Foreign charitable foundations and other charitable entities with non-United States (U.S.) held financial accounts can receive a preferential withholding tax rate under the U.S. qualified intermediary (QI) program, in respect of U.S. securities holdings, should they qualify for this preference based on an equivalency determination by a U.S. admitted attorney

The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that the Bush Administration will seek a 12.7% increase in the budget for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as part of the 2005 budget, (U.S. Treasury Department, Press Release JS-1100, January 16, 2004).

The United States has stepped up its efforts to seek out bank accounts held by US residents, citizens or persons (which includes green card holders and other long term residents) citing these accounts as a means to violate or evade domestic tax and regulatory requirements. In a press release on January 13, 2004, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it has proposed to seek additional civil penalties on U.S. citizens and other U.S. persons failing to a report the existence of financial acco

In a judgment dated December 23, 2003, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court clarified the rules governing international mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and in particular clarified the principle of proportionality which constitutes a limit to the transmission of evidence taken in Switzerland to a Requesting State. SSC decision 23.12.2003, case 1A.223/2003

In a 19th December 2003 ruling, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court clarified the situation regarding the right of residence of third country (family members of EC nationals who are Swiss residents ).

Foreign counterparts dealing with Swiss companies often request various corporate documents to ascertain that the Swiss company not only may enter into the type of operation that is envisaged, but also that the officers signing on behalf of the company are allowed to do so (Board resolutions, By-laws, Statutes of Incorporation, etc.).

The Moscow office market has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. While many office buildings have been constructed, demand for new and better office space has increased at least as quickly. Therefore, rents are still high. Annual rent, which often does not include operating expenses and utilities charges, for class A offices ranges from about US $500 to US $800 per square meter.