News

The British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) is the world’s leading offshore corporate domicile and is known for continuously refining its laws to accord with, and improve upon international standards whilst promoting a business oriented framework.

1. What China-related offshore deals have you been involved with in the past year? And what observations do you have on developments in the offshore sector? “I see a continued increase in the use of BVI companies in China although…

On March 15, 2012 the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) published its
“Guidelines for Applying for an exemption to appoint a Custodian or Fund Manager.”

The Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean last month heard arguments in the appeal brought by the liquidators of Fairfield Sentry Limited, one of the main feeder funds which invested in Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities Limited.

Partner, Kerry Anderson is appointed to serve as a member of the Focus Group for the Directive of Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) by the BVI Financial Services Commission.

Partner, Vanessa King is elected Chairman of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP BVI) a leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues in over 88 countries.

Partner, Willa Tavernier is delighted to be elected as Treasurer of the BVI Bar Association.

O’Neal Webster recently acted as BVI counsel to Mercantil Colpatria, S.A. in connection with its sale to The Bank of Nova Scotia of a 51% stake in Banco Colpatria, one of Colombia’s leading banks. Mercantil Colpatria retains 48.7% ownership of the bank.

O’Neal Webster recently acted as BVI counsel to Mercantil Colpatria, S.A. in connection with its acquisition from General Electric Capital Corporation of a 49.77% stake in Banco Colpatria, one of Colombia’s leading banks.