The International Financial Services Commission Act
To establish an International Financial Services Commission to promote, protect and enhance Belize as an offshore financial services centre and to regulate and supervise the provision of offshore financial services within Belize. The IFSC shall comprise of four members from the private sector, the Governor of the Central Bank (or his representative), the Financial Secretary (or his representative) and the Director and Deputy-Director of the IFSC (who shall be ex-officio members).
The International Insurance Act
To provide for the regulation of persons establishing and carrying on international insurance business from or within Belize – including captive insurance.
Minimum Paid-Up Capitalisation Requirements:
Long-Term Business – US$100,000
(including life, endowment, annuities, etc)General Business – US$100,000
(including captive, marine, engineering, aviation,
transportation, motor, property liability, pecuniary
loss, creditor, guarantor, personal, etc)
Reinsurance Business – US$50,000Captive Insurance – US$25,000
The Mutual Funds Act
To provide for the regulation, authorisation and control of mutual funds and their managers and administrators carrying on business in or from within Belize. The proposed legislation provides for three categories of funds:
Public Funds
Offers any shares for subscription or purchase to any member of the general public or any section thereof and is not a private fund or professional fund.1. Must be registered and file a prospectus with the Registrar of Mutual Funds.
2. Maintain adequate accounting records and prepare financial statements.
3. Annual financial statements must be audited by an approved auditor (in Belize or other recognised jurisdiction and must be made available to all investors.
4. Accounting records and audited financial statements must be available to the Registrar of Mutual Funds in Belize.
Private Funds
Less than 50 investors and the constitutional documents prohibit the offering of shares to the general public.1. Must be recognised by the Registrar of Mutual Funds
Professional Funds
Offered only to professional investors and the initial investment in respect of each investor is not less than US$100,000 (or equivalent) and is designated as a professional fund by its regulations.1. Must be recognised by the Registrar of Mutual Funds
Professional Investor
A person whose ordinary business involves the acquisition or disposal of property of the same kind as the property, or a substantial part of the property of the fund or who signed a declaration that he has net worth in excess of US$1 million (or equivalent) and that he consents to being treated as a professional investor.Full exemption from all taxes, stamp duty and exchange control regulations.
Fees:
Public Fund (full registration) Application FeeUS$500 US$500 Public Fund (initial consent) US$100 Private / Professional Fund US$350 US$350 Fund Manager or Administrator US$250 US$500 Fund Manager and Administrator US$250 US$1,000 Certificate of Compliance US$25
The Protected Cell Companies Act
To provide for the incorporation of a protected cell company, or the conversion of an existing company into a protected cell company, whereby cells may be created for the purpose of segregating and protecting the assets of one cell from the assets of another cell.