCS is available at:

Sushil Khushiram joins the Board of Cim Global Business companies as Chairman


The Cim Group is pleased to announce that Sushil Khushiram will be joining the boards of its Global Business entities, comprising Cim Fund Services Ltd, Cim Corporate Services Ltd and Cim Trustees Ltd, as from 1 September 2012.

Mr Khushiram is well known, as an economics and finance professional, for his significant contribution to the development of financial services in Mauritius. He held the position of Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs, from September 2000 to December 2003, and of Minister of Industry and Medium Enterprises, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs, until June 2005.

During his term of office, he led a wide-ranging programme of reforms that included new legal and institutional frameworks for the non-bank financial sector, financial reporting, corporate governance, and anti-money laundering, with the establishment of the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Reporting Council, and the Financial Intelligence Unit.

Prior to joining Government, Mr Khushiram ran his own financial services business. He was Managing Director of Newton Securities Ltd, a licensed stockbroking company, before starting an investment management firm, managing an international portfolio and advising leading institutional investors. Elected Chairman of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius for two consecutive years as from 1993, he promoted a robust expansion of trading and issuance activities, and enhanced stock market infrastructure. As founding Chairman of the Central Depository and Settlement Co. Ltd., he launched the company's operations in 1997.

More recently, Mr Khushiram spent the last six years with the African Development Bank, initially as Senior Advisor to the President, based in Tunis, and then as Resident Representative in Egypt, stationed in Cairo. He also extended short term consultancy services to the African Export Import Bank before returning to Mauritius this year.

Vaughan Heberden, the CEO of the Cim Group states that Sushil Khushiram's considerable experience and eminent stature will be of invaluable assistance in taking the Cim Group financial services companies into the next phase of growth as a prominent player in domestic and international financial services. In addition to his capacity as Chairman of the global business companies within Cim, Mr Khushiram will also be providing strategic and consultancy services to the Cim Group.

16 August 2012

Mauritius to Host 2nd Private Equity Conference 2012 in September


Mauritius will host the second edition of the Private Equity Mauritius (PEM) 2012 conference which will be held on 17-18 September at the Intercontinental Hotel in Balaclava. The two-day conference will focus on the theme: “Mauritius, Your Gateway to African Opportunities”.

Organised at the initiative of the Board of Investment (BOI) in collaboration with the private sector financial services stakeholders, the event will bring together more than 300 international and local participants comprising C-level executives and decision-makers of large corporate firms, private equity managers, fund managers, fund administrators, wealth managers, investment advisers, partners of International Law firms, as well as other financial intermediaries and professionals. Other participants include private equity fund managers, economists, regulators and investment advisors with in-depth knowledge of the pan-Asian and African markets.

PEM 2012 will act as a platform for the participants to share their insights on the current global economic scene, Africa’s offerings and potential, the various growth verticals and risk mitigation strategies with focus on investments in Africa and the role of Mauritius as a proven and trusted platform of choice for investing and doing business in Africa.

The conference will equally serve as a forum for international private equity stakeholders to share their views and recommendations about Mauritius as the preferred home for Private Equities.

As at date registrations have been received by delegates from 18 countries, namely Australia, Botswana, Canada, France, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zimbabwe.

Eminent resource persons from around the globe will address the conference. They are namely, Jim Rogers, leading investment guru, advisor and global economist; Arnold Ekpe, Chief Executive Officer of the Ecobank Group - the leading pan-African bank with operations in 32 countries across the African continent and  other eminent foreign and local speakers.

The PEM conference was launched in 2009 with the aim to create a platform for directors of global private equity funds and leading corporate leaders, as well as practitioners from the industry to explore further investment opportunities in and through Mauritius. Since then, the event is serving as an ideal platform to entice private equity and other funds to increase their use of Mauritius for financial services as well as showcase investment opportunities in thriving sectors.

Clifford Chance: MAS Issues Consultation Paper on Proposed Enhancements and Draft Legislative Amendments to Give Effect to the Regulatory Regime for Fund Management Companies

On 27 April 2010, the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") issued a consultation paper titled "Review of the Regulatory Regime for Fund Management Companies and Exempt Financial Intermediaries" (the "Consultation Paper 2010"). The key objectives of the review were to raise the quality and business conduct standards of fund management companies ("FMCs"), and to achieve long term sustainability in the growth of the fund management industry. MAS' policy response to the feedback received on the Consultation Paper 2010 was issued on 28 September 2010.

