Our client base includes:
Individuals, Retailers, Estates, Manufacturers, Non-Profit Organizations,
Oil and Gas Operations, Wholesalers, Commercial Organizations, Construction Companies, and others.
We can help you with every aspect of your offshore financial planning. We also offer a complete range of services.
Registered Office & Agent
Under the Anguilla Companies Act all companies are required to have a registered agent and registered office in Anguilla. Counsel is licensed to provide these services and the fixed annual fee includes:
- Acting as Registered Agent
- Providing a Registered Office Address
- Creation & Retention of documents required by law to be held at the Registered Office, these include:
- the articles and by-laws, and any amendments thereto
- a copy of the share register
- and an imprint of the company seal
- these are not available for public inspection
- Acceptance of service documents and distribution thereof
- Liaison with local legal counsel as necessary
- Preparation and filing of an Annual Return using ACORN and based on information held at the Registered Office
- Government fees for Annual Returns are included in the standard annual fee
Corporate Secretary
Our staff can prepare any document required for the administration of companies, including:
- Director & Shareholder Resolutions
- Corporate Notices
- Company Certificates
- Apostiles
- Contracts
- Articles of Amendments
- Shareholder Agreements
- By-Laws
Administration
As one of the top offshore service providers Counsel Limited offers all essential administration service for a fixed annual fee to our clients. This service includes:
- Mail collection, sorting and forwarding
- Deliveries and collections within Anguilla including banks, law firms, the Companies Registry, and courier companies
- Shared access to telephone and facsimile facilities
- Preparation and maintenance of files
- Provision of all basic stationery
In addition, with our extensive knowledge in banking and international commerce we can help in transaction fulfilment either by doing it for you or by advising you as to the most expedient method.
Accounting
We have the capability to handle all of your accounting needs from simple bookkeeping to audit preparation. Services can include the following depending on your needs:
- Book Keeping
- Full Financial Statements
- Trial Balances
- Balance Sheets
- Income Statements
- Cash Flow Analysis
- Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable
- Stock Portfolio Tracking and Monitoring
- Income Review
- Audit Preparation and Auditor Liaison
While statements are not strictly required by law we recommend that all clients keep at least rudimentary accounts which allow them to understand the financial position of the company.
Management
An offshore entity may find it advantageous to demonstrate mind and management in its country of residence. As such Counsel Limited provides Directors and Executives that can faciltate the effective running of the company in Anguilla.
Directors
A director is not necessarily an employee of the company but rather is there to: provide effective leadership; ensure the continuing effectiveness of company executives; and, to ensure the company employs high standards of financial probity. Counsel Limited provides directors for a fixed annual fee.
Active Management
Executives have day-to-day responsibilities for running the business and affairs of a company. They need not be directors. When active management is required, Counsel Limited is able to provide executive management services in-house. However, due to limitations placed on us by law, we are only able to offer this service to a certain number of clients at any one time and prefer to reserve these services for those clients whose international planning requires mind and management in Anguilla.
Bank Accounts
With the advent of the Internet offshore banking has become much more accessible but banks are also much more careful about "knowing their customers" and are requiring more information from potential clients.
However, there are two very well run local banks on the Island which offer Credit Cards, Internet Banking and great service. They can also open accounts in USD, CAD, GBP and EUR. Additionally The Bank of Nova Scotia and First Caribbean (owned by CIBC) also have branches on the Island.
We can arrange introductions and assist in the preparation of all applications although the final decision to open an account remains in the hands of the banks.
Corporate Documents Required:
- Application/Signature forms
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Minutes of the first meeting
- Directors' resolution to open bank account
- List of Directors
- Latest Annual Returns
- Business Plan
Personal Documents Required:
- Valid passport or other acceptable photo ID with signature
- Police report
- Two personal references
- A bank reference
- An indication as to the level of activity to take place in the account