Insights

When thinking of trusts, many assume they are reserved only for wealthy families with significant assets such as properties, investment portfolios, or company shares. However, one of the most versatile and widely applicable structures is the life insurance trust, which can be effective even for individuals without substantial equity holdings. A life insurance trust is a legal arrangement in which the trust owns a life insurance policy and manages the proceeds for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. This ensures that upon the passing of the insured, the death benefit is paid directly into the trust and distributed according to pre-determined instructions.

As Malaysia celebrated Merdeka over the weekend, the spotlight turns to its dynamic and increasingly sophisticated business environment. With a strong foundation in trade, a multi-lingual talent pool and maturing regulatory infrastructure, Malaysia offers compelling advantages for entrepreneurs and international companies looking to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia.

In 2005, Alpadis began its journey in Nyon, Switzerland, with a vision to deliver independent, expert fiduciary and wealth planning services to private clients. Co-founded by CEO Alain Esseiva, the firm quickly earned a reputation for its personalised approach and deep expertise. Twenty years on, Alpadis has grown into a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary firm operating across Asia, the Middle East and Europe, employing 90 experts and trusted by over 1,500 clients.

Alpadis, an independent, international provider of bespoke, technology-driven trust and corporate services, is joining forces with Ingenia Consultants, a leading compliance service provider for financial institutions in Singapore. With this acquisition, Alpadis will expand its services for boutique and medium-sized financial institutions and extend them to its offices across Asia and the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai, has firmly established itself as a premier global destination for wealth, investment, and entrepreneurial talent. Despite a backdrop of regional geopolitical complexities, the nation's strategic initiatives and pro-business environment continue to attract a significant influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and innovative businesses from across the world – despite regional conflict and challenges. This ascent is not accidental but the result of a deliberate and multi-faceted government strategy designed to create a secure, stable, and dynamic economic ecosystem. Recent reports highlight a surge in capital flowing into Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with families and investors from India, the UK, the US, and beyond choosing the UAE as a base. This trend underscores the nation's growing reputation as a neutral and resilient hub. The appeal lies in a combination of factors that collectively create an irresistible proposition for global citizens and corporations.

Wealthy individuals often seek jurisdictions with favourable tax regimes to optimise their financial affairs. This article compares the tax regimes in Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Uruguay, focusing on visa requirements, taxes applied to worldwide income and wealth, legal requirements to acquire and maintain tax domicile, and inheritance and gift tax regimes.

Alpadis, a leading provider of trust and corporate services, has entered into an agreement to divest its Labuan-based subsidiary, Alpadis Trust (Labuan) Ltd, to CC International Bhd (CCIB), through CCIB’s subsidiary Indah Secretarial (Penang) Sdn Bhd.

From 1 July 2025, Malaysia will expand the scope of its Sales and Service Tax (SST) as part of a broader fiscal reform agenda to reduce its fiscal deficit to 3.8% of GDP. Key amendments include the imposition of an 8% service tax on financial services and a 6% service tax on construction services. Exemptions have been confirmed for capital markets, foreign exchange, and residential construction projects.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its satisfaction with the European Union's move to potentially remove it from the EU's money laundering watchlist. The country views the decision as a testament to its significant improvements in anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. It has also indicated that the removal would be instrumental in further enhancing its relationship with the EU.

From 16 June 2025, Singapore’s corporate regulatory framework will undergo a significant enhancement with the implementation of the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 (“CSP Act”). These changes aim to strengthen corporate governance and prevent illicit financial activity by tightening oversight over nominee directors and shareholders.

Singapore is strengthening its corporate governance framework with the introduction of the Corporate Service Providers (CSP) Act 2024. This legislation, set to take effect on 9 June 2025, alongside the Corporate Service Providers Regulations 2025 published on 8 May 2025, will bring significant changes for entities providing corporate services and the businesses that use them. The primary aim of the CSP Act is to enhance transparency and bolster Singapore's regime for anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and preventing the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (PF).

The Swiss Arbitration Centre has announced the launch of new Supplemental Swiss Rules for Trust, Estate and Foundation Disputes (TEF Rules), set to take effect from 1 July 2025. This development reflects Switzerland’s ongoing evolution as a leading jurisdiction for confidential, efficient and legally sophisticated dispute resolution in private wealth matters.

Effective from 23 May 2025, the Hong Kong government has introduced a company re-domiciliation regime under the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2025. This regime enables non-Hong Kong-incorporated companies to re-domicile to Hong Kong, offering a simpler and more cost-effective route for corporations seeking to relocate their corporate base while maintaining legal continuity.

