International arbitration is a mechanism established for the final and binding determination of disputes concerning a contractual or other relationship with an international element by independent arbitrators in accordance with procedures, structures and substantive and non-legal standards chosen directly or indirectly by the parties

Mauritius has become a jurisdiction of choice for trust and estate planning because of an array of fiscal and non fiscal factors, amongst which, are its well established financial services and banking infrastructure, stable economy and favourable tax regime.

The Year 2008 has been a fairly good year for global business, with new company set-ups reaching record level for GBL1 treaty-using companies and funds, surpassing for the first time the number of GBL2 companies created during the year.

Over the last decade professional trustees in offshore jurisdictions have become far more cautious in the way they exercise their powers. This is for two reasons.

By their very nature, all trusts are there to protect assets. In practice, however, the degree of protection will invariably depend upon the overriding trust law in the jurisdiction chosen, the physical location of the assets held and the rigour with which any Court may pursue those assets in the event that it decides so to do.

It is no secret that plans to allow foreign law firms to operate in Mauritius have met with a mixed reception since the announcement made in the Budget Speech 2007 to bring amendments to the existing Law Practitioners Act 1984.

Almost by definition the experienced offshore practitioner has to be proficient (if not always an expert) in all manner of legal, accounting, taxation, regulatory and general business matters. That is to say nothing of being a mentor, confidante and occasional psychologist to one’s clients.

I was first told about the life settlement industry while on a business trip to Taiwan in 2003. My immediate reaction was that it was strange to say the least, but more particularly, just a little bit gruesome and possible even unethical.