Malta

Moving to Malta – Using the Isle of Man to Structure Your Assets Efficiently

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, between the north of Africa and southern Europe, Malta is a modern international commercial hub with a global draw.

Malta boasts a diverse economy with well-developed Financial Services, Fintech, Science and Technology, eGaming, Maritime Services and Aviation sectors. Additionally, the island offers extensive Residency routes available, Schengen area status, fantastic travel links and potentially beneficial tax regime. For these reasons and many more, Malta is a destination of choice for wealthy families, entrepreneurs and businesses around the world. 

Malta offers people relocating to her shores a very attractive Non-Domicile regime that provides individuals with a great deal of flexibility when it comes to structuring their financial matters – this is precisely where the Isle of Man can offer clients a platform for optimising their wealth.

In this article we take a brief look at how Dixcart can assist with moving to Malta and how those individuals can utilise the Isle of Man to protect and grow generational wealth, covering:

  1. How to Become a Maltese Tax Resident?
  2. What are the Tax Rules of the Maltese Non-Domicile regime?
  3. How Maltese Non-Domicile Individuals Utilise the Isle of Man for Wealth Planning?
  4. How Dixcart can Support your Move to Malta & Wealth Planning Goals

1. How to Become a Maltese Tax Resident?

There are two distinct groups of people when we consider the method of becoming Malta Tax Resident – these are 1) EU / EEA / Swiss Nationals, and 2) Third Country Nationals. Importantly, for the purposes of this article, where either type of individual does not intend to remain in Malta permanently and has no substantial connection to Malta, both groups may be deemed a Tax Resident Non-Domiciled individual. There are also compelling Residency Programmes available to each group which offer the same benefits and broadly have the same requirements.

Malta is a member of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). As such, EU / EEA Nationals can live, work and study in Malta indefinitely without a Visa or Work Permit. Swiss Nationals also enjoy this right. These individuals can apply for the Residence Programme via an Authorised Registered Mandatory, such as Dixcart Malta. The Residence Programme offers a special tax status to successful applicants who meet the requirements.

Third Country Nationals will be required to take part in a programme such as the Global Residence Programme or successful applicants also gain a special tax status and are granted a residence permit which also extends to their dependents, including spouses and children. The special tax status received under either programme entitles the individual to a beneficial flat rate of 15% on foreign source income remitted to Malta, with the possibility of claiming double taxation relief where an appropriate Double Tax Treaty is in place. Income that arises in Malta is taxed at a flat rate of 35%. The beneficial rate is subject to a minimum yearly tax contribution of €15,000.

The Malta Residency Programme and Global Residence Programme requirements include:

  • Applicants must pay a one-time non-refundable registration fee of €6,000 to the Maltese Government. This is reduced to €5,500 where the Qualifying Property Holding is purchased in Gozo or the South of Malta.
  • Not have benefitted from a number of previous or existing Malta regimes.
  • Evidence of a Lease Agreement and Rental Declaration, or Purchase Agreement relevant to a Qualifying Property Holding. A Qualifying Property Holding requires a minimum investment in a Maltese property of €275,000, or €220,000 if the property is in Gozo or the South of the island. In the instance of a Rental Agreement, rent must cost not less than €9,600 per annum, or €8,750 if the property is in Gozo or the South of the island. The property cannot be let or sub-let.
  • Evidence of self-sufficient means of subsistence (e.g. bank statements, pension, secure bonds, etc).
  • Posses a valid travel document.
  • Evidence of comprehensive health insurance OR Certificate of Entitlement issued by the Entitlement Unit. Must provide cover within the EU for the applicant and all dependents.
  • Be proficient in one of Malta’s official languages (English is an official language of Malta).
  • Applicants and dependents over 18 years of age must satisfy the fit and proper person requirements.
  • Submit an Annual Return – with any material changes that affect the beneficiary’s special tax status.
  • Not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction, in any single calendar year.

2. What are the Tax Rules of the Maltese Non-Domicile regime?

Liability to Maltese Income Tax arises in three forms, dependent on the Tax Residency and Domicile status of the individual – these are on a Worldwide, Remittance or Territorial basis.

Ordinary Residents of Malta who are Tax Resident and Domiciled are taxed on their worldwide assets; meaning that all Income and Capital Gains are subject to Maltese taxation regardless of where they arise or are received. This also applies to persons who hold the status of Long-term Resident or are in possession of a Permanent Residence Certificate or a Permanent Residence Card.

Maltese Ordinary Residency status is determined by a question of fact, relating to the length of stay along with personal and economic ties. Factors which the authorities will consider, include:

  1. Permanent or Indefinite Basis: Individuals living in Malta permanently or for an indefinite period are typically considered ordinarily resident.
  2. 183 Day Requirement: If an individual stays in Malta for more than 183 days in a single year they may be deemed Ordinary Resident.
  3. Regularity of Stays: Persons who do not meet the 183-day requirement, but who regularly visit over a long period of time e.g. over 3 years, can also be considered Ordinarily Resident.
  4. Personal and Economic Ties: Establishing personal and economic ties in Malta is a significant factor in determining Ordinary Residency e.g. purchasing a family home etc.

The Maltese authorities do not define Domicile by nationality, but where the individual considers their permanent Home i.e. where the person ‘belongs’, which implies more significant ties than Residency alone. This can be the individuals Domicile of Origin i.e. normally the Domicile of their parents, regardless of the country where the individual is born. An individual may acquire a Domicile of Choice if they take up Residence in a country with the intention of making it their permanent home. However, they do not acquire Domicile status if they intend to return to their country of Domicile or resettle in another someday, even where the period is long or indefinite. No person can be without a Domicile, and no person can have more than one Domicile at the same time.

A person that is an Ordinary Resident but not Domiciled in Malta is taxed under the Remittance Basis, and therefore:

  • All income arising in Malta is subject to tax, regardless of where it is received.
  • Income arising outside Malta is subject to Maltese tax only if and to the extent that it is received in Malta.
  • Capital gains arising outside Malta are not subject to tax, even if they are received in Malta.

Individuals taxed under the Remittance Basis are subject to the special rule providing for a minimum tax liability of €5,000 per annum (this minimum tax is different to the Global and Residence program which is 15%).

Unlike many equivalent Non-Domicile regimes, an individual can remain Non-Domiciled in Malta indefinitely.

This means that where the Tax Resident Non-Domiciled individual can show that monies received in Malta originate from assets held abroad as capital e.g. inheritance, proceeds from the sale of capital assets etc. they will be regarded as remittances of capital and will not suffer Maltese tax.

Dixcart Malta are equipped to provide Tax Advice regarding Maltese taxation and the Maltese Non-Domicile regime. If you would like to discuss how the regime works and any opportunities relevant to your circumstances, please get in touch with Jonathan Vassallo at Dixcart Malta.

3. How Maltese Non-Domicile Individuals Utilise the Isle of Man for Wealth Planning?

The Isle of Man is globally recognised as an international financial centre of excellence, boasting a sophisticated legal and regulatory system, a developed professional services industry and a long running heritage in Private Client and Corporate planning.

The Isle of Man was named ‘Best International Financial Centre’ at the prestigious International Investment Awards 2023, beating off stiff competition from Jersey and Guernsey.

The island is a self-governing Crown Dependency which makes its own laws. The Statute book and Case Law is modern and business friendly yet enduring, with a wide array of corporate entities and Trusts available. The jurisdiction is also politically agnostic and therefore clients can take comfort from the stability and reliability offered.

The island also sets its own tax regime and offers headline rates which include:

  • 0% Corporate Tax
  • 0% Capital Gains Tax
  • 0% Inheritance Tax
  • 0% Withholding Tax on Dividends
  • Isle of Man companies are able to register for VAT, and businesses in the Isle of Man fall under the UK’s VAT regime.

Owing to the attractive neutral tax regime, Non-Domiciled individuals seeking to live and work in Malta can potentially structure their non-Maltese assets in such a way that facilitates optimal growth via a potential nil rate in the Isle of Man, remitting withdrawals of capital to Malta free from Maltese taxation. Jonathan Vassallo at Dixcart Malta can provide certainty regarding the Maltese tax treatment of your potential Isle of Man structuring in this regard.

Taxation is a complex area and professional Tax Advice should always be sought before establishing any offshore structure.

4. How Dixcart can Support your Move to Malta & Wealth Planning Goals

After more than 50 years, the Dixcart Group remains proudly privately owned by the same family. the Group consists of 10 offices in 9 jurisdictions across the globe, including both Malta and the Isle of Man. Dixcart are very well positioned to assist clients and their advisers who are considering moving to Malta and seeking to structure their non-Maltese assets, or participation within a Maltese business, in a tax efficient manner via an Isle of Man structure.

Dixcart Malta are experts in all Residency programmes available and are Licensed to act as Authorised Registered Mandatory for clients wishing to apply for either the Malta Residence Programme for EU / EEA / Swiss Nationals, or the Malta Global Citizenship Programme for Third Country Nationals. Further, Dixcart Malta can provide Tax Advice for those looking to take advantage of the very beneficial Non-Domicile regime within Malta.

Dixcart Isle of Man are a Licensed and Regulated Trust and Corporate Services Provider that has developed an extensive range of services over its 30+ years of operation. Our team on the Isle of Man consists of professionally qualified experts and senior employees who possess a wealth of experience. This means that our Isle of Man office can support your corporate and/or Trust planning, at every stage.

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss how our Dixcart can support your plans regarding Malta and the Isle of Man, please feel free to get in touch with Nathan Hellmann of Dixcart Malta or David Walsh of Dixcart Isle of Man via:

Dixcart Malta: advice.malta@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with Nathan Hellmann on Linkedin.

Dixcart Isle of Man: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David Walsh on Linkedin.

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority

Dixcart Management Malta Limited Licence Number: AKM-DIXC-23

Isle of Man

Employee Ownership Trusts: A Summary

This Article briefly summarises the potential advantages of an Employee Ownership Trust (“EOT”), and why the use of an Isle of Man Trustee could be beneficial.

We have a far more detailed Article on this topic, if you require additional information: Employee Ownership Trusts: An Introduction.

HMRC Open Consultation

Any discussion regarding EOTs with Non-Resident Trustees must start with reference to the HMRC Open Consultation on this subject, which closed on 25 September 2023. The current rules leave the potential for a Non-Resident EOT to escape UK Tax liability regarding onward sale to third party purchasers. Whilst there is no evidence of widespread offshore EOT abuse, HMRC feel that some refinement of these rules is required.

Although we eagerly await the outcome of the Open Consultation, we thought it would be a good opportunity to revisit the basics of EOTs, their advantages and underline the value that a properly licensed and regulated Isle of Man Trustee can add to bona fide EOT planning.

1. What is an Employee Ownership Trust and Why Use One?

An EOT is a method of facilitating the employee ownership model and involves transferring ownership of a business into a Trust for the long-term benefit of all Eligible Employees.

The UK Government has incentivised transferring a business to its employees via an EOT with notable tax exemptions for the exiting owner. Under an EOT, majority shareholders can sell greater than 50% of the share capital to the Trust, receiving tax-exempt proceeds.

The circumstances and objectives of both the exiting owner and the business will typically determine whether an EOT is an appropriate solution. Common drivers for EOT planning include; where private owners are considering succession planning, to support growth plans and/or upon initiating a new venture.

EOTs should not be viewed merely as tax-planning tools. Their establishment should genuinely benefit the ongoing success of the business and its employees. The holistic benefits are explored in the next section.