Switzerland’s 35% withholding tax on income from Swiss securities is often overlooked by foreign investors, yet it can significantly impact investment returns. This tax, which applies to dividends, bond interest, and income from Swiss collective investment schemes (CIS), is one of the Swiss government's largest revenue streams. While Swiss residents can typically reclaim this tax, foreign investors often fail to do so effectively, leaving substantial sums unrecovered.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced the introduction of two new licensing categories, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Holding Company, designed to offer greater flexibility for businesses looking to structure regional operations and manage assets more efficiently.

Hannes Schmid is a world-renowned photographer, humanitarian and the co-founder of Smiling Gecko Cambodia. Born in Zurich in 1946, he gained international recognition for his iconic photography, capturing rock stars, fashion and documentary subjects. In 2012, a life-changing encounter with a young Cambodian girl trapped in a begging syndicate shifted his focus from art to social impact. Determined to address the root causes of poverty, he founded Smiling Gecko Cambodia, an organisation dedicated to providing education, vocational training and sustainable economic opportunities in rural Cambodia. Today, his holistic approach is transforming lives, proving that long-term change comes not from charity, but from empowerment.

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2025 – Alpadis, a leading provider of trust and corporate services, has announced a donation of USD 20,000 to Smiling Gecko Cambodia (SGC) to support the construction of a new secondary and high school at SGC’s 150-hectare campus in Kampong Chhnang province.

The BVI Business Companies (Amendment) Act, 2024 ("Amendment Act") introduces significant updates to the BVI Business Companies Act, designed to enhance transparency, strengthen compliance frameworks, and uphold the British Virgin Islands’ reputation as a premier financial jurisdiction. The Amendment Act officially came into effect on 2 January 2025 (“Effective Date”).

Switzerland continues to attract wealthy individuals from around the world, drawn by its stability, infrastructure, and favourable tax environment. Among the more prominent features of its fiscal offering is the forfaitaire tax regime – a lump-sum taxation system designed specifically for qualifying foreign nationals who take up residence in the country. This article explores the benefits and challenges of the forfaitaire tax regime, with particular attention on the appropriate structuring of asset holding to avoid unintended Swiss taxation.

Hong Kong has cemented itself as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, attracting high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices seeking a strategic base for wealth management and succession planning. With its robust legal framework, deep capital markets, and a favourable tax regime, the city has emerged as a premier location for those looking to establish a Single-Family Office (SFO).

For high-net-worth individuals and families with assets across multiple countries, succession planning is no longer a simple matter of drafting a will. According to a Citi Private Bank report, 40% of HNWI families will undergo significant leadership transitions within the next five years, a significant number, yet the legal, tax, and cultural differences between jurisdictions can create complications that, if not addressed proactively, risk disputes, delays, and unnecessary financial losses. In today’s globalised world, a strategic and structured approach to succession is essential.

Alpadis Expands Its Service Offering with the Introduction of Escrow Services Alpadis, a leading provider of trust and corporate services to private clients, corporates, and institutions worldwide, has announced the launch of its Escrow Services, providing a secure, efficient, and compliant solution for managing high-value transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

Japan is once again positioning itself as a key destination for foreign businesses. With a combination of regulatory reforms, a highly skilled workforce, and government-driven initiatives to attract investment, the country presents new opportunities for multinational companies and entrepreneurs. While Japan has long been known for its advanced infrastructure, stable business environment, and technological leadership, recent global shifts have further highlighted its appeal as an alternative hub for business expansion in Asia. The government’s efforts to streamline regulations, enhance market accessibility, and introduce new visa programmes are reinforcing Japan’s reputation as a competitive and investment-friendly destination.

Dubai has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its business landscape with the issuance of a new resolution that allows free zone companies to operate anywhere in the emirate, provided they obtain the necessary permits. This move is set to simplify business expansion, improve economic integration, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global business hub.

High Court and Court of Appeal rulings confirm Labuan entities’ right to a 3% tax rate under LBATA, providing regulatory clarity and boosting investor confidence.

Learn about Malaysia's new Labuan tax exemption (2025-2027) for Foundations & Trusts, its benefits, and how it enhances wealth structuring and estate planning.

Vivian Chia, Director at Alpadis Singapore, shares insights on leadership, corporate services trends, and how businesses can support women in the workplace.

Lydia Wong, Group Financial Controller at Alpadis, shares insights on leadership, finance trends, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Discover insights from Elena Arlotta, Group Executive Director at Alpadis, on leadership, industry