I have been offshore since 1999, and never had any issues. The only major change I saw was the elimination of "Bearer Shares", around 2004. I think the virus has really hurt Europe, and they are desperately looking for hidden cash, hence the pressure. I was notified by IB, that my Panama-based accounts would be closed in August, since Panama was added to "The Black List". Countries are added, and removed from this list all the time. I confirmed this with the legal counsel at OANDA, just to make sure. And indeed, Panama is out. So, within 3 days, I was based in the British Virgin Islands, and voila, business as usual. Nothing changes, except the fact that my lawyers are getting more fees!!!
Well, blame it on Sosa and Tony Montana, they overused that city for their...hmmm...."powdered sugar" import/export business.
Big enough that someone will lose their job or resign to somewhere "less desirable". Yet, in the scheme of things...not a big hurt to them although 38 million and the negative publicity may not mean much considering brokers have been making record profits this Pandemic. wrbtrader
I knew someone in the military and from Miami like Tony Montana. For two years I couldn't figure out how he was able to get in until he was caught selling a few kilos of cocaine...resulting in a very long prison term at Fort Leavenworth. wrbtrader
Sosa mentions "Panama" so many times on that scene, it made me cringe. Frankly, I cannot comprehend how the BVI is not on that "Black List"... The strange part is that all Panamanian officials were actually concerned with was whether you had ANY type of political connections, or were a politician anywhere in the world. You could a be drug dealer/smuggler, serial killer, contract killer, arms dealer, sex offender of all kinds, and it's OK. Welcome aboard! BUT GOD FORBID YOU HAD ANY POLITICAL TIES, then we have some major issues It goes to clearly show you, what they regard as highly problematic, risky, and dangerous accounts. Who they consider TRUE criminals
I feel your pain. The Bearer Shares elimination was a huge loss.. It was a perfect way for non US Residents (my case) to own RE in the US and passing it totally hassle and tax free. (probably for US residents too, but I never confirmed that). Currently residing in Panama since about 12 years, but citizen from a Country that's getting more shady everyday, and that's the citizenship that IB has on file. Thanks for the information on the BVI option, would probably need to keep that in sight in case anything goes wrong.