2. What are the Advantages of an Employee Ownership Trust?

The most prominent benefits are divided into three main categories, as detailed below;

i) Benefits for the Business

Studies and real-world case studies have shown that employee ownership leads to enhanced trading performance.

Key outcomes for the business include:

  • Lower Absenteeism
  • A Happier Workforce & Increased Staff Wellbeing
  • Lower Staff Turnover and therefore reduced expenses in areas like recruitment
  • Faster Employment Growth
  • Increased Productivity
  • Better equipped to handle challenging market conditions as the workforce has an ‘owner’s mindset’
  • No third party acquisition, therefore the existing culture, values, and operations are preserved
  • Acts as a natural catalyst for succession planning

ii) Benefits for Owners

Exiting owners have compelling incentives to sell to an EOT, chiefly the potential for a Capital Gains Tax exemption on the disposal of their shares (a saving of up to 20%).

An internal sale process, through an EOT, also offers numerous practical advantages:

  • No need to find an external buyer
  • The sale price aligns with an independent market valuation, avoiding lengthy third-party negotiations
  • Pre-determined Sale and Purchase Agreement offers opportunity to tailor terms
  • Involving employees in the transition process, especially incoming Board Members, ensures a seamless handover
  • Transitioning to an EOT acknowledges the workforce’s contributions and preserves the owner’s legacy

iii) Benefits for Employees

All Eligible Employees benefit from the company shares, held in their name, through the EOT. As such, EOT-owned businesses offer both financial and non-financial advantages to their employees.

Employees can access a tax-free bonus of up to £3,600 annually.

Beyond the bonus, Eligible Employees have a voice in the business and can benefit from future profit-sharing once the EOT’s funding commitments are met. This longer-term financial incentive means employees can benefit from the business’ growth, driven by improvements in their increased engagement and commitment, in turn leading to greater trading performance.

3. Why Use an Isle of Man Trustee for your Employee Ownership Trust?

Professional Trustee Option for Employee Ownership Trusts:

Selecting a Professional Trustee for your EOT fundamentally addresses various concerns related to trust management and risk mitigation; we consider the pros and cons of Lay and Professional Trustees in this separate article.

The general issues regarding the appointment of Lay Trustees include lack of Trust expertise, conflicts of interest, the administrative burden of meeting obligations, the requirement to be objective and independent in the exercise of their duties and a need to maintain a legal and regulatory awareness.

Choosing a Professional Trustee removes all of these pitfalls and safeguards the EOT from potential mismanagement and legal non-compliance.

Isle of Man Professional Trustees for Employee Ownership Trusts

As at time of writing, no Inheritance Tax (IHT) charges arise, on the transfer of the exiting owner’s shares to an EOT, and the EOT is also exempt from the IHT Relevant Property Regime. Even where the exiting owner, company and employees are UK Tax Resident Domiciliaries, there is currently nothing to prevent the use of Non-Resident Trustees. In fact, there can be very compelling non-tax reasons for choosing Non-Resident Professional Trustees, such as those located in the Isle of Man. However, it is important to acknowledge that each case needs to be considered on its own merits – as with all things Trust related, one size does not fit all.

Isle of Man Trustees, such as Dixcart, are required to be licensed under the Financial Services Act 2008 and the Regulated Activities Order 2011, ensuring consistent regulatory oversight by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. This oversight assures clients that these trustees adhere strictly to best practices in their EOT obligations. Comparatively, UK Professional Trustees require no Licence, and their Trustee services are not regulated.

The Isle of Man is globally recognised as an exemplary international financial hub, boasting a stable political, economic, and regulatory landscape. With deep roots in intricate Trust and Corporate planning, the Island’s financial services sector is populated by seasoned professionals.

The Isle of Man and UK are separated by the Irish Sea, meaning Isle of Man Professional Trustees are truly independent from the EOT-owned UK business. However, The Isle of Man’s proximity and transport links mean that Trustees can promptly attend crucial UK meetings, offering an ideal blend of autonomy and accessibility.

4. How Can Dixcart Help with Employee Ownership Trust Planning?

Dixcart Isle of Man have been assisting with owner-managed businesses, complex Trust arrangements and intricate employee share ownership structures, for over 30 years – therefore, we are exceptionally well placed to assist with Employee Ownership Trusts.

By leveraging Dixcart’s expertise and quality focused services, we can; deliver an effective bulwark between the business and its ownership, providing checks and balances on the business, assurance against conflicts of interest and ensure that the rights and interests of the beneficiaries are always the first priority.

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss how our Professional Trustee services can augment your Employee Ownership Trust planning, please feel free to get in touch with David Walsh at Dixcart: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David on Linkedin.

If you’d like to read more on  this topic, in greater detail, it’s available here: Employee Ownership Trusts: An Introduction.

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority

Employee Ownership Trusts: A Complete Overview

The HMRC Open Consultation on the Taxation of Employee Ownership Trusts and Employee Benefit Trusts has just closed as at 25 September 2023 and includes a portion dedicated to the examination of Trustee Tax Residency – particularly the use of Non-Resident Trustees for Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).

Whilst there does not appear to be evidence of widespread abuse of offshore EOTs, HMRC feel there is still scope for offshore EOT planning to go beyond the intentions of Parliament and the purpose of the incentives available to EOTs. Therefore, some refinement of the rules may be in order to obviate the potential for escaping UK Tax liabilities that would be otherwise due on subsequent sales to third parties.

Whilst we eagerly await the outcome of the Open Consultation, we thought it would be a good opportunity to revisit the basics of EOTs, their advantages and underline the value that a properly licensed and regulated Isle of Man Trustee can add to bona fide EOT planning.

In this article we cover the following topics:

  1. What is an Employee Ownership Trust?
  2. What are the Advantages of an Employee Ownership Trust?
  3. Why use an Isle of Man Trustee for your Employee Ownership Trust?
  4. How Can Dixcart Help with Employee Ownership Trust Planning?

1. What is an Employee Ownership Trust?

Building upon the Nuttall Review’s recommendations, the Finance Act 2014, enacted by the UK’s Clegg-Cameron Coalition, was designed to incentivise the employee ownership model. Its chief objective was to foster a more responsible, diversified, and consequently, robust economy. A sentiment that has been supported by the current Prime Minister and Chancellor, Rishi Sunak and Jeremey Hunt, who are currently considering reforms to encourage employee ownership in the UK to boost the economy.

This concept is not unique to the UK and broadly similar company models exist all over the world, albeit there may not be comparable tax incentives. For example, the United States’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), France’s Société coopérative de production (SCOP), Australia’s Employee Share Schemes (ESS) and any number of other workers cooperative or share purchase models.

An EOT is one method of facilitating the employee ownership model. EOTs are a restricted form of EBT that is settled by a Company’s Founders or current owners and involves transferring ownership of a business into a Trust for the long-term benefit of all Eligible Employees.

The UK Government has incentivised transferring a business to its employees with notable tax exemptions. Under an EOT, majority shareholders can sell greater than 50% of the share capital to the Trust, receiving tax-exempt proceeds. The agreed sale amount is based on a business valuation carried out by an independent expert. Without a third-party buyer, this amount should reflect what the business can feasibly pay over an acceptable period.

Many owners choose a full 100% sale, while some keep a minority stake in the company for various reasons— ensuring legacy, ongoing income, to pass on the capital to loved ones as part of their personal Estate or even to make the sale more affordable for the business. It is important to understand that any subsequent disposal of retained shares to the EOT will not avail of the tax exemptions. If a minority stake is retained, provision should be made to protect shareholder interests from events, such as dilution.

In essence, the EOT functions as a Trust, comprising a Settlor, Trustees, and Beneficiaries. You can learn more about the basics of Trusts here.

Party to the TrustDescription
SettlorPerson(s) disposing of their Controlling Interest in the Company (i.e. more than 50% of the voting and equity rights).
TrusteesCan be sourced internally from Directors and employees of the Company, or externally by engaging independent Professional Trustees. Some EOTs may call for a mix.
BeneficiariesAll Eligible Employees of the company. This is a term defined within the Act as an employee or office holder of a Trading Company or principal company of a Trading Group. There are strict equality requirements.

The EOT facilitates indirect ownership of the Company’s shares. While Trustees legally own the shares, eligible employees hold the equitable title, enabling them to benefit from dividends, profits, and voting rights without direct share control. This provides benefits like administrative simplicity and increased stability.

EOT planning is undertaken for many reasons and circumstances and objectives will typically determine whether an EOT is an appropriate solution. Common drivers include where private owners, whether entrepreneurs or a family business, are considering succession planning, to support growth plans or upon initiating a new venture. However, EOTs should not be viewed merely as tax-planning tools. Their establishment should genuinely benefit the ongoing success of the business and its employees. The holistic benefits are explored in the next section.

2. What are the Advantages of an Employee Ownership Trust?

Driven by the UK Government and promoted by organisations like the Employee Ownership Association, employee ownership is now the UK’s leading SME ownership model. In 2022, there was a 37% increase, with half of all such businesses transitioning since 2021. From just 17 in 2014, the number of EOTs is now well over 1,000 and includes prominent firms like ARUP Group Limited, Adventure Forest Group Limited (Go Ape), and famously, the John Lewis Partnership PLC.

There are many benefits of employee ownership facilitated by EOTs, but simplicity I have divided the most prominent them into three main categories.

i) Benefits for the Business

The UK Government’s promotion of employee ownership stems from a core belief in its power to foster a resilient economy. This is grounded in the Nuttall Review’s assertion that incentivizing employees leads to enhanced trading performance. Key outcomes include:

  • Lower Absenteeism
  • A Happier Workforce & Increased Staff Wellbeing
  • Lower Staff Turnover
  • Faster Employment Growth
  • Increased Productivity

The EOT model speeds up employee engagement, typically translating into increased profitability and reduced expenses in areas like recruitment. It also improves the Company’s resilience, better equipped to handle challenging market conditions because the workforce now has a direct stake in the outcome, or an ‘owner’s mindset’.

Selling to employees via an EOT means the business’s existing culture, values, and way of operating can be preserved. In contrast, an external third-party might seek to integrate or change the business to fit their own strategies or corporate culture – possibly even placing the existing employees at risk of an exercise in rationalisation or contract renegotiations. This continuity is especially valuable for SMEs where the founding owners have played pivotal roles in the company’s governance, strategy, and overall trajectory from inception. Further, many SMEs do not have a comprehensive succession plan; EOT planning can often serve as a timely catalyst for undertaking succession planning, preparing the next generation of leadership for their roles.

The bespoke nature of an EOT sale offers a great deal of flexibility, from financing options to handover periods. Often, the sale price is spread over several years and is paid out of the business’s profits. Depending on the circumstances, this may also allow the Company to gear in a way that better aligns with the long-term interests of the business and its employees e.g. speeding up the route to profit-share by limiting the levels of debt financing required.

In essence, an EOT, under apt circumstances, is a robust strategy to ensure a business’s enduring success and stability.

ii) Benefits for Owners

Exiting owners have compelling incentives to sell to an EOT, chiefly the potential for a Capital Gains Tax exemption on the disposal of their shares.

This saving of up to 20% is particularly compelling in the face of a reduced Business Asset Disposal Relief (previously named Entrepreneurs’ Relief). The cumulative limit on the lifetime allowance has fallen from £10m to £1 million for qualifying gains flowing from disposals on or after 11 March 2020.

