VISTA trusts, as they are commonly known, came into existence in 2004 with the enactment in the British Virgin Islands ("BVI") of the Virgin Islands Special Trusts Act 2003 ("VISTA").

One of the more popular features of BVI company law is its regime for registering security interests.

The BVI has recently released several important regulatory amendments to its financial services legislation which are applicable to BVI funds and their advisors.

Interest in the setting up and distribution of initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the BVI and other offshore locations has mushroomed during 2017; we expect this to continue going forward.

One way in which BVI companies remain relevant and popular is as a vehicle for taking a company or group public on a stock market

Presents come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more gratefully received than others. Shiny and exciting gifts may lose their lustre, yet items which were not expected, or even asked for, may...

One of the key roles of BVI vehicles in international finance transactions is the provision of security (either BVI entities granting security over their own assets or security being granted over the shares of a BVI company).

The decision of the Privy Council draws a curtain on the practice of using the summary process of rectification proceedings to determine disputes concerning the beneficial ownership of BVI shares.

Security over the shares of a BVI company will typically be either by way of mortgage (which may be legal, although usually equitable) or charge.

The British Virgin Islands ("BVI") is home to over 416,000 active companies. This article considers the benefits of using a BVI company in financing transactions.

The Amendment Act has introduced some new concepts and in some cases has sought to clarify certain aspects of the existing legislation while providing greater flexibility in other areas.

In a recent opinion, the Privy Council has given definitive guidance on the operation of the statutory scheme in the British Virgin Islands for the rectification of share registers.

BVI companies regularly provide security over their assets as part of financing transactions.

The BVI Securities and Investment Business Act contains a consolidated version of the British Virgin Islands Securities and Investment Business Act, 2010 as amended.

Note in particular that penalties frequently apply for late filings and so the registered office should be informed promptly of any notifiable changes to allow the appropriate filing/s to be made.

One of the key roles of BVI vehicles in international finance transactions is the provision of security (either BVI entities granting security over their own assets or security being granted over...

In the BVI, one of the world's leading offshore incorporation jurisdictions, Norwich Pharmacal orders have become essential tools in unveiling the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) behind corporate structures.

Asia-based sponsors working with multi-jurisdictional fund structures have long been familiar with the use of an offshore entity acting as either the investment manager or advisor.

John F Kennedy was fond of saying that the "best time to mend a roof is when the sun is shining". This is good advice to follow in most parts of your life. Why put off until tomorrow things that you can do today.

BVI entity can be either incorporated as a segregated portfolio company or if already incorporated, registered as such by the Registrar.