Hitting Newsstands on April 12, Issues Details Methods For Global Asset Protection.

NEW YORK – Despite mounting U.S. governmental crackdowns, legal options abound for investors seeking to shelter their assets abroad, according to the May issue of Worth magazine.

Hitting newsstands on April 12, the May issue chronicles the secretive history of offshore protection, tracking its evolution from fabled Swiss bank accounts to the variety of legal options for global asset protection.

The cover story further explains how investors can place their assets far beyond the reaches of creditors, tax collectors, ex-spouses and plaintiffs, without fear of legal ramifications.

“With broad powers born out of policy wars against drugs, terrorism and money laundering, the United States can unearth and examine the most private financial matters of its citizens almost anywhere in the world,” explains Features Editor Douglas McWhirter.  “Yet, despite its best efforts, the government has either failed or chosen not to eliminate some of these safe harbors.”

Through interviews with dozens of domestic and international experts, Worth offers readers a comprehensive list of safe and legal havens for assets overseas. These include:

1.  Offshore Bank Accounts
Considered the least expensive and most traditional form of asset protection, offshore accounts are the first tool that experts recommend.  These allow individuals to use banks as investment services, while providing considerable investor privacy.

2.  Offshore Trusts
Although they do not offer complete protection from creditors, offshore trusts shield money from perfunctory investigations while providing jurisdictional immunity.  According to one industry expert, an offshore trust is “the investment vehicle that the fewest number of creditors are going to go after, because they know it’s going to cost time and money.”

3.  Businesses Registered Offshore
Establishing a business outside of the U.S. provides investors with some degree of asset protection through a combination of financial privacy and legal immunity, according to Worth.

4.  Annuities and Life Insurance
Providing privacy and legal immunity, offshore annuities and life insurance policies are attractive options because they allow deferred taxation.

For investors looking into offshore opportunities, Worth cites information generated by the Waterford, Ireland-based Sovereign Society, which defines asset havens as “those that offer an attractive combination of legal, political and financial stability.”  Attractive international havens include Switzerland, Panama, Lichtenstein and Hong Kong.

Worth magazine
With its acclaimed re-launch in December 2003, Worth set itself apart as the magazine that looks after all the best interests of readers with substantial personal wealth. Combining the financial acumen of Worth with the luxury lifestyle expertise of 29-year-old Robb Report, Worth covers the philanthropic, personal finance, business and lifestyle issues faced by individuals whose focus has shifted from obtaining wealth to the challenges of managing it. Worth also addresses the sociological and psychological issues that are unique to truly wealthy families, emphasizing the impact that these critical decisions have on future generations.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Perlman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
(310) 589-7780
jeffp@curtco.com