SPECIALISATIONS
ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning enables families to pass on assets smoothly and in a tax-efficient way from one generation to the next. In Common law countries, trust structures are primarily used for estate planning purposes. They are usually well recognised, flexible and efficient. They can take into account civil law forced heirship rules and sharia related issues. In Civil law countries, estate planning is usually organised with a testament. As an alternative, foundations, partnerships and trusts can be used.
CORPORATE STRUCTURING
Reliance assists corporate clients in determining the most appropriate jurisdiction to set up and deploy activities. Many aspects such as management location, activity, workforce requirements, taxation and the use of Treaties and costs are taken into account. Reliance also helps with Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As) of corporate structures and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
ASSET PROTECTION
Family and corporate assets can be exposed to a large number of risks. Families usually organise their asset protection with dedicated vehicles such as trusts, private trust companies and companies. This way, they protect the existing wealth from, for example, divorce, bankruptcies, and excessive spending. In unstable countries, risks related to state discrimination against foreign investors (in favour of local ones), unlawful expropriation or unjustified restrictions on payments and capital flows can be mitigated by structuring with Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT).
INVESTMENT FUNDS
Luxembourg is one of the leading fund administration jurisdiction in the world. International investors in particular enjoy the stable economic and political environment, the favourable regulatory framework, and the clear tax system that the country offers. In Luxembourg, Reliance is active with the administration of unregulated funds, including Alternative Investment Funds (“AIF”).
PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy is a private initiative for the public good. It usually consists of financial contributions and actual actions that aim to prevent and solve social problems. Philanthropy is vital to society because governments can’t address the needs of all causes and leaves gaps in areas where support is needed. Individuals and businesses fill in these gaps by creating their own philanthropic structures, e.g., charitable foundations or charitable trusts.
REAL ESTATE STRUCTURING
Real estate is often held by a local and/or international holding company. Depending on the country of investment, the commonly used real estate jurisdictions are Luxembourg and Switzerland.
FAMILY GOVERNANCE
A wide variety of aspects needs to be organised and planned for in relation to family businesses. In a timely manner, it is essential to determine the family core values, arrange the transfer of shareholdings and involve the next generation when they are ready.
FAMILY OFFICE
Reliance provides various administrative and accounting services to families. Reliance also assists with the selection of financial institutions and custodians. It makes introductions to leading experts in the fields of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and impact/thematic investing. On a more private level, clients can benefit from Reliance’s international network and obtain introductions to medical organisations (for second opinions and treatments), private schools, education programs and the like.
ART
Reliance serves families, galleries and art dealers with the administration, acquisition, financing, and marketing of art collections. The company has dedicated art procedures in place to ensure compliance.
LUXURY ASSETS
Reliance sets up and administers structures holding private aircraft, yachts, jewellery, collector cars, bloodstock and the like. The company collaborates with industry specialists for the acquisition, management and daily administration of these assets.
RELOCATIONS
Reliance assists and guides clients in their relocation projects to Switzerland and internationally. Depending on the situation, pre-immigration planning may be needed.
STRUCTURE "HEALTH CHECKS"
Ongoing changes to regulations and legislations affect client structures. Reliance performs “health checks” to on-boarded structures and “second opinions” to structures administered by third parties.