Clifford Chance: Overview for fund managers - MAS consultation paper on proposed revisions to regulatory capital framework

On 3 April 2012 the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") issued a public consultation paper entitled "Proposed Revisions to the Regulatory Capital Framework for Holders of Capital Markets Services Licences" ("Consultation Paper") following their review of the current regulatory capital framework contained in the Securities and Futures (Financial and Margin Requirements for Holders of Capital Markets Services Licences) Regulations ("SFR").

Clifford Chance: Exempt fund managers – how the enhanced regulatory regime impacts you

The Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") announced on 6 August 2012 that the implementation of the enhanced regulatory regime for fund management companies ("FMCs") would take effect from 7 August 2012.

Clifford Chance: Singapore's new personal data protection legislation and how it compares to data protection legislation in other jurisdictions


The Singapore Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts ("MICA") has released the much-anticipated draft Personal Data Protection Bill ("Draft Bill"). Parliament is expected to pass the Draft Bill in the third quarter of 2012.

The introduction of personal data protection legislation in Singapore is considered by many to be a timely move in light of the high-profile thefts of customer personal data from companies such as Sony Corporation and UK-based Codemasters. Prior to this, Singapore did not have any over-arching legislation to protect personal data.

The Draft Bill when passed will be known as the Personal Data Protection Act ("PDPA"). While the PDPA is intended to be a baseline law which will operate along with the existing sector specific laws, the PDPA is fairly ambitious in proposing to extend its provisions to organisations which may not be physically located in Singapore but are engaged in data collection, processing or disclosure of such data within Singapore.

15 August 2012

AAR: MAT, TP Applicable in Treaty Cases

The Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) in the case of Castleton Investment Limited (the applicant) has granted the benefit of capital gains tax exemption in India under India-Mauritius Tax Treaty but has held that the Mauritius company is subject to payment of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) as per the Income Tax Act, 1961 (IT Act).

14 August 2012

Measures to Tackle Black Money in India and Abroad


In order to strengthen the existing laws relating to black money, the Government constituted a Committee under the Chairman, CBDT to examine the measures to strengthen the existing legal and administrative framework to deal with the menace of generation of black money through illegal means including, inter alia,

(a)  Declaring wealth generated illegally as national asset;
(b)  Enacting/amending laws to confiscate and recover such assets; and
(c)  Providing for exemplary punishment against its perpetrators.

The Committee submitted its report to the Government on 29th March 2012. The report has been sent to different Ministries/Organisations and State Governments for necessary action.

13 August 2012

Mauritius and Nigeria Sign Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement


The Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Nigeria  signed  on August 10 a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The agreement was signed at Le Maritim Hotel in  Balaclava by the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Xavier-Luc Duval  and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Eweala.

The DTAA will give further spur to the positive evolution of economic ties between the two countries by providing greater tax certainty for businessmen while making clear the taxing rights of Mauritius and Nigeria on all forms of income arising from cross-border economic activities. It will also give a boost to cross-border investment by protecting investors from direct or indirect double taxation and enhance the commercial and economic relations and broaden investment opportunities for the business community of the two countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice-Prime Minister Duval highlighted the increasing role of Mauritius as gateway for investment in Africa adding that Mauritius is willing to strengthen economic relations with Nigeria. Nigeria which is the second fastest growing economy in Africa with seven percent average growth over the last decade offers important opportunities for Mauritian businessmen, he said.  Mr. Duval outlined the hotel industry, agriculture, food processing, ICT, construction and financial services as potential sectors where both countries can trade.

For her part, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Eweala recalled that Nigeria has several natural resources mainly minerals and oil. According to her, the level of trade within Africa is low mainly due to trade barriers. She expressed the hope that the DTAA will help bring down those barriers and improve integration between Nigeria and Mauritius.

12 August 2012

Century Banking Corporation Ltd: Vacancies

Century Banking Corporation Ltd, the first Islamic Bank licensed by the Bank of Mauritius, in line with its continuous growth is now seeking to recruit high experienced professionals. If you are looking for a career opportunity that allows you to make a contribution that counts, this opportunity may be for you.