An internal sale process through an EOT offers numerous practical advantages:

  • No need to find an external buyer.
  • The sale price aligns with an independent market valuation, avoiding lengthy third-party negotiations.
  • Pre-determined Sale and Purchase Agreement offer opportunity to tailor terms.
  • Involving employees in the transition process, especially incoming Board Members, ensures a seamless handover.
  • Transitioning to an EOT acknowledges the workforce’s contributions and preserves the owner’s legacy.

This approach provides the exiting owner clarity and certainty on aspects that there is typically less control over in traditional trade sales, such as the transaction terms, sale price, and exit date etc.

The arrangement of funding for the EOT sale can also be highly customised. Options include seller financing, external debt financing, engaging investors, or using the company’s retained earnings; a hybrid approach is common to optimise the outcome for all. However, the method of financing requires careful consideration and should ideally be advised.

In the right circumstances, an EOT sale offers owners an efficient exit strategy, granting more control over the sale, whilst also ensuring a lasting legacy.

iii) Benefits for Employees

All Eligible Employees benefit from the company shares held in their name through the EOT. As such, EOT-owned businesses offer both financial and non-financial advantages to their employees.

First and foremost,under the Finance Act 2014, employees can access a tax-free bonus up to £3,600 annually. The conditions for this bonus, as defined in s312B of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003, include:

  • Participation Requirement: All employees, including those overseas, and in any company within a group structure, must be eligible for any qualifying bonus award at the point the award is determined.
  • Equality Requirement: Employees must participate on the same terms. Variables like remuneration, service length, and hours worked can determine the qualifying bonus. The equality requirement is infringed if the scheme wholly or mainly benefits directors or top earners.
  • Office Holder Requirement: Within an individual company payments will not be qualifying if directors or office holders and other employees connected with them exceed 2/5 of total employees.

HMRC’s Open Consultation considers key issues regarding the Income Tax-free bonus. Notably, the Employee Ownership Association points out that due to inflation, the real value of this tax-free bonus has decreased since 2014. They suggest a current appropriate limit should be £4,600+.

Beyond the bonus, Eligible Employees have a voice in the business and can benefit from future profit-sharing once the EOT’s funding commitments are met. This longer-term financial incentive means employees can benefit from the business’s growth, driven by improvements in their increased engagement and commitment, in turn leading to greater trading performance.

While the EOT benefits all Eligible Employees, the strict requirements do not prevent the business running other initiatives. For example, provision can be made for key staff to directly buy company shares outside of the Trust. This offers more individualised approach to recognition, aiding talent retention.

It is vital that employees are well-informed about the EOT and the incentive structure. The business should take a proactive approach to education, which can include regular communication from the Trustees and management regarding timelines and mutual benefits.

The business can choose to establish an Employee Council to facilitate optimal communication between the workforce and Trustees. The Employee Council represents the interests of the Eligible Employees, giving them a voice and a means to be informed about and influence the EOT’s activities. Specific rights and powers can be reserved for the Council within the EOT’s constitutional documents. For example, the power to veto certain actions, approve certain decisions or have the right to be consulted on certain matters. Alternatively, the Council’s role might simply be advisory in nature.

Finally, trade sales to external parties can be fraught with uncertainties. Conversely, the transition to an EOT is more straightforward as the employees are the purchasers, and they already possess a deep understanding of the company’s operations, culture, and vision, ensuring business continuity and hopefully stable growth.

In the appropriate context, transitioning to an EOT offers advantages not just to the business and the exiting owner, but also to all Eligible Employees. This structure can address talent retention and inflation-related wage concerns, promoting a resilient economy and a more equitable society.

3. Why use an Isle of Man Trustee for your Employee Ownership Trust?

The Trustees appointed to administer the EOT will hold Legal Title to the EOT Shares and owe the Beneficiaries a blend of Trustee Duties and Fiduciary Duties. These legal duties can be onerous and carry a level of liability. Particularly pertinent duties that must be considered, include:

  • To maintain and act in the interest of the Beneficiaries
  • The requirement to avoid conflicts of interest
  • To exercise reasonable care and skill
  • To understand and carry out their obligations in line with the terms of the Trust
  • To act fairly and with impartiality in their capacity as Trustee

While it’s common for EOT Trustees to be individuals or an external Professional Trustee, some businesses opt for a SPV to serve as a Private Trust Company (PTC). When this route is chosen, Trustees become the Directors of the PTC. While the PTC structure offers Limited Liability, safeguarding the Trustee Directors’ personal assets from legal action targeting the PTC, it does not provide an absolute shield. For example, in cases of criminal liability, failure of Fiduciary Duties or Gross Negligence etc. the Trustees can face personal, or even joint and several, liability.

Acting as a Trustee is a serious undertaking that can be complex and must be fully understood prior to appointment. Selecting the right Trustees for an EOT is crucial due to the potentially long-term nature of the appointment. Typically, candidates can be categorised into Lay Trustees and Professional Trustees. You can read more on the general differences between Lay and Professional Trustees here.

Lay Trustee Options for Employee Ownership Trusts:

Employee Trustees may be considered for as they are well placed to direct insight into the day-to-day operations and challenges of the business, bridging communication between the workforce and the Trust. Further, this appointment can provide an opportunity to develop talent to form part of the wider succession plan. Therefore, an Employee Trustee may add value in strategic decision-making and potentially promote an EOT-aligned culture, whilst preparing them for future responsibilities.

Businesses often also consider appointing Board-level Trustees. In particular, Non-Executive Directors can offer a balanced perspective on the strategic mind of the company, providing Board representation for the Trust and acting with increased independence.

Exiting owners may also be inclined to take up Trustee roles or appoint close associates, anticipating a retention of influence over the business. While this can initially seem logical, especially for Founders who deeply care about their company’s trajectory, it carries pitfalls. Ongoing control and influence for the exiting owner can hinder the business’s evolution and negate the genuine benefits of transitioning to an employee-owned model.

The HMRC Open Consultation considered exiting owner appointments and recommends limiting the participation of former owners and their close associates to a minority role. Any breach of this after disposal would be a disqualifying event, leading to an immediate CGT Tax charge to the trustees, or the former owner if within the first year following disposal.

However, the appointment of any Lay Trustee isn’t without challenges:

  • Trust Expertise: Lay Trustees might not have prior experience in Trust governance, fiduciary duties, or corporate oversight which require training and ongoing CPD commitments. This could mean a steeper learning curve, which can lead to errors or inefficiencies.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Employee or exiting owner trustees may find themselves in situations where the best interests of the Trust conflict with the immediate interests or sentiments of their colleagues or the Board. For instance, the exiting owner may have personal financial interests or other agendas that could conflict with the best interests of the Eligible Employees or the business’s long-term success. Further, whilst a NED is more independent, they are still employed by the company and far closer than an external party may ever be.
  • Administrative Burden: Serving as both an employee or NED and a Trustee can be demanding, especially when balancing professional and Trustee responsibilities.
  • Objectivity and Independence: A deep-rooted connection with the business is a double-edged sword. It can aid in understanding nuances but may also hinder unbiased decision-making. Further, where exiting owners or Board Members act alongside employee Trustees, it is important to acknowledge that these parties may tend to dominate important debates and decision-making, owing to strength of character and experience. Further, EOT Trustees will naturally face pressure from members of the business, which can make it difficult to maintain impartiality or to make unpopular but necessary decisions.
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Trust governance often involves complex legal and regulatory responsibilities. Inexperienced Lay Trustees might not be familiar with these areas, potentially leading to non-compliance or legal issues.

Professional Trustee Option for Employee Ownership Trusts:

Selecting a Professional Trustee for your EOT fundamentally addresses various concerns related to trust management and risk mitigation. This choice safeguards the EOT from potential mismanagement and legal non-compliance by employing a third-party specialist whose core focus is trust governance.

A Professional Trustee, being entirely independent, guarantees impartial and unbiased decision-making, which is paramount in safeguarding the interests of the EOT beneficiaries and ensuring robust governance. They play a pivotal role in mediating conflicts, leveraging their extensive experience, and providing a fresh, external perspective to strategic planning.

Equipped with specialised systems and methodologies for efficient EOT management, they devote undivided attention to trust administration, ensuring no conflict with other roles and responsibilities. Importantly, unlike Lay Trustees, a Professional Trustee can deliver a continuous and stable relationship with the EOT in perpetuity, especially when a Trust Services Provider with low staff turnover is chosen, fostering a consistent, long-term business connection.

Isle of Man Professional Trustees for Employee Ownership Trusts

As at time of writing, no IHT charges arise on the transfer of the exiting owner’s shares to an EOT and the EOT is also exempt from the IHT Relevant Property Regime. Therefore, even where the exiting owner, company and employees are UK Tax Resident Domiciliaries, there is currently nothing to prevent the use of Non-Resident Trustees. In fact, there can be very compelling non-Tax reasons for choosing Non-Resident Professional Trustees, such as those located in the Isle of Man. However, it is important to acknowledge that each case needs to be considered on its own merits – as with all things Trust related, one size does not fit all.

Isle of Man Trustees, such as Dixcart, are required to be licensed under the Financial Services Act 2008 and the Regulated Activities Order 2011, ensuring consistent regulatory oversight by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. This oversight assures clients that these trustees adhere strictly to best practices in their EOT obligations.

Furthermore, the Isle of Man is globally recognised as an exemplary international financial hub, boasting a stable political, economic, and regulatory landscape. With deep roots in intricate Trust and Corporate planning, the island’s financial services sector is populated by seasoned professionals.

The Isle of Man and UK are separated by the Irish Sea, meaning Isle of Man Professional Trustees are truly independent from the EOT-owned UK business. However, its proximity and transport links mean that Trustees can promptly attend crucial UK meetings, offering an ideal blend of autonomy and accessibility.

4. How Can Dixcart Help with Employee Ownership Trust Planning?

Dixcart Isle of Man have been assisting with owner-managed businesses, complex Trust arrangements and intricate employee share ownership structures for over 30 years – therefore, we are exceptionally well placed to assist with Employee Ownership Trusts.

By leveraging Dixcart’s expertise and quality focused services, we can deliver an effective bulwark between the businesses and its ownership, providing checks and balances on the business, assurance against conflicts of interest and that the rights and interest of the beneficiaries will always be the first priority.

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss how our Professional Trustee services can augment your Employee Ownership Trust planning, please feel free to get in touch with David Walsh at Dixcart: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David on LinkedIn

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.

7 Reasons Entrepreneurs Should Consider Offshore Trust & Corporate Services

Today’s businesses are subject to the constantly shifting sands of tax, regulation and an ever evolving, increasingly globalised economy. Engaging a Trust & Corporate Services Provider to manage and administer your company can offer many benefits, particularly for entrepreneurs, family offices or organisations that operate in multiple jurisdictions.

Trust & Corporate Services Providers, often referred to TCSPs, are specialist firms that offer a range of professional services to businesses, helping them with administrative, legal, financial, and regulatory aspects of running a company, partnerships and more.

In this article we look at 7 of the leading reasons why utilising a properly licensed and regulated Isle of Man TCSP can save entrepreneurs and dynamic businesses precious resources:

  1. Administrative Ease and Convenience
  2. Expertise and Specialist Knowledge
  3. Cost Efficiency
  4. Risk Management, Governance and Compliance
  5. Business Continuity and Expansion
  6. Pre-planning for Future Sale
  7. Everything Else

1. Administrative Ease and Convenience

For many entrepreneurs and growing businesses there simply isn’t the resource to devote to day-to-day company administration that does not add to the bottom line – but in today’s world, good governance is more important than ever. Further, there may not be the personnel and/or skills or expertise in-house to fill important appointments such as Directorships or Company Secretary etc.

