Introduction In the intricate world of private companies, safeguarding the investments and interests of shareholders is paramount. One such protective measure is the right of pre-emption, also known as the right of first refusal. This corporate mechanism empowers existing shareholders by granting them the opportunity to acquire shares being sold by fellow shareholders before they are […]

If you have a Cayman company which you no longer require and would like to dissolve before 31 December 2022 in order to avoid paying the annual fees next year, on the basis that the company is not a regulated entity and is solvent, the voluntary liquidation process should commence by 31 August 2022. We […]

Scrutiny faced by directors of companies for possible breaches of their fiduciary duties has been further clarified by the Privy Council in a case[1] involving actions of a director leading up to the insolvency of the company.  Key takeaways regarding duties are: The Privy Council dealt with the following questions regarding the actions of the director […]

Moving a business from one country to another could help alleviate overly onerous operational requirements under the current companies’ laws, reflect the changing nature of the business, offer administrative simplification for a business, or deal with unexpected regulatory or tax consequences arising from changes in law or the growth of the business.

The British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong and Singapore provide attractive product offerings broadly characterised by cost effective incorporation and ongoing maintenance fees, a tax neutral investment platform, corporate flexibility, an English common law system that underpins the rule of law and contractual certainty, and enforcement provided by a modern and effective commercial court.

Small businesses tend to gravitate to the BVI as the choice of jurisdiction for incorporation due to its ease and cost-effectiveness. However, very often such companies will be established with a sole individual director who is also the sole shareholder of the company. Problems arise if this individual then passes away, regardless of whether the individual had a will or not.