Can anyone please help me with some advice with regards to setting up an offshore hedge fund from here in the UK? My plan is to manage friends and family money, with the later expectation of attracting public funds. I would be very grateful if anyone has time to answer some questions, or even just point me in the right direction - 1. Is it possible to reside and run an offshore hedge fund from the UK, whilst avoiding regulation by the British regulator of financial services the FSA? Would it be necessary to set up offices in the country in question? 2. What sort of initial capital outlay is necessary to launch a small offshore fund (£1-£2 million under management)? 3. Are there any sort of examinations / credentials required in order to run an offshore fund? My guess is that this will largely depend on the country in question? 4. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding which countries are best worth considering for the benefits of low taxation, low red tape yet reasonable investor protection, stable political climate etc....? I believe that 'offshore' has a different definition over in the US, to UK. (I am not interested in money laundering, I'm just seeking a legitimate way to reduce tax liabilities and give my investors the best value) Many thanks if anyone is able to help answer any of my questions. I'm happy to elaborate further if this assists in responding. You can reach me at olly190@hotmail.com if more convenient. Best regards Ol
1) Don't know; 2) $50,000 US; 3) Typically no; 4) USVI if all non-US, BVI, Bahamas, Bermuda but too expensive for what you propose.
metooxx, Many thanks for your reply. Do you know where I may be able to find further information about how to get started on this? Are there any books or online resources that anyone might be able to recommend, that deal specifically with setting up and managing an offshore hedge fund? Very grateful if anyone is able to answer my first question in my original post - "Is it possible to reside and run an offshore hedge fund from the UK, whilst avoiding regulation by the British regulator of financial services the FSA? Would it be necessary to set up offices in the country in question?" Best regards Ol
If this is something you want to do and have the resources to accomplish; PM me and I can put you in touch with one of the law firms we use.