Even for those more established businesses that operate internationally, or have a presence in multiple countries, having a single base of operation can deliver stability and certainty where taxation and the legal regime are concerned.

Utilising an Isle of Man TCSP can provide the business with such stability and reduce the administrative burden on you and your team, freeing you up to focus on core business activities and strategic planning in a neat “all-in-one” package.  

In addition, the opening and ongoing maintenance of banking relations is integral to the running of any business. An established TCSP will have strong banking relations and be in a position to guide your business through onerous bank account on-boarding processes. Indeed, many high street clearing banks rely on introductions made by licensed and regulated TCSPs to entrepreneurs and small businesses. In most instances, said banks will insist on a local, resident Board of Directors that are provided by a TCSP.

TCSPs, such as Dixcart, are staffed with professionals who possess the experience, expertise and operational capabilities to handle your day-to-day company admin like bookkeeping, banking, secretarial tasks, and regulatory filings effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, best practices will inform all of the company’s underlying activity – giving you peace of mind that all regulatory, tax and legal requirements are being fulfilled.

2. Expertise and Specialist Knowledge?

A good quality TCSP will ordinarily employ qualified professionals from a number of disciplines. This typically includes persons from the accounting, legal, tax and fiduciary sectors such as trust and estate practitioners and chartered secretaries.

Having experts and their skillsets readily available can provide entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses with invaluable support for navigating their industry, avoiding potential liabilities or pitfalls. This is also of particular importance in the bearish post-pandemic skills market where recruiting has become so very difficult in almost every industry – in affect, your business would have a group of retained professionals on-hand.

At Dixcart, our professionals possess a deep understanding of corporate governance, laws, regulations, and maintain a good tax awareness along with any jurisdictional or global requirements.

TCSPs also often have extensive networks of legal, tax, financial, and business professionals that can provide additional support and services as needed. Over Dixcart’s 50+ years of trading, we have amassed a network of trusted experts, so that even where we do not know the answer, we know who will. This knowledge can be invaluable in the company’s decision-making and ensures compliance whilst avoiding potential liabilities.

3. Cost Efficiency

As the saying goes, ‘time is money’. This adage is of paramount importance to entrepreneurs and growing businesses, who are typically light on staff headcount and need to remain agile to have the best chance of succeeding in their given business activities.

The proper administration of a company can be time-consuming and require specialist knowledge. Activities such as completing annual filings, handling legal matters (such as contracts) or seeking counsel, dealing with tax advisers, maintaining proper accounts, holding board meetings and minuting decisions, banking etc. take precious working hours away from achieving the business’s objectives. The question is, would it be more efficient to hire employees rather than outsource?

Let’s take the UK as our working strawman, as they are our closest neighbour. Employing an administrator, who would carry out basic admin e.g. collating documentation, basic filing work, answering the phone etc. and (not items like accounting, dealing with third-party professional advisers, making tax and VAT filings etc.), generally commands an income of between £25,000 to £35,000, on average, within the UK. This does not include employers NI, lost hours due to statutory minimum holiday allowance, pension contributions, sick days, equipment, office space, bonuses, benefits etc. which, based on the lower of £25,000, represents a cost to the employer of circa £45,000+ per annum. This cost also represents a resource that is fairly limited in remit and capabilities, and potentially disproportionately expensive.

On the other hand, a company that undertakes a mid-high level of ongoing activity may incur TCSP fees of circa £25,000+ per annum in total. For this, the business is getting access to qualified accountants, corporate secretaries, professional trustees etc., a network of trusted and professional contacts around the globe, normally hundred(s) of years’ combined experience and, in a good TCSP, a direct line to the senior management team and a transparent fee structure that delivers cost certainty.

Dixcart delivers a full suite of services to its clients, many of whom are entrepreneurs and small to medium sized enterprises wishing to conduct ambitious projects or have growth targets to meet within a certain period of time. Not only does the Isle of Man company benefit from an efficient and effective team of qualified professionals, but the fees are always transparent and tailored to the business in question.

4. Risk Management, Governance and Compliance

Ok, I know that the heady subjects of risk management, governance and compliance (GRC) aren’t the most exciting benefit of utilising a TCSP but hear me out.

GRC management has become essential for the ongoing profitability and sustainability of any modern business, ensuring that the business operates in a lawful, ethical, and profitable manner. GRC is closely related to the core principles of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) phenomenon that has developed over the decades and accelerated in recent years – now being actively policed by financial regulators with regards to misconduct and adherence to public statements etc.

This is all very well to say, and sounds good, but what does GRC management really mean in practice?

Good corporate governance involves balancing the interests of a company’s many stakeholders, such as shareholders, angel investors, management, employees, customers, suppliers, financial/banking institutions, government agencies and local communities etc. Good governance helps to build trust and confidence among stakeholders, thus promoting sustainability and safeguarding growth.

Risk management is central to the identification, assessment and control of vulnerabilities and threats to the company and its stakeholders. These threats could come in many forms, including financial practices, legal liabilities, strategic decision making, management errors or cybersecurity issues. Good risk management aids a company in proactively eliminating, mitigating or identifying environmental factors that could lead to financial loss, reputational damage, criminal liability and more – therefore it enhances the company’s resilience and aims to futureproof the business.

For example, diversifying business operations across multiple jurisdictions enables an entrepreneur to spread their risk and reduce their exposure to changes in a single country’s economic, legal or tax environment.

Finally, compliance relates to the company’s adherence to applicable laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices within the jurisdictions of trade. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to financial penalties, legal liability and reputational damage. Businesses that carry out certain activities, such as investment management, medical services etc. must follow strict regulatory rules.

TCSPs stay updated on legal and regulatory changes, ensuring that the business remains compliant with all relevant laws and avoids potential penalties or legal issues. This is especially important for the business as it develops, whether the goal is a future sale or floating the company on an exchange, GRC is here to stay.

By engaging professionals such as Dixcart to handle critical business functions, such as GRC management, businesses can:

  • Enhance decision making via delivering regulatory, legal and tax awareness in a reliable and timely manner, thus improving the quality of strategic and operational decisions.
  • Improve efficiency by streamlining processes and procedures, saving time and resources.
  • Increase stakeholder trust, which can lead to increased investment, better working partnerships, and improved reputation.
  • Ensure sustainability by identifying, assessing and managing potential financial risks, legal liabilities and malicious threats.
  • Diversify the business’s operations across multiple jurisdictions, by spreading risk and reducing exposure to changes in a single jurisdiction’s economic, legal or tax environment.

5. Business Continuity and Expansion

As a business grows its needs evolve. A TCSP’s services can adapt to meet those changing needs by providing revised and scalable solutions that align with the business’s development and expansion plans. Privately owned TCSPs, such as Dixcart, can adjust their offerings quickly and evaluate your evolving requirements based on growth or fluctuations in demand, without disruption.

Workforce continuity is of paramount importance for the success of fledgling and growing businesses. In fact, one of the key issues experienced by businesses today is the reliable acquisition and retention of good quality staff. This is not an issue where a good quality TCSP is engaged.

Dixcart provides businesses with access to the skills and knowledge of consummate professionals for as long as needed. When choosing a TCSP you should ensure that there is a low churn rate of staff and/or a large proportion of long-serving senior team members, who you will have direct access to. In such instances, the same contacts can act as your dedicated touchpoints throughout the entire relationship, allowing them to gain significant insight into the business, your issues and objectives, and therefore deliver more effective and efficient services.

Moreover, for entrepreneurs and businesses with global aspirations, TCSPs can also assist with company formation and compliance in foreign jurisdictions – enabling a full global group structure to be created through one point of contact. This support can help navigate complex international regulations and cultural differences, making the expansion process smoother. Having a presence in multiple locations can also reduce risk by diversifying operations and protecting assets.

By collaborating with entrepreneurs, our various Dixcart Group TCSP offices around the world, or TCSPs of similar standing to Dixcart, we can create comprehensive business continuity plans to aid existing or expanding operations. These plans outline strategic procedures to follow during challenging times – emergencies, natural disasters, or other disruptions – ensuring the business is resilient and can continue functioning effectively, no matter what. In addition, an extra layer of ongoing financial stability and flexibility may be introduced by the diversification of banking and professional relationships, taking advantage of Dixcart’s already established list of reputable contacts.

6. Pre-planning For Future Sale

When entrepreneurs and businesses embark on new commercial ventures, such as entering a new market or undertaking a special project, the activity is often undertaken with a view to hitting certain growth or value targets before selling the subsidiary or business as a whole. Where this is the case, especially in instances of cross-border trade or multi-jurisdictional planning or ownership, engaging a good TCSP within a reputable jurisdiction can augment the journey to sale.

By delivering tailored solutions, a TCSP can help maximise the value of the business and ensure a smooth and efficient sales process. Working with advisers and clients to provide the optimal corporate structure can enhance the business’s attractiveness to potential buyers via maximising value and operational efficiency. This may involve creating a holding company or subsidiary structure that is more appealing to investors or simplifies the ownership and shareholding arrangements etc.

Very often we are approached by entrepreneurs and business owners, pre-incorporation, to establish and administer Isle of Man holding structures for the purpose of owning the equity in the various arms of the business. The Isle of Man holding company can also hold any other relevant assets, for example, Real Estate, Investments, or Intellectual Property.  This can provide the Beneficial Owners with additional flexibility when it comes to onward sale of the business and the potential to optimise their sale proceeds and mitigate unnecessary tax liabilities.

A good TCSP can ensure the company’s financial records and reporting requirements are always up-to-date, well-organised, and comply with the relevant requirements, making the preparation for sale a more straightforward and efficient task. Engaging a TCSP, such as Dixcart, to assist with due diligence requirements, valuation, confidentiality measures and negotiations can not only give owners and investors peace of mind, but also instil confidence in potential buyers. In addition, post-sale, an experienced TCSP can ensure smooth transition and transfer of assets to the new owners and help the outgoing owners wind down operations as part of a post-sale planning strategy.

Proper planning and collaboration with experts at Dixcart can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful and profitable business sale.

7. Everything Else

So, it is clear from the information above, that utilising an offshore TCSP can be advantageous in the running of an entrepreneur’s business, but what else can be offered?

Offshore jurisdictions often offer tax neutrality and efficiency compared to the entrepreneur’s home country. By structuring their businesses offshore, entrepreneurs may legally reduce their tax liabilities, retain more profits, and reinvest them in their businesses or personal portfolio.

Legitimate use of offshore trusts or entities can create a legal separation of ownership between personal and business assets, therefore helping to protect those assets from potential lawsuits, creditors, or other financial risks.

Where the legal separation of assets has occurred, a TCSP can facilitate estate and succession planning, ensuring that an entrepreneur’s wealth and business interests are managed and distributed to future generations according to their wishes, in a tax efficient manner. Further, the TCSP can assist entrepreneurs in designing and implementing various employee benefit plans such as share purchase schemes or Employee Ownership Trusts etc., incentivising their performance and loyalty.

Some entrepreneurs value privacy and may prefer to keep their financial affairs confidential. Offshore jurisdictions often have strict laws that protect the privacy of business owners and shareholders, offering a higher level of confidentiality.

Speak with a member of the Dixcart team to find out more about the various structuring options and services that may be available to you.

