International Banking Services

Offshore international banking refers to using the products and services available through banks, usually located in nations with banking laws that favor the customers of these international banks. The largest offshore banking center has been Switzerland, and offshore international banking has been part of the identity of the financial nation for hundreds of years. Swiss laws favor protection of banks and their rights to maintain the financial privacy of their investing clients. It is estimated that 30% of the world's wealth passes through offshore international banking, and the bulk of that passes through, or his held, within Swiss offshore international banking centers.

There are other nations or principalities that have also become leading offshore international banking centers over the past century. Leading the pack has been the Cayman Islands, along with countries like Barbados, Bahamas and Belize.

These offshore international banking centers can often offer banking terms that are very attractive to investors world wide. Nation specific banks are often restrained by domestic legislation in pursuit of an economic policy objective; offshore international banking centers are much less restrained by these types of governmental interference, and because of this can sometimes offer more attractive interest rates to their investors.

Offshore international banking centers are also widely used as tax shelters, both legal, and illegal, by savvy international investors. Offshore international banking centers will not automatically deduct the tax payments off of interest accrued, something that many domestic banks are mandated by law to do. This benefit offered by offshore international banks is very attractive to international investors, and can compound the value of your investment much more quickly.

Offshore international banking centers will also insulate investors from the political or economic instability of any particular region. These offshore international banking centers operate in response to the global economy, and will not be influenced by local circumstances. This offshore international banking advantage can be very attractive to investors concerned about possible losses through economic uncertainty.

Offshore international banking centers may be right for you. Speak with your financial advisor or accountant familiar with offshore international banking about how these banking centers might meet your financial needs.