10 August 2012

Wheatley Review – the future of Libor


Speech by Martin Wheatley - Managing Director, FSA - at Bloomberg

Good morning and thank you all for coming today.

I’ve invited you here to update you on the UK’s response to the Libor scandal, and to introduce my review – the Wheatley Review.  I’ve been asked by the UK Government to look at how we can reform the system to ensure credibility and trust for people that use Libor, and the end consumers that are affected by it.

Libor is something most people hadn’t heard of until a month ago, but because it sits behind so many financial transactions worldwide it is something that is fundamental to the smooth running of markets, and to confidence in the financial system.

It’s because of this that we’re taking an immediate, but considered approach to getting this right.

And I’m taking a particular interest in this because I’m convinced that regulation needs to start dealing with how poor conduct within wholesale markets impacts upon the end consumer – whether it’s directly through their mortgage rates or other products.

There are three things that I want to cover today:
  • firstly, why this is important;
  • secondly, what my review is  going to look at; and
  • thirdly, possible options for change.
Why Libor matters and why it needs to change

Why Libor matters

I would like to take a moment to explain the importance of Libor and what we have at stake here.

Libor – the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate – is a benchmark used to gauge the cost of unsecured borrowing in the London interbank market. And it sets the price for hundreds of trillions of dollars worth of contracts worldwide.   But it doesn’t just affect banks.  It’s also the benchmark for pricing some UK residential mortgages, more commonly commercial mortgages, and increasingly for pricing commercial loans by banks to UK businesses.

This means it has become an integral part of the modern financial system, referenced in a huge number and variety of financial contracts.

So it’s vital that people trust it, as so many things, from complex trading in the City through to a person’s mortgage and pension, depend on it.   And that is why it is critical that it works well and reform is comprehensive and effective.

Why it needs to change

So I’ve set out why Libor is important.  And it’s partly the importance of Libor that explains why we need to make changes.

Over the years, the use of Libor as a reference rate for derivatives has overtaken what it was originally set up to do, which was to only cover lending markets.

Libor is also intended to represent unsecured interbank borrowing costs for a range of maturities, but as this type of lending has severely declined since the financial crisis, submissions are more heavily reliant on judgement.

The way the use of Libor has evolved, as well as the findings from the investigations into its manipulation, highlight that the existing structure and governance of Libor is no longer fit for purpose and reform is needed.

Wheatley review

So I’ve set out why Libor and its integrity is important.  This is why any manipulation of this system must be addressed.

Because what is clear, is that the past few months have presented a series of very significant reputational challenges for the financial services industry.

The attempted manipulation of Libor and its European equivalent Euribor have cast a shadow over the industry at large and the construction and governance of the benchmarks themselves.

We have been working very closely with other international authorities on the investigations, which we’ll continue as we move forward with our reforms.

But aside from the ongoing investigations, it’s clear that trust in a vital part of the financial system has been lost, and I believe timely action is needed to regain it.

Part of the UK Government’s broader response has been to establish a Commission to look at the culture and professional standards in the banking system, with recommendations to be considered as part of the Banking Reform Bill next year.

And of course, the Financial Conduct Authority, which I will lead from next year, will be a new regulator focussed on tackling market abuse and protecting consumers

Our core purpose will be to make sure financial markets work well so that consumers get a fair deal.

This will extend to our approach to dealing with conduct between sophisticated market participants – where poor conduct is not only about market abuse or fraudulent activities – but extends to a range of activities that exploit differences in expertise or market power and can all to often result in conflicts of interests.

What’s clear to me is that such conduct is not a victimless act simply because it takes place between sophisticated market participants.  It’s clear from the reaction to the Libor scandal, that consumers think the same way.

It’s within this context, that I’ve been asked to lead a review to assess and address the issues that Libor faces to ensure that it is fit for purpose. 

I’ll make recommendations to the Government, who will then take a decision, and implement any changes in the Financial Services Bill.

My review will look at three areas:

Firstly, reforming the current framework for setting and governing Libor.

This will include how banks submit data, and whether actual trade data can be used to set the reference rate; the governance of Libor; and whether the setting of Libor should be brought into statutory regulation.

We will also look at alternative rate-setting processes and the financial stability consequences of a move to a new regime and, how a transition might be appropriately managed.