Why Choose an Isle of Man Trust & Corporate Service Provider?

There are many reasons to choose the Isle of Man, such as regulators who work in harmony with the private sector, political and economic stability, a comprehensive financial infrastructure, a strong banking sector, favourable taxation that encourages the creation and preservation of wealth and world class communications.

Ultimately, the Isle of Man is a competitively priced, reputable and well-regulated international financial centre, which can enhance the credibility of an entrepreneur’s business in the eyes of clients, partners, and investors alike.

Things to consider…

It is important to note that whilst TCSPs can be beneficial, often crucial, for businesses to thrive, they should be selected carefully. Research and due diligence are required to ensure the TCSP is reputable, compliant and can deliver the necessary support for the company’s specific requirements.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the chosen offshore jurisdiction aligns with the company’s overall business strategy and goals.

Seeking professional advice from qualified accountants, tax, legal and financial advisors is essential to ensure that the chosen structures and arrangements are legal, ethical, and aligned with the entrepreneur’s specific needs and objectives.

With ten offices covering nine different jurisdictions worldwide, Dixcart are ideally placed to provide any entrepreneur with the support and expertise required to support a flourishing business.

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss corporate services or estate and succession planning, please feel free to get in touch with the team at Dixcart: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David on LinkedIn and Glenn on LinkedIn

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.

Isle of Man

Using an Isle of Man SPV for Financing International Investment

We have now had an extended period in which world markets have been shaken by international events. For example, the value of the British Pound (£GBP) has been depressed (albeit showing signs of recovery due to Bond market performance) owing to a blend of home grown and global economic forces (Brexit, pandemic, war, inflation et al). But in this fiscal adversity lies a potentially lucrative opportunity.

It may be an opportune time for those based in the world’s more buoyant economies to look to international investment, monopolising on weakened currencies, undervalued markets, and any differences in interest rates etc. But for many with the resources to undertake such activity, such as Family Offices, Private Equity Funds or even HNWIs with significant assets, the question of how best to leverage this advantage can be complex and unwieldly, even resulting in decision-making paralysis – worse, this inertia could even lead to missing the boat altogether.

At Dixcart, we work with a wide range of professionals to deliver solutions for such clients. In this article we consider how you and your advisers could utilise an Isle of Man Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to unlock your next international investment opportunity:

  1. Why is the Isle of Man a Good Choice for Your Special Purpose Vehicle?
  2. Which Isle of Man Entities are Available to Act as Special Purpose Vehicles?
  3. Leveraging Against Your Existing Portfolio
  4. What Loan Facilities are Available to an Isle of Man Special Purpose Vehicle?
  5. How Could an Offshore SPV be Used for International Investment?
  6. How Can Dixcart Assist with Your Next International Investment?

1. Why is the Isle of Man a Good Choice for Your Special Purpose Vehicle?

Typically, an offshore SPV will be utilised to ringfence assets and liabilities in relation to a given activity or objective, thus mitigating risk. For example, to purchase an equity position in a company, to conduct mergers and acquisitions, provide angel investment to a start-up, securitisation of debt, raising additional capital, purchasing luxury assets etc. Structuring your investment vehicle in this way can have the broad effect of:

  • Protection against insolvency via ringfencing the assets and liabilities of the Beneficial Owner and SPV.
  • There may be no audit requirements where the SPV is below the earnings threshold.
  • Providing commercial privacy, dependent on the local regime e.g. there is no requirement for accounts to be made publicly available in the Isle of Man.
  • Can shield the SPV from legal action taken against the Beneficial Owners and vice versa.
  • Providing legal and tax certainty dependent on the jurisdiction of establishment.
  • And more…

Further to this, several features make the Isle of Man an attractive prospect for incorporating your SPV when undertaking international investment:

Tax Regime

The Isle of Man has a favourable tax regime for corporate entities, which makes it an attractive location for incorporating SPVs geared towards investment. Famously the island benefits from the following headline rates:

  • 0% Corporate Tax
  • 0% Capital Gains Tax
  • 0% tax on most Dividends and Interest payments

Further, the Isle of Man falls under the UK’s VAT regime, which can be beneficial in certain circumstances. Isle of Man Entities can register for VAT purposes, and benefit from service providers’ experience in this regime and a more responsive VAT Office generally.

However, it is important to note that there may be tax payable in the local jurisdiction where the activity is taking place depending on the nature of the proposed activity and the local tax rules. This is a complex area, and it is vital to engage an appropriate tax adviser when conducting such planning. Dixcart have a wide range of professional contacts and can make introductions as desired.

Legal Regime

The Isle of Man has modern and flexible corporate laws that allow for the creation of various types of SPV. The legislative environment is also politically agnostic, and therefore stable and reliable. The flexibility offered, allows SPVs to tailor their structures to meet their specific objectives, whilst the enduring nature of the legal regime provides certainty.

Additionally, whilst UK Case Law is persuasive, Manx Law is distinct and will only follow the Precedents of the Courts of England & Wales, in the absence of Manx authority. Further, foreign Court Orders are not directly enforceable without an equivalent Manx Court Order. As the Courts and laws of the Isle of Man are tailored to its requirements, it is particularly well placed to deal with matters relating to Company Law, Trust Law, and Tax etc.   

In addition, lenders can take comfort as registered legal charges are publicly available on the Isle of Man Companies Registry search. For example, this is a requirement for companies formed under the Companies Act 1931. Therefore, details regarding all existing registered charges are available to the lender online, on-demand.

Global Standing

The Isle of Man is OECD ‘Whitelisted’ and therefore regarded as a well-run financial centre. The island has a global reputation for being a well-regulated jurisdiction with a stable political and economic environment. The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has a proactive approach to regulating financial services, ensuring good governance, which provides investors and lenders with confidence in the enterprise. This can make activities such as debt financing more attractive to lenders, as the Isle of Man is easy to do business with.

Regulated Professional Services

The Isle of Man has a heritage in international planning and offers a well-developed financial services industry, including highly experienced service providers, such as Dixcart, who can assist with the setup and ongoing management of SPVs. Further, the investor and lender can take comfort from the fact that Isle of Man corporate service providers must possess a license and are regulated, unlike their UK counterparts.

Proximity

The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the Irish Sea, between the UK and Ireland, making it easily accessible from both locations. But more importantly, operates in the same time zone as the UK and is just +1 CET for European activities. This proximity makes it a convenient location for individuals and companies looking to set up SPVs for access to markets in similar time zones, such as the UK or other European jurisdictions.


2. Which Isle of Man Entities Are Available to Act As Special Purpose Vehicles?

The Isle of Man offers a wide variety of vehicles to act as SPVs and undertake investment via debt or equity financing. A corporate entity can be incorporated on the island in 48 hours or less for a minimum Registry fee of £100 – quicker times are available for increased Government fees. It is important to note that the incorporation fee does not include the service provider’s onboarding fee.

Appropriate entities include:

Isle of Man Companies Act 2006 Company

The Isle of Man Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006) Company is a modern corporate vehicle that has a great deal of flexibility when compared to a more traditional Companies Act 1931 Company.

There are no thin capitalisation rules on a CA 2006 Co as the company may be incorporated with a single share, which can have a par value of zero. The CA 2006 Co simply requires a Registered Office, Registered Agent and a minimum of one Shareholder and one Director. The Director can be a non-Isle of Man Resident, and Corporate Directors are permitted. No Company Secretary is required.

All charges are deemed to be registerable under the CA 2006 and charges should be registered within 1 month of creation. The CA 2006 provides additional flexibility in this regard, as charges can be registered after this 1-month period. In reality the registration of such a charge will likely be a term of the Loan Agreement and as an SPV, the company is unlikely to have existing charges or trade debts etc.

Limited Partnership with Separate Legal Personality

As stipulated in the Isle of Man Partnership Act 1909, Limited Partnerships require a minimum of two Partners, made up of one or more General Partners (GP) and one or more Limited Partners (LP). A minimum of one Partner must be Isle of Man Resident.

A GP has unlimited liability and is free to engage in the day-to day management of the Limited Partnership i.e. administer the investment(s). The GP can be a Corporate entity. Due to this uncapped liability, the GP is typically an Isle of Man Limited Company.

The LP would be the investor, whose liability is fixed at outset and restricted to the capital or property contributed or outstanding. Conversely, the LP cannot engage in the day-to-day administration of the Partnership, lest they be deemed a GP and therefore be exposed to unlimited liability.

Further, under the Limited Partnership (Legal Personality) Act 2011, the Limited Partnership can be incorporated with separate legal personality, thereby being capable of contracting and being a party to legal action.

The Limited Partnership is a transparent entity for tax purposes and therefore Gains are realised on the Partner’s personal rates of taxation (e.g. income tax, Inheritance Tax etc.).

Protected Cell Company (PCC)

A Protected Cell Company (PCC) operates as an independent legal entity, equipped with the authority to engage in contracts, assume ownership of assets, and be subject to legal action. The structure of a PCC allows for the creation of an unlimited number of separate Cells. Each of these Cells serves as a compartmentalised unit with its own assets and liabilities, which are distinctly isolated from those of the other Cells and the PCC’s non-cellular assets and liabilities.

Alongside the non-cellular ordinary shares of the PCC, cellular shares can also be issued. The holder of these cellular shares is permitted to participate in the activities of the specific Cell they invest in, with rights outlined by the Articles of Association.

Accounting transparency is ensured by requiring a separate set of accounts and a tax return for each Cell. Moreover, each Cell must be clearly identifiable as part of a PCC, and all third parties transacting with a Cell must be aware of its status within a PCC structure.

The PCC model presents a valuable strategy for a Beneficial Owner aiming to delineate different activities and associated risks. For instance, one might isolate borrowing and financed activities conducted in one Cell from the private investment carried out in another. When a corporate investor such as a venture capital fund engages in multi-jurisdictional activities, like investing in startups, the Cells act as tangible barriers, segregating each business’s activities. They could also be tailored to reach maturity at varying dates, providing added flexibility.

Honourable Mentions

There are of course many more legal structures available to act as SPV, including; Limited Liability Companies, Foundations and Isle of Man Purpose Trusts. Each has distinct features that can make it appropriate in the correct context.

Economic Substance Considerations

It is important to note that there are rules around Economic Substance in the Isle of Man and Channel Islands. Incorporated entities in these jurisdictions, that undertake Relevant Sector Activity, will have to meet certain requirements to demonstrate the Core Income Generating Activity (CIGA) of the company occurs within the jurisdiction (Isle of Man or Channel Islands), to be Tax Resident. CIGA includes activity such as the entity being directed and managed in the jurisdiction, possessing an adequate and proportionate number of qualified employees (or working hours taking place) in the jurisdiction, possessing an adequate physical presence etc.

For example, if a corporate entity’s sole function is to acquire and hold equities, and the equities in question are controlling stakes in other companies, it is defined as a Pure Equity Holding Company for the purposes of Economic Substance. If the Pure Equity Holding Company derives income from this activity, it will have to demonstrate CIGA. This is accomplished via the provision of Directors, various management services and Registered Office on the Isle of Man or Channel Islands.

You can find the Isle of Man and Channel Islands guidance note on Economic Substance here.


3. Leveraging Against Your Existing Portfolio

As noted in the introduction, markets are tough at the moment and for those with money tied up in their portfolio, liquidating may not be in their best interests e.g. it may compound any losses. Considering debt financing your next international investment can be a good solution under the correct circumstances, but how do you unlock the value in your existing portfolio without compromising growth?

