Asia is a hotbed of economic growth and in the current economic climate, arguably the most fruitful region for doing business. In the World Bank Doing Business Survey 2009, seven Asian countries – Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea and Taiwan – were ranked highly for their regulatory structures simplifying the process of doing business there.

As with any region however, certain requirements need to be met in new business and wealth management projects. In Hong Kong, it takes 5 procedures, 11 days, and costs 1.98 % gross national income per capita to start a business. These figures however, vary from country to country in Asia, where other issues may present themselves. As the world’s leading trust and fiduciary service provider, Equity Trust guides you – whether a business or private client – every step of the way – from setting up, to managing and administering companies, trusts, foundations and partnerships. Equity Trust provides a comprehensive range of services to manage the process of your business and wealth management needs in Asia. From trustee services, estate planning, private and commercial vessel registration, to corporate management, structuring, investor support and fund services, Equity Trust takes care of the issues. To be the best Equity Trust’s vision is to be the world’s leading independent provider of trust and fiduciary services and to ensure this focus is placed on delivering services and solutions that match clients’ requirements. With experts now located in more than 30 jurisdictions, spanning all corners of the globe, Equity Trust is on the pulse when it comes to financial planning. “Our knowledge crosses borders, time zones and cultures and, as clients become increasingly global and sophisticated, these attributes add real value,” says Nigel Rivers, Head of Private Clients at Equity Trust. Equity Trust clients benefit from a range of key benefits, unmatched by any other in the region.

These include:

• a global network of talented local and international experts
• a platform that leverages resources and expertise across the group
• ability to transcend borders and implement complex structures
• skills to develop solutions to clients’ needs
• knowledge to anticipate challenges and maximise opportunities

Cross border opportunities

In today’s global economy, many private clients and businesses are looking at the best way to protect, manage and develop their assets – many of the solutions cross borders. If structured effectively these can be advantageous, so long as the various worldwide jurisdictions are considered carefully, says Rivers. According to Rivers: “We have vast experience in identifying the right jurisdiction to interpose between investor and investee jurisdiction. As a result, the solutions and products we suggest will vary from case to case, depending on the client’s objectives. We can prescribe the framework and work with their tax/legal advisors to achieve the right results. As a result, we can assist our clients in the setup, management and administration of their companies in Hong Kong and beyond.” To find out how Equity Trust can help you, or your clients’ business needs in Asia, contact the list of dedicated specialists below.