British Virgin Islands updates
Banking
Launching an ICO in British Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- December 15 2017
Interest in the setting up and distribution of initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the British Virgin Islands and other offshore locations has increased rapidly during 2017, and this is expected to continue. No ICO or blockchain-specific rules or guidelines have yet been issued by the government or regulator; however, there are several important issues for parties in the British Virgin Islands to consider, including the key laws and regulations surrounding the issue.
Company & Commercial
Court of Appeal provides guidance on directors' powers
- British Virgin Islands
- January 22 2018
A recent Court of Appeal ruling provided guidance on directors' powers after considering whether a fresh issuance of shares by directors which altered the balance of voting power between the shareholders was done for a proper purpose. The court held that directors should not issue shares in a manner that could affect the balance of power between groups of shareholders or create new majorities, irrespective of whether the old or new majority have a proprietary interest in the fund.
BVI continuations and discontinuations – an overview
- British Virgin Islands
- October 23 2017
The ability to continue a foreign company as a BVI company or to continue a BVI company as a company under the laws of another jurisdiction quickly and seamlessly is just one example of the many flexible features of the Business Companies Act 2004. This feature is particularly useful in the context of corporate reorganisations, and counsel should be aware of the process and requirements for continuations and discontinuations.
Shareholder activism: considerations for BVI companies
- British Virgin Islands
- August 21 2017
As the world's leading incorporation vehicles, BVI companies are listed on exchanges and conduct business around the world and may therefore expect to be occasionally involved in activist campaigns or other challenges from shareholders. However, many investors and their advisers may be less familiar with BVI company law than their domestic legislation.
An unusual choice? BVI restricted purposes company
- British Virgin Islands
- November 21 2016
Restricted purposes companies offer certain advantages and are a valuable facet of the British Virgin Island's offerings to international finance. While restricted purposes companies are intentionally niche and specialised, they prove that there remains a place in the contemporary legal world for more traditional principles of common law, such as restricted purposes and constructive notice.
Five questions lenders should ask before contracting with BVI counterparties
- British Virgin Islands
- November 07 2016
Lenders of BVI contracting parties are often concerned with whether the company with which they are contracting has the capacity to enter into the transaction. However, there are a number of other questions which prudent lenders should address, and they would be wise to seek specialist advice before entering into contractual arrangements with a BVI company.
Corporate Tax
Tax information exchange: an overview
- British Virgin Islands
- January 26 2018
The BVI tax information exchange system is largely modelled on international principles developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and is split into two types of regime. The 'automatic' exchange of information regime requires financial institutions to exchange formulistic data about the accounts of foreign taxpayers, while the 'on request' regime deals with specific and potentially in-depth investigations into the affairs of named taxpayers with offshore or international holdings.
Employment & Benefits
Legislation to change work permit fee calculation enacted
- British Virgin Islands
- August 09 2017
The government recently enacted a measure regarding the fees payable for work permits in the British Virgin Islands. The amendment order replaces the employee flat fee system with an incremental calculation based on salary bands, which now generally assume a higher gross salary. It also replaces most exceptions to the previous scheme, keeping only those for domestic workers.
IT & Internet
E-signatures: flexibility in cross-border transactions
- British Virgin Islands
- October 11 2016
The European Union's legal framework for e-signatures recently came into effect via the eIDAS Regulation. The British Virgin Islands was one of the first jurisdictions to recognise the validity of e-signatures and electronic records. Along with other BVI statutory developments, the BVI Electronic Transactions Act 2001 provides flexibility in cross-border transactions involving BVI companies.