In today’s world it is commonplace for investors to arrange asset-based financing against less conventional security. For example, loan arrangements such as Lombard lending provide a credit facility secured against the investor’s more liquid personal investments, such as equities, bonds, or funds. The methods of how such facilities operate are discussed briefly in section 4.

Further, having initially started in the USA, specialist lenders have started to emerge across the world who can consider more complex arrangements that take into account Illiquid, sticky, or intangible assets. Such assets often present a challenge to use as collateral for financing as they do not have a readily available market value like liquid assets. As such, lending against these non-traditional asset classes is now made possible via insurances contracts that provide a market value guarantee in the event of default.

Illiquid assets are somewhat more straightforward than sticky and intangible assets. Such arrangements may simply require the creation of a charge over the purchased asset being financed e.g. where an aircraft is being constructed, a charge may be created over the aircraft, thus allowing the lender to take lawful possession in the event of default. It is quite normal for the lender in such instances to also take security over other assets in the borrower’s portfolio, such as the Lombard-style arrangement noted earlier, providing the lender with additional certainty to protect against loss.

It is important to work with a specialist lender or professional adviser when attempting to use such assets as collateral to ensure that you are getting a fair and accurate valuation.


4. What Loan Facilities are Available to my Isle of Man Special Purpose Vehicle?

While the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) can raise funds through diverse methods like issuing debentures or debt notes, it has a plethora of other financial strategies at its disposal, including acquiring debt financing through banking institutions or other financial intermediaries. Even though numerous banks operate on the Isle of Man – such as Barclays, RBSI, HSBC, NatWest, and others – the Isle of Man entity is not confined to these financial institutions, and deals can be orchestrated with virtually any global lender, given they meet the necessary compliance standards. A multitude of loan facilities are available in these scenarios, but Carried Interest Facilities, Capital Call Facilities, Margin Loan Facilities, and notably, Net Asset Value (NAV) Facilities are some of the most prevalent.

NAV Facilities, in particular, have witnessed escalating popularity, especially amid the prevailing bearish market conditions, where Beneficial Owners might prefer to avoid liquidating their investments at a probable loss. But what are NAV Facilities?


Net Asset Value (NAV) Facilities

NAV Facilities are a form of secured loan, where the collateral consists of assets from an investment vehicle, like a Private Equity Fund, Hedge Fund, or an investment portfolio. They provide investors the means to borrow against their assets’ value without divesting their holdings. The extent of the loan facility is determined by the ‘Net Asset Value’, which is calculated as the total worth of the packaged assets, after deducting liabilities and debts.

Under these provisions, lenders typically extend a line of credit based on a certain proportion of the Net Asset Value. The loan amount hinges on the lender’s evaluation of the quality and liquidity of the underlying assets, as well as the cash flows and distributions that ascend to investors from those assets.

In most instances, the lender will obtain security over the relevant assets, such as shares in the Master Fund/Feeder Fund or the investment holding vehicle. However, the terms of NAV Facilities can greatly vary, depending on the lender, connected parties, any holding vehicle involved, and the nature of the underlying assets. Additionally, the interest rates could be fixed or variable, and the lender might reserve the right to seize the assets or compel a sale in case of an SPV loan default.

NAV Facilities afford investors easy access to liquidity without compelling them to offload their investments. This, in turn, enables them to leverage new investment prospects promptly, without impacting the compounded growth of their leveraged assets. The loan facility can also cover any ongoing or unforeseen expenses, like redemptions or legal fees, endowing the investment vehicle with an element of stability and resilience.


5. How Could an Offshore SPV be Used for International Investment?

Once the capital has been secured via private funding, loan arrangement etc. there are many ways in which an Isle of Man SPV may be utilised to achieve your financial objectives. Typically these include activities such as packaging assets as securitisation, engaging in structured finance, as an investment vehicle, purchasing a luxury asset etc.

Some of the most common uses we see are:

Investment Vehicle

Whilst an Isle of Man SPV can be used to structure open or closed ended investment vehicles for entities such as hedge funds, private equity funds, or venture capital funds undertaking international investment, simple investment companies are often used for private arrangements. The archetypal investment company will use the Isle of Man SPV to co-ordinate the investment capital from investors in multiple jurisdictions or who are looking to undertake investment activity in a foreign market. For example, the funds may come from Hong Kong, Singapore and any number of equivalent jurisdictions, into the Isle of Man SPV that then purchases the equity in a UK SPV undertaking the build and subsequent leasing or sale of UK Real estate, start-ups or growing businesses, with a view to receiving and accumulating Dividends paid to shareholders for reinvestment.

Purchasing a Luxury Asset

In almost every instance, where a client is seeking to acquire a prestigious asset, such as a yacht or jet, an SPV is the best method of purchase. The exact structuring will be guided by the tax and legal advice but will normally carry many benefits for the Beneficial Owner e.g. limiting liability / exposure, tax planning, potential VAT exemptions or recoverability etc. IOM SPVs are very attractive for those non-EU Tax Resident individuals utilising the craft for personal use, or in some circumstances a blend of personal use and commercial charter.Your Attractive HeadingYour Attractive Heading

You can read more about the various uses and features of Isle of Man Companies here.


6. How Can We Assist with Your Next International Investment?

Dixcart can assist with your international structuring, setting up and administering the offshore structures required by your planning. We work closely with clients and their advisers to ensure that the SPV is managed optimally, to facilitate your objectives.

The Dixcart Group has been delivering high quality offshore services to clients and their advisers for over 50 years, with the Isle of Man office trading since 1989. Over this time, we have developed strong working relationships with some of the world’s leading advisers – therefore, If you have not yet engaged a professional adviser, we can make an introduction as appropriate.

*Please note this information should not be considered financial advice, and we would recommend getting in touch with us via the details provided or discussing with your professional adviser before taking any action.


Get in Touch

If you require further information regarding the use of Offshore SPVs, or Isle of Man structures, please feel free to get in touch with David Walsh at Dixcart: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David on Linkedin.

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority

Why Use Isle of Man Professional Trustees?

We have had an extended period of global uncertainty including highlights such as a pandemic, economic disruption, massive inflation and the threat of a new cold war. In such volatile times, how do you plan for future generations? Whilst there will always be market disruption, when it comes to estate and succession planning, you can take heart from the steadfast reliability of licensed and properly regulated Professional Trustees.

In this short article we will discuss some of the key reasons you should be considering a Professional Trustee for your Trust structuring:

  1. What is a Professional Trustee?
  2. Why is a Lay Trustee sometimes the wrong choice?
  3. What do I need to consider when choosing a Professional Trustee?
  4. How can Dixcart help with my Trust planning?

1. What is a Professional Trustee?

You cannot have a Trust without Trustees, but what is a Trustee and what is the difference between a Lay Trustee and a Professional Trustee?

A Trustee is appointed by the Settlor / Donor of a Trust and is the party that holds legal title to the property and assets that form the Trust Fund. The Trustee must administer the Trust Fund in line with the Trust Deed, their various duties and in the interests of the Beneficiaries. You can read more about the various parties to a Trust and more, here.

Lay Trustees are non-expert Natural Persons, typically family or friends, who are appointed as Trustee by the instigator of the Trust. They will act as Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust, or until incapacitated, death or replacement.

A Professional Trustee can be either a Body Corporate or Natural Persons but is typically a corporate entity such as a Private Limited Company. Professional Trustees are normally qualified experts who will undertake their duties for a fee. The Professional Trustee contracts with the Settlor / Donor to provide services for whole lifetime of the Trust or until they are replaced. 

Trusts do not have separate legal personality and therefore ALL Trustees are jointly and severely liable for their actions under a Trust. Additionally, both Lay Trustees and Professional Trustees owe a blend of Common Law and Statutory duties to the Beneficiaries. These duties include responsibilities such as to exercise reasonable care and skill, to fully understand their obligations under the Trust, to avoid conflicts of interest, to act within their powers under the Trust Instrument and to act with impartiality.

Further, as the Trust does not possess separate legal personality and all liabilities linked to the Trust Fund fall onto the Trustees, Trustees can incur tax liabilities within their respective jurisdiction, including having to meet any reporting requirements etc.

Importantly, the nominated party must be willing to act as Trustee, but as you can see, being appointed as a Trustee is a serious undertaking that can be complex and carries a great deal of responsibility.

2. Why is a Lay Trustee sometimes the wrong choice?

All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others…’

Orwell’s famous line from Animal Farm seemed to be an appropriate way to open this section – but what do I mean by this?

Whilst the Courts will hold Lay Trustees to account for their actions under the Trust Deed and in line with the Trustee and Fiduciary duties owed, Professional Trustees will be held to a higher standard of care.

For instance, in determining professional negligence, the Court would consider the Professional Trustee’s state of mind / knowledge in line with that of a reasonably competent Professional Trustee, replete with all the knowledge and expertise that a Professional Trustee could be expected to have – including any specialist knowledge that they held themselves out to possess.

Further, whilst UK Professional Trustees are generally not regulated, Isle of Man Professional Trustees must possess a Class 5 License and are regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority under the Financial Services Act 2008.

The effect of this is threefold:

  1. Family and/or friends who are appointed as Trustee will be personally liable for their actions, including any potential losses or misinformed actions; and
  2. If Professional Trustees are engaged, they will be held to a higher standard of care regarding fulfilling their duties under the Trust; and
  3. All Isle of Man Professional Trustees must maintain a license and are regulated. This provides further protection and quality assurance that the client and their beneficiaries can take comfort from.

When a Lay Trustee is appointed, the Settlor / Donor will not necessarily benefit from any additional protections, and they will not be held to a Professional Standard. There are many more reasons that can help determine whether a Professional Trustee is right for you in the circumstances.

Cons of Appointing a Professional Trustee

Appointing a Professional Trustee is not without its considerations. The main drawback of appointing a Professional Trustee is of course the implicit fees. The size of the Trust Fund will determine whether Professional Trustee services are viable or not.

Where the Trust Fund is below a minimum size, Professional Trustee fees can disproportionately diminish the assets. For example, a Settlement of £100k that incurs Professional Trustee fees of £10k per annum must achieve over 10% growth per year to meet its Professional Trustee costs alone – there can of course be third party fees also (e.g. investment managers, Custodians, Property Managers etc.) – this is of course not viable. Comparatively, a Settlement of £1m with the same £10k Professional Trustee fee will only need to achieve over 1% growth per annum, a much more achievable hurdle.

Therefore, Professional Trustees are typically engaged where the Trust Fund will be valued in the millions+. In such circumstances, the costs of the Professional Trustee and any third parties can be met whilst still experiencing healthy growth via the income, gains and interest accrued.

In such instances, the client is also transferring control of their Settled assets to people they may not have an existing relationship with. However, this concern can be allayed by some of the questions we consider in section 3.    

Cons of Appointing a Lay Trustee

Conversely, the main benefits of appointing a Lay Trustee are that the Settlor / Donor will have a prior relationship with them i.e. they will be a known person. The other key benefit is that they will normally act as Trustee for free.

However, there are many important features that make a Lay Trustee a less attractive solution where the Trust Fund and planning allows for a Professional Trustee to be engaged. This includes considerations such as:

Continuity

Unfortunately, unlike Professional Trustees who act via a corporate entity, Lay Trustees can die or lose capacity. This can cause issues for the efficient and effective administration of the Trust and incur costs to remedy. Successor Trustees can be named in the Deed, but the same issues remain, plus there is reliance on proper record keeping and a good handover – as they will not necessarily be stored in a central location, unlike Professional Trustees’ offices.