The second area we’ll look at how we work out the best way to tackle abuse.  This will consider the scope of the UK authorities’ civil and criminal sanctioning powers to deal with the type of misconduct we’ve seen.  We'll also look at whether individual persons in banks with a role in Libor setting should be subject to prior approval by the regulator.  

And finally, we’ll look at other areas where price-setting mechanisms are used in financial markets and whether we need to make policy changes.    We’ll make provisional recommendations designed to inform the work on benchmark reform being considered at globally.

Introducing the Discussion Paper

The first step in all of this is the paper that we’re publishing for consultation today. 

This represents our early thinking on the issues so that we can hear back from you over the next four weeks.

I realise this is a very tight timescale, but this is an important issue that we need to get right quickly.  In order to tackle something so complex it’s essential that we draw on the full range of expertise and opinion from across the marketplace, including rate setters, end users, and other regulators.

We will also be seeking to engage with a wide range of international regulators such as, IOSCO and its members, key European institutions, the CFTC, the SEC and the US Treasury who are considering similar issues for other benchmarks within their markets.

Options for change

I want to set out now the possible options for reform that we’re looking at and that we set out in this paper.  This paper invites you  to discuss our proposals amongst your firms, members and clients, and we encourage you to send us your views.  

At this stage, we’re looking at two possible options: either to reform Libor; or to use alternatives for at least some of its current uses.

This Discussion Paper offers some initial analysis on the options for reform, but ultimately we are seeking your feedback, to inform our understanding.

The reform of Libor

If we choose the path of maintaining Libor as a reference rate, but reforming it to tackle all its current weaknesses, then it’s clear there are three key areas we must look at.

These are how Libor is compiled, the governance around that, and its regulation.

So firstly, there are many potential remedies to explore on how Libor is compiled.  For example:
  • Seeking to minimise judgement in Libor submissions and using better transaction-based data.
  • Introducing a standard procedure to corroborate individual submissions.
  • Delaying the daily publication of individual submissions, to mitigate manipulation whilst maintaining transparency.
  • Or even, altering the calculation that is used for the final rate.
The focus of the popular debate has been around the use of actual money market transaction data as a basis for the rate.   People are right to think that such a change could help to overcome the issues of subjectivity and corroboration, and other benchmark rates are structured in this way.

But there are of course still difficulties, not least of which is the low volume of transactions in particular currencies and tenors under the current Libor definition of interbank lending.  Then there are the governance issues that other benchmarks with this type of construction will still present.

So it may be that the use of actual transaction data needs to be coupled with a widened definition of relevant funding to include other products such as commercial paper or corporate deposits.

Improvements might also be made through a reduction of the less used maturities and currencies that are quoted.   Perhaps some sort of hybrid of transaction data and a hypothetical rate might prove most effective, using judgement to fill the gaps where and when data is scarce, within a specified framework.

But this brings me back to the question of using judgement – and so  some kind of trade reporting mechanism may also need to be established to supplement it.

What is clear is that these are all questions that require careful consideration.

The second key strand to Libor reform is governance.

The place we’re starting from is that any new governance framework should ensure that the compilation process itself is subject to a much greater degree of independence, transparency and accountability.

Governance within contributing banks also needs to be subject to a much greater degree of internal oversight and scrutiny, following precise policies and procedures to ensure there is no repeat of past failures, and to ensure greater independence and transparency around the Libor setting process.

So our Discussion Paper will outline options for consideration.  For example, giving a commercial body responsibility for providing reference rate information to the markets, or by  allocating responsibility to an industry group.

Finally, we turn to the issue of regulation.

The paper considers two possible options for reforms to the regulatory and criminal sanction regime to address the weaknesses in the present system.

Firstly, bringing Libor-related activities into statutory regulation.  And secondly, in addition to this, strengthening the powers of prosecution available to the FSA (and, in future, the FCA) for Libor-related offences.

If we went for the first option, we would need to consider some key questions:
  • Which activities relating to Libor ought to be regulated – is it the contribution to rates or the compilation of rates, or both?
  • If and how should the Approved Persons regime be updated to reflect the regulation of Libor-related activities?
  • Should contributing to Libor ought to be made subject to a form of regulatory compulsion? Clearly, the rate works best when there are many contributors but participation is currently voluntary.
In the paper we consider some of the technical elements to changes in the law, but we know we must also be mindful of the work being undertaken by the European Commission on its Market Abuse Framework.

