Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th – century French political philosopher and historian, was of the view that “In every democracy, the people get the government they deserve”. What does that tell us, I wonder, about the current enormous political and economic upheavals which we are now having to endure? Having spent my youth in Africa […]
The constancy of change Curmudgeon: anyone who hates hypocrisy and pretence and has the temerity to say so; anyone with the habit of pointing out unpleasant facts in an engaging and humorous manner. This definition was provided by the American writer, Jon Winokur, and with which I agree. The global ranks of curmudgeons, needless to
The constancy of change Read More »
In part 1 and part 2 of this series we explored the attraction of Panama as a destination to make your investment in real estate and the process, from start to finish, of buying your property in Panama. In this part we will explore the potential perils and pitfalls that should be avoided when buying
Buying Property in Panama: Part 3 The Perils & Pitfalls to Avoid! Read More »
From Central Africa to Central America and many countries in between Derek has honed his skills as a professional trustee. One of many important lessons he has learned in the last 5 decades is to always be prepared to diversify when the business landscape changes, especially when an earthquake such as this global pandemic has
From Trust Services, S.A. to Topaz Services, S.A.: A New Era Read More »
The end of last year saw two important anniversaries celebrated: The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), representing more than 22,000 members worldwide, reached 30 years of age, and yours truly completed 50 years as a professional trustee. Professionalism in trust and estate business, and by extension related disciplines, has never been more important.
A Word to the Wise Read More »
Vinyl records and common sense are similar: there once was an abundance of both, but not anymore. As an ardent music lover who appreciates the sound produced by a turnable and needle, I do hope that demand for records will grow; as a cosmopolitan, claiming no country as home and just being a guest in
Headline Panama: The Pandora Papers Read More »
What I can tell you, after being a professional trustee for 50 years, is that trusts are synonymous with succession planning in the western world, although in some countries, such as South America, they are of a distinct variety when compared with those traditionally found in other parts of the world where for centuries they
Trusts: A Blessing or a Curse? Read More »
What are business advisory services in the context of international financial services? Very often they are linked with a company, trust or foundation. Ideally, your financial service provider will be able to cater for your requirements, so that the work is not broken up between different professionals; very often, however, this can cause problems with
Business Advisory Services – Choose the Right Umbrella Read More »
A Panamanian Private Interest Foundation, which is also known as a Panama foundation, which came into law in 1995 is modelled on the Liechtenstein Family Foundation. Foundations for wealth management have existed since medieval times in one form or other. In this article we will look at the principal benefits of Panama Private Interest Foundations.
Benefits of Panama Private Interest Foundations Read More »