Lay Trustees’ circumstances are also subject to change. For example they may emigrate for work etc. Where this is the case, apart from the issue of remoteness, as noted previously, it can cause unintended liabilities. The Trustee can pull the Trust into that new jurisdiction’s tax regime, and this may in turn have tax consequences.

A Professional Trustee delivers permanence and certainty with regard to the treatment during their tenure. Further as the company can continue in perpetuity, this feature allows the service provider to have an in depth understanding of the arrangement, the Settlor / Donor and where appropriate the Beneficiaries throughout the whole term of the Trust, which assists in the effective management of the Trust.

Neutrality

As Lay Trustees are persons known to the Settlor / Donor such as family or friends, they very often have ‘skin in the game’ so to speak i.e. they often have an interest – whether directly or indirectly. As previously noted, this is one of the legal duties owed by Trustees.

Where there is an issue with impartiality, conflicts of interest etc. this can compromise the arrangement, be the root of legal action and may even see deviations from the objectives of the Settlor / Donor. Further, Lay Trustees can often fall out, making administration of the Trust harder still.

A Professional Trustee is independent of inter-family relationships and always ensures an unbiased approach to carrying out their duties under the Trust – always actioned in the Beneficiaries best interest and in line with the wishes of the Settlor / Donor.

Burden

Acting as Trustee can be a time consuming, complex and sometimes unwieldly undertaking. This can result in the role being overwhelming and potentially stressful for Lay Trustees, particularly where the Trust Fund comprises significant assets.

Whether carrying out the day-to-day administration, keeping accounts or dealing with third party experts, your Trustees will be taking on an onerous responsibility. Keep in mind that Lay Trustees will often be juggling this role alongside their work and home lives.

Appointing a Professional Trustee, such as Dixcart, outsources this burden to consummate professionals who have dedicated themselves to delivering quality service, keeping your loved ones free of the aches and pains of Trusteeship.

Knowledge & Expertise

Understandably, the majority of Lay Trustees simply do not possess the required knowledge and expertise to optimally administer a Trust. In today’s world, the environment is subject to regular updates, for instance in reporting requirements e.g. FATCA and CRS, registration requirements e.g. the Register of Overseas Entities and changes in the tax, legal or regulatory treatment etc.

Often qualified professionals, such as Dixcart, will have an in-depth knowledge of all pertinent areas and maintain an awareness of best practices.

Indeed, specialist knowledge may be needed and therefore a Professional Trustee may be required. For example, it is not uncommon for businesses or groups of companies to seek to implement specialist Trusts, such as Employee Benefit Trusts or Employee Ownership Trusts. In such instances good governance is essential and therefore Professional Trustees can be very beneficial.

The knowledge and expertise of your Professional Trustee can even aid the Trust Fund to meet its targets over time, providing value and cost savings beyond simple administration.

In conclusion, given the correct circumstances, the appointment of an Professional Trustee, such as Dixcart, can mitigate otherwise unwarranted liabilities and provide peace of mind for all parties involved.

3. What do I need to consider when choosing a Professional Trustee?

If you and/or your adviser believes a Professional Trustee is a suitable solution, you may be wondering how to best identify a good Professional Trustee. There are many factors to consider, but below are a few questions that indicate a good quality Trust and Corporate Service Provider:

Is the Trust and Corporate Service Provider Well Established?

The client will want to consider those firms that have a heritage in the industry and who have operated continuously without issue. This displays the service provider’s commitment to operating sustainably and in a compliant manner. A service provider with extensive experience in trust and corporate services will have a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing entities. Their experience can help you navigate potential pitfalls and challenges, which can be value-adding. Therefore, the term of trading is an indicator of permanence and reliability.

The Dixcart Group have now been trading for over 50 years and remains privately owned by the same family. Further, Dixcart Isle of Man has been in operation since 1989, which represents a deep and varied knowledge of Trust and Corporate administration. This means that we do not have the same commercial pressures that private equity service providers experience, we only ever undertake compliant structuring and therefore have a quality rather than volume focus.

Does the Trust and Corporate Service Provider have Professionally Qualified and Experienced Staff?

A reliable Trust and Corporate Service Provider should have a team of professionals with relevant qualifications and expertise, such as Accountants, Lawyers, STEP qualified Trustees, Chartered Secretaries etc. They will generally be members of recognised industry bodies and associations.

When dealing with your Trust and Corporate Service Provider you should feel confident that the staff you interact with are well informed, can provide the answers you need and are ideally professionally qualified.

Further, it is also important to have direct contact with senior team members and Directors. When you want something actioned – it needs to be treated as a priority. This is a good indicator of service standards.

At Dixcart your day-to-day matters will be dealt with by professionally qualified senior employees. Additionally, our Directors are aware of every entity that we onboard and fully engage in the services delivered.

Does the Trust and Corporate service provider have a Transparent Fee Structure?

Most admin and compliance carried out by Trust and Corporate Service Providers is typically delivered on a ‘time-spent’ basis, meaning that a pro-rated hourly rate applies. The level of fees due will be in line with the levels of activity required to run the entity. Further the hourly rate that applies to any task will depend on the complexity of the task and expertise required.

When considering your Trust and Corporate Service Provider, you need to ensure that the fees are transparent and that you will never be billed without understanding what it is you are paying for. There also needs to be flexibility built-in, so that regular reviews are undertaken, and the relationship can remain fair for all parties involved.

We will always be open and honest with clients and advisers when it comes to fees, always giving prior warning and attaining client sign-off before actioning anything. At Dixcart we believe that trust is a fundamental building block in developing our relationship with clients and their advisers.

Will you Have a Dedicated Point of Contact?

A good Trust and Corporate Service Provider ensures continuity of service, which in turn minimises potential disruption. Therefore, it is very important that you are able to build long term relationships of trust and understanding with dedicated team members. A low turnover of staff and infrequent changes in you contacts indicate the kind of reliability and stability you will want for any long term planning such as a Trust.

Dixcart’s Isle of Man office has a very low churn rate of employees, with many of our team members being with us for 5+ years and a number serving for circa 20 years.

4. How Can Dixcart Help with My Trust Planning?

Dixcart have extensive experience in all offshore entities and can assist with the setup and ongoing administration of your private client planning and corporate structuring. This includes all forms of Trust and any underlying Special Purpose Vehicles or corporate entities.

Over the last 50 years, we have developed strong working relationships with some of the world’s leading advisers. If you have not yet engaged a professional adviser, we can make an introduction as appropriate.

Get in Touch

Click here to view a video presentation that provides a simple overview of the key principles of offshore trust planning and who they may be appropriate for in today’s world.

If you would like to discuss Professional Trustee services, or Estate and Succession Planning, please feel free to get in touch with David Walsh at Dixcart: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David on Linkedin.

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority

Why Use an Isle of Man Company? What you need to know

Isle of Man companies provide a flexible vehicle that meet a huge variety of objectives and can be particularly beneficial under the right conditions.

Depending on the circumstances, the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and their adviser can utilise Isle of Man companies in everything from corporate structuring and asset protection to wealth and estate planning. The Isle of Man company delivers a tax efficient and globally compliant solution.

In this article we highlight some of the good reasons to consider using Isle of Man companies:

Isle of Man Jurisdictional Benefits

The Isle of Man is an independent Crown Dependency that holds a Moody’s rating of Aa3 Negative, as at 28 October 2022, in line with the UK’s current rating. Companies registered in the Isle of Man benefit from the business-friendly Government, legislative environment and locally set tax regime. In addition, an Isle of Man company can be incorporated in 48 hours or less.

Headline rates of taxation include:

  • 0% Corporate Tax
  • 0% Capital Gains Tax
  • 0% Inheritance Tax
  • 0% Withholding Tax on Dividends
  • Isle of Man companies are able to register for VAT, and businesses in the Isle of Man fall under the UK’s VAT regime.

However, the island offers more than just tax efficiency.  It is OECD compliant and therefore not considered a tax haven and the local environment continues to provide world class professional services to those engaging in international wealth, corporate and estate planning.

You can read more about why the Isle of Man is a jurisdiction of choice, here.

The Flexibility of Isle of Man Companies

Isle of Man companies provide a large degree of flexibility in terms of their constitution and operation, particularly companies incorporated under CA 2006 – although, there can be situations where a more traditional CA 1931 company can be more attractive.

Whilst both types of company are required to maintain a Registered Office in the Isle of Man, must have a Nominated Officer etc. there is a large amount of freedom provided:

Companies Act 1931

Companies Act 2006

No restrictions on trading objects

Minimum of one Shareholder. Can be corporate.

Can have a single share, with no max. Share can hold a par value of as little as £0.01p. No thin capitalisation rules. Can be any currency.Can have a single share, with no max. Share can hold a par value of zero. No thin capitalisation rules. Can be any currency.
Minimum of two Directors. Can be non-resident. Cannot be a corporate.Minimum of one Director. Can be non-resident and can be a corporate.
Company Secretary required. Can be a non-resident and can be a Director.Requires a Registered Agent at all times. Registered Agent is a licensed Isle of Man resident.

Minimal restrictions on the management of dividends and share capital

Requirement to produced Annual Financial Statements, in line with Part 1 of the Companies Act 1982.

Subject to meeting the conditions set out in the Companies (Audit Exemption) Regulations 2007, the Members can unanimously agree to dispense of the requirement for Annual Accounts to be audited where applicable.
No requirement to produce Annual Financial Statements, but it is standard practice to produce such accounts.

No requirement for Annual Accounts to be audited.

Minimal filing and accounting requirements

There is a requirement to hold an Annual General Meeting, but private companies can dispense with this requirement in line with the Companies Act 1931 (Dispensation For Private Companies) (Annual General Meeting) Regulations 2010.No requirement to hold Annual General Meetings.

Furthermore, it is possible for a CA 1931 company to apply to re-register as a CA 2006 company and vice versa, since the commencement of the Companies (Amendment) Act 2021. This provides UBOs and advisers with ultimate flexibility with regards to the constitution of the company. You can read more about the effect of the Companies (Amendment) Act 2021 here.

You can read more about Isle of Man companies incorporated under the Companies Act 1931 here. Alternatively, you can read more about Isle of Man companies incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 here.

Dixcart have significant experience in assisting clients and their advisers with their corporate planning and can support them to make the most appropriate decisions regarding the choice of vehicle.

Isle of Man Companies and Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership

Central registers of beneficial ownership were introduced as a mandatory requirement for Member States and jurisdictions within the European Economic Area by Article 30 of the Fourth EU Money Laundering Directive (4MLD), coming into force in 2017. The Isle of Man gave affect to this Directive through the introduction of the Beneficial Ownership Act 2017.

Under the Beneficial Ownership Act 2017, where the UBO owns more than 25% of the legal entity the person is a Registrable Beneficial Owner, and the Nominated Officer must submit the Required Details to the Registrar to be held in the Isle of Man Database of Beneficial Ownership. The Register is not publicly available and is limited to competent Authorities and relevant organisations who conduct AML checks e.g. criminal enforcement bureaus such as the Financial Investigations Unit etc.

Further, you may be aware of a recent EU Court of Justice (CJEU) Grand Chamber ruling concerning the balancing the proportionality of achieving AML objectives and privacy rights. The judgement stemmed from a Luxembourg case, whereby a Luxembourg company and its UBO made an application to prevent information concerning beneficial ownership from being made publicly available – this was rejected by the Luxembourg RBO. Following this, the company and UBO began legal action relating to both the decision and legality of the legislative powers allowing this to take place.