Replacing Libor with other benchmarks

So I have set out for you some of our provisional thinking on reforming Libor.

But whatever improvements are made to Libor, we will want to consider alternative benchmarks for at least some of the types of transaction that currently rely on Libor.

In some cases, there are existing rates that could be used more widely. In other cases, new benchmarks would be identified and developed.

But any migration to new benchmarks would require a carefully planned and managed transition, in order to limit disruption to the huge volume of outstanding contracts that reference Libor.

These are questions which we ask you to consider as part of your responses.

The Discussion Paper sets out some of the criteria which we believe such an alternative rate should fulfil, and evaluates some of the options that are currently available.

Implications of our thinking for other benchmarks

As I outlined earlier, we’re also going to look beyond Libor, at whether similar considerations apply to other price-setting mechanisms in financial markets, and provide provisional policy recommendations in this area.

Other markets also rely crucially on benchmarks, and some may share similar weaknesses to Libor, such as being judgement-led or having similar governance structures, and may therefore benefit from closer examination.

The European Commission has already acted promptly to address market manipulation related to Libor, and other rates such as Euribor, by adopting amendments to the proposals for a Regulation and Directive on insider dealing and market manipulation, including criminal sanctions.

This is encouraging and important to get right and will now be subject to negotiation between the Commission, Parliament and Council.

We know there’s a strong appetite for reform at a European and global level for benchmarks set and governed in their jurisdictions.

I hope that our wider findings will form a useful contribution to the efforts of the EU and global regulators as they consider these issues.

Conclusion

So I have set out for you why Libor is important, and the weaknesses in the current system that the recent findings of attempted manipulation have highlighted.

I’ve then set out what my review will look, some of the options we’re considering and how you can help develop our thinking.

It is clear that regardless of the outcome of ongoing international investigations, trust in a vital part of the financial system has been badly damaged and timely action is needed to restore it.

Today, we are taking the first step in this process by launching our discussion paper. 

Any decision taken will need to be phased in so that it does not disrupt market orderliness, particularly in systemically important markets.

I encourage you to consider all of the issues I have outlined today, and give us your views.

It is only by utilising the expertise from across the financial sector and across the globe that we can effectively solve the problems before us for Libor, and provide a foundation for the work that will be taking place on other benchmarks around the world.

My goal is to ensure that Libor is reformed in a way that ensures credibility and trust – both in our financial system and for consumers that rely on us – to ensure that markets work well and consumers get a fair deal.

UK: Independent Review into Libor publishes discussion paper


Martin Wheatley, head of an independent review set up by the Government into Libor, has today launched a discussion paper setting out initial proposals for reforming the current framework for setting and governing Libor.  The paper now seeks feedback from all stakeholders over a four week period and sets out initial analysis on:

  • the role that Libor play in financial markets;
  • the flaws in the current structure of setting Libor, its governance  and oversight; and
  • a range of options for reform, including the issue of transition.

Mr Wheatley said:

“It is clear that regardless of the outcome of ongoing international investigations, trust in a vital part of the financial system has been badly damaged and timely action is needed to repair it.  Today, we are taking the first step in this process by launching the Wheatley Review discussion paper, which seeks responses from a wide range of market experts and international stakeholders.  This review aims to ensure that LIBOR is reformed in whichever way fully restores credibility and trust.”

Mark Hoban, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: 

"This discussion paper demonstrates that we will give regulators the powers they need to prevent the manipulation of key benchmark rates in the future.  This review will report by the end of the summer in time for any necessary changes to be taken forward in legislation. The Government is also working with its international partners to inform the international work in this area and work towards a globally consistent solution.”

Mauritius: Draft Linked Long Term Insurance Business Rules 2012


Linked Long Term Insurance Business

Objective: To provide Rules for linked long term insurance products (LLTIP).

Gist of Legislation: These Rules will help to maintain sound insurance principles when it comes to LLTIP

Safeguard: To protect interest of those individuals investing in LLTIP

Main Features:

  1. defined rules for valuation of assets.
  2. defined rules for disclosure relating to -
  3. product summary and policy.
  4. statement and reports to policyholders.
  5. advertisements and publications.
  6. defined rules for transaction with related parties.
  7. defined rules for frequency of valuation.
  8. defined rules for rounding differences.
  9. defined rules for valuation errors and compensation.