In a trend that could spread to other jurisdictions, Liechtenstein is asking wealthy UK investors who have assets hidden abroad to take advantage of its “unique and attractive” amnesty program.
The agreement reached between the UK and Liechtenstein combines generous terms with a promise by the principality to close the accounts of customers who could not prove they were tax-compliant. The disclosure facility offers minimal penalties, a guarantee of no prosecution in non-criminal cases and an exemption from the threat of “naming and shaming”.
You can read about the program in the Financial Times article Liechtenstein woos investors with tax amnesty.
While I think the deal comes close to striking a balance between banking confidentiality and tax transparency, it comes at the expense of rewarding the users of the most secretive jurisdictions.
Trend to Watch: Look for Similar Deals to Be Forged with Monaco, Singapore, Hong Kong and Gibraltar
-Santiago