The Pretence of trust

The Pretence of trust – P5 of our series on Tax Havens

In Parts 1, 2 and 3 we looked at shell companies, and in part 4 we specifically dwelled into Personal Holding Companies (PHC). There is another skew peddled by the offshore tax evasion and money laundering services industry – it is called the Trust!

Raconteur: The Future CFO 2018

The role of the chief financial officer (CFO) is ever expanding. The modern CFO is called on to prioritise cybersecurity, act as strategist and salesperson for M&A, and work more closely with marketing chiefs. The Future CFO special report covers how the CFO must rebuild trust and why the role has such a high turnover rate. It explores the persistent dearth of women in finance, lessons to be learnt from high-growth businesses and how big data can make CFOs more effective. Also featured is the debate for and against quarterly reporting, and an infographic on the CFO’s key priorities for 2019

Raconteur: IoT for Business 2018

According to research firm Gartner, there will be 20 billion interconnected devices worldwide by 2020. Therefore, businesses cannot afford to ignore the power of the internet of things (IoT). The IoT for Business special report shows how to overcome barriers to IoT adoption. It looks at how combining IoT and 5G technology will transform logistics, five innovative startups doing exciting work on IoT security, and why C-suite executives should take notice of edge computing. Also featured is an infographic exploring the benefits of being an early IoT adopter

Offshore Pilot Quarterly (December 2018, Volume 21 Number 4)

Spirits Past and Present

An Empire of Dreams

The Whitehouse Butterfly

Poppies in Panama

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Science: Private research funders court controversy with billions in secretive investments

A Science investigation of public records and documents known as the Paradise Papers has found that leading research philanthropies—including the Wellcome Trust and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—have invested more than $5 billion in offshore tax and secrecy havens. Some investments, such as those in highly polluting fuels, undermine the groups' charitable goals. Routine use of secretive funds raises questions about accountability and social responsibility. Critics say that when foundations lend their sterling reputations to offshore strategies, they help legitimize lawful but extreme tax avoidance, and provide cover for money laundering. Such practices deprive governments of revenue, worsening economic inequality.

Raconteur: Cryptocurrencies & Blockchain 2018

2018 has seen the market value of cryptocurrencies drop by 75 per cent, but steps towards greater transparency and regulation are underway giving industry experts confidence in the potential of widespread crypto adoption. The Cryptocurrencies & Blockchain special report covers how blockchain and smart contracts can transform the supply chain, how traditional financial regulation can move cryptocurrencies forward, and how initial coin offerings are helping startups raise funds. Also featured is how cryptocurrencies and blockchain can affect real change, from combating electoral fraud to helping the homeless.