PART 2

Banking Offshore

Introduction

Banking Offshore explains all about offshore banking, what it is, why one should have an offshore account, how to establish a bank account, what banking services are available and how to choose the appropriate bank for your needs.

Just a couple of decades ago, sophisticated Americans were discovering for the first time the advantages of having a foreign bank account. Like Europeans during and after World War II who moved their money to politically neutral Switzerland for fear of confiscation by their homeland, Americans discovered the value of Swiss banking for economic reasons and even political concerns.

Post-war Switzerland grew into a leading banking center, and earned deserved international respect among clients and press by providing a political and economic port-in-the-storm.

But, unfortunately, Swiss banking has changed over the decades. Today, although a phenomenal banking success story, Switzerland has lost some of its charm for banking customers.

Although Switzerland routinely performs superior services for all of their depositors, Swiss bankers are concentrating their efforts on the world's rich. Their principal interest rests on providing private banking to those customers who need the services of professionals with the expertise to handle their funds and who have in excess of seven figures to manage. Their stature in world banking affords them the luxury to be choosy.

The Swiss popularity for privacy in the past has also contributed to change. Much outside government pressure for information and global attention on money laundering has chipped away at the pillar of bank secrecy. Although a degree of confidentiality is automatic, the importance of true secrecy is insignificant in Swiss banking today.

Even the famous numbered account is on trial, and according to the Swiss Bankers Association, it will no longer be a trademark of Swiss banking as it is being abolished. According to Frederic Zellweger of Bordier et Cie Zellweger, a private Swiss bank, secrecy, the cornerstone of Swiss banking for decades will become a "non-issue" by the end of the century.

The bastion of neutrality is vanishing as Switzerland negotiates to join the ranks of the European community. Swiss depositors will not be able to rely on Switzerland as a haven from outside political forces. In the future it will be influenced by its neighbors and the world community. Fortunately, Switzerland is not the last great haven for salting away your hard earned money.

There is a smorgasbord of safe havens where Americans and other citizens can park their money; offshore financial centers that cater to international people and guarantee confidentiality and secrecy in their financial dealings.

With the advent of the "New World Order," every American who is concerned about their financial future should consider the arguments for offshore banking. Here is the single source that will allow you to make an intelligent evaluation, and provide an opportunity to start banking offshore today.