The law gave affect to the Fifth EU Money Laundering Directive (5MLD). 5MLD amended Art 30 of 4MLD to make provision for any member of the general public to be entitled to access information concerning beneficial ownership. The Grand Chamber found that the legislation was indeed unlawful, and disproportionate in its derogation from the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights – namely Art 7 the right to respect for private and family life, and Art 8 concerning the protection of personal data.

The Crown Dependencies’ financial regulators have released a joint statement in late December 2022 in response to this landmark CJEU Grand Chamber ruling. They intend to seek specialist legal advice regarding how to proceed in implementing 5MLD compliant legislation, given the outcome of the above case. The Crown Dependencies have stated that they intend to adopt legislation in their respective jurisdictions as soon as possible after receiving the expert legal opinion, which is expected to be completed in early 2023. Whilst the regulators are clearly committed to honouring their commitments to openness and transparency, the statement does not provide any consideration of how the judgement will affect any interpretation of 5MLD or the legality of introducing measures such as a public register. You can find the Joint Statement: Crown Dependencies on access to registers of beneficial ownership of companies here.

Redomiciling an Existing Company to the Isle of Man

If there is an existing legal entity, you may be able to redomicile it to the Isle of Man and reregister it under Companies Act 1931 or Companies Act 2006.

When an incorporated entity is redomiciled to the Isle of Man, the result is a continuation of the same body corporate with all of its assets, liabilities and obligations remaining i.e. it is not a new entity. However, once imported, the laws and regulations of the Isle of Man apply.

It is important to note that this process can only be undertaken if the jurisdiction that the legal entity is exiting has the required legislative framework in place. Of course, the Isle of Man possess such legislation. For example, conversely there is no such Statute in the UK to support redomiciliation, and therefore UK companies cannot be redomiciled to any jurisdiction.

Further, it is necessary for the UBO and/or adviser to be aware of the potential licensing requirements if they wish to continue certain business activities after redomiciliation.

Additionally, it is also necessary to ensure your company’s Registered Name, or a derivative is available – if available, it can be reserved. In such cases, we would advise contacting Dixcart in the first instance. For further information on choosing a company name, you can read the Company and Business Names Etc Act here and you can check the name’s availability here.

There is a myriad of reasons why a UBO or their adviser may seek to move their company to the Isle of Man. For example, where an entity has been incorporated in a jurisdiction that was previously attractive, but has since fallen out of favour, this can make administering the company operationally difficult owing to the implicit risks of that jurisdiction. You can find a risk rated list of jurisdictions here (Jurisdictions in Lists A, B, C and D concerning AML/CFT risks).

The Isle of Man is regarded as a compliant, stable and well-regulated jurisdiction, and is therefore considered a leading international destination for business. For example, due to the Isle of Man being well-regulated and transparent, those companies that wish to structure debt finance can be looked on favourably by banks, owing to facilities such as a public register of mortgages and other charges. You can read more about why the Isle of Man is a Preferred Jurisdiction for Corporate Structuring here.

Dixcart are well placed to assist with the redomiciliation of all incorporated vehicles.

Isle of Man Companies and Banking

From carrying out its activities to meeting its liabilities, reliable banking arrangements are essential. Where a company is not incorporated in a reputable jurisdiction, or worse a blacklisted jurisdiction, this can cause significant operational issues. Further, where the company does not bank with a trusted institution, this can also create operational issues.

The banks take a risk-based approach, considering various factors upon application e.g. jurisdictions, connected parties, source of funds and wealth, nature of activity, volume of transactions etc. all of which will influence the acceptability of the application. The resulting risk rating will also affect the level of fees payable to the bank.

In addition, high street banks will not provide services to Isle of Man companies that do not have a resident Director. Therefore, in the circumstances where the UBO and/or adviser do not wish Dixcart to provide Isle of Man Directors, other options will have to be considered – for example, do you have existing banking relationships within other jurisdictions?

Dixcart has good relationships with all of the banks on the Isle of Man and can facilitate banking services on fully managed entities. In circumstances where Dixcart are not providing Directors, we can make appropriate introductions.

Taxation of Isle of Man Companies

Tax advice is almost always essential for non-Isle of Man residents, when considering incorporating an Isle of Man company. There are so many factors at play – what activity is the company carrying out? Are there Economic Substance requirements to be met? How are foreign companies treated within the UBOs local jurisdiction? How involved can they be with the management and control of the company? Is the company conducting cross-border transactions? Etc.

Furthermore, as a compliant whitelisted jurisdiction, the Isle of Man has signed up to a number of information exchange and double-taxation agreements. There can be reporting requirements that must be taken into account.

As you can see, even considering these basic questions there are a lot of things to clarify, much of which can have complex tax implications and require professional advice. Generally, the place to start will be to take advice in the UBO’s local jurisdiction. Whilst our Isle of Man office does not provide tax advice, we have built up a network of contacts over our 30+ years of trading, and will be able to make an appropriate introduction to an adviser local to the UBO.

How Are Isle of Man Companies Used?

Isle of Man companies have a huge variety of uses, and can be an option in most circumstances where the planning allows for the use of the Isle of Man. Below, I have covered a number of areas where Isle of Man companies are commonly utilised.

Holding Companies

A large range of capital, from participations in other companies to investment portfolios and luxury assets, can benefit from being owned via an Isle of Man company, due to the local legislative environment and tax regime. In such situations it is particularly important to ensure that placing the assets with the Isle of Man company will not attract any unintended taxation or liabilities – this needs to be considered at outset. Often the question can be whether the cost of maintaining and administering an Isle of Man company will outweigh the benefits or vice versa.

Below I have noted some of the most common types of Isle of Man holding companies:

  • Equity Holding: Isle of Man companies offer a great vehicle for holding participations in other companies. This can take the form of a personal portfolio of stocks and shares, or even the Isle of Man company acting as TopCo of a group of companies. Regardless, the UBO will need to confirm whether the Isle of Man company’s activity falls within a Relevant Sector for the purposes of Economic Substance legislation – contained in Part 6A Income Tax Act 1970.

Under Economic Substance, if an Isle of Man company’s sole function is to acquire and hold controlling equity positions in other companies i.e. more than 50% of the company’s share capital, then the company is considered a Pure Equity Holding Company. A Pure Equity Holding Company must demonstrate that its Core Income Generating Activities (CIGA) occur on the Isle of Man. The required CIGA is usually met through the provision of Directors and other management services in the Isle of Man, enabling Adequate Substance to be met.

However, if the Isle of Man company meets these requirements but has no income i.e. no dividends are paid up from the equity holdings, then it falls out of Economic Substance.

You can find the latest guidance on Economic Substance here.

  • Real Estate Property Holding: Isle of Man companies are often used to purchase, develop and/or generate income from Real Estate. This option is particularly attractive in circumstances where the UBOs are in a number of geographic locations or outside of the jurisdiction being invested into.
  • Yacht Holding: Isle of Man companies are often used for the management of luxury assets. We have particular expertise in Superyacht management structures, whereby we work with industry professionals to deliver a ringfenced and efficient corporate ownership structure. You can read more about our superyacht services here.
  • Honourable Mentions: as noted above, in the right circumstances it can be beneficial to hold almost any asset via an Isle of Man company. Other typical assets held by Isle of Man companies include; intellectual property, aircraft, and tangible investment property such as works of art, wine etc.

International Structuring

The Isle of Man provides a great non-EU base from which to structure companies that operate internationally. There are several instances where this makes particular sense:

  • Geographic diversity – The company may have Shareholders, workforce or activities that are located within multiple jurisdictions or trade areas;
  • Restructuring – An Isle of Man company may be established for the purposes of carrying out acquisitions and mergers. Further where a TopCo needs to relocate to a well-regarded jurisdiction, the Isle of Man company offers a great option for redomiciliation.
  • Equity Finance – The company and or its subsidiaries may wish to commoditise their assets to attract new investment i.e. converting immovable assets, such as land and real estate, into shares or debt instruments. New investors would purchase positions within the new TopCo, thereby providing the group of companies with a source of capital for growth etc. You can read more about financing international investment via Isle of Man Companies here.
  • Access to markets – As a well-regulated and reputable jurisdiction, the Isle of Man provides a platform for certain types of regulated business to attain and manage licenses to provide international activities e.g. eGaming.

Estate Planning

Trusts have been the mainstay of estate planning for generations, delivering a degree of certainty and protection to Settlors and their assets. However, a Trust is not an incorporated entity and therefore has no separate legal personality and limited liability – the Trustees hold legal title of the assets and are responsible for the Trust’s liabilities. Additionally, the Trust cannot engage in commercial activity, and must do so via a company. Further, Trusts are not recognised in all jurisdictions, and therefore predominantly attractive to Settlors from Common Law jurisdictions. You can read more about Isle of Man Trusts in this series of articles, and this accompanying video presentation.

In recent times, many offshore jurisdictions, such as the Isle of Man and Channel Islands, have introduced legislation to support the use of Foundations. Foundations provide an incorporated vehicle that is comparable to a Trust but possesses separate legal personality and limited liability – albeit there is no share capital. The Foundation is traditionally used within Civil Law jurisdictions. Therefore, the tax treatment of a Foundation is less certain within Common Law jurisdictions such as the UK, and seems to be assessed on a case-by-case basis – in part governed by the purpose of establishment i.e. if formed to carry out company activities it may be treated as per a company. As with the Trust, the Foundation cannot engage in commercial activity, and must do so via a company. You can read more about Isle of Man Foundations in this series of articles, and this accompanying video presentation.

Isle of Man companies, incorporated under the CA 2006, can be used as a viable alternative to both Trusts and Foundations. Delivering an entity with separate legal personality, limited liability and share capital. Further, companies, unlike Trusts, are recognised as legal structures throughout the world and can engage in commercial activity directly. Therefore, given the right circumstances, an Isle of Man company can present a more efficient option than a Trust or Foundation.

The UBO, or Founder, transfers their assets to the Isle of Man company. Transferring those assets to the Isle of Man company can have tax implications and as such will require tax advice within the Founder’s jurisdiction of domicile and tax residency.

Through the issuance of different classes of share, various powers and rights can be attributed to different parties. For example, issuing a class of shares to the Founder can provide them with voting rights and therefore increased control during their lifetime. This mechanism can also provide the beneficiaries with access to income and/or capital and the appointed Directors with management rights. The class rights would be detailed within the Articles of Association. It is important to note that where the Founder possesses voting rights, this can have tax implications, even though there is no right to participate in income or capital.

Dixcart can provide for the provision of Trustees, Council Members and Directors as required by the client and their adviser, and are well placed to assist in all international planning.

How Dixcart Can Help

Our Isle of Man office has been providing effective structuring and efficient administration for companies for over 30 years and is well placed to assist with all Isle of Man planning.

We have developed an extensive range of offerings which can be tailored to meet the needs of  clients and their advisers. Our in-house experts and senior employees are professionally qualified, with a wealth of experience – this means that, from pre-incorporation planning and advice to the day-to-day management of the company and troubleshooting issues, we can support your goals at every stage.

Additional Information

If you require further information regarding the use of Offshore Trusts, or Isle of Man structures, please feel free to get in touch with David Walsh at Dixcart: advice.iom@dixcart.com

Alternatively, you can connect with David on Linkedin.

Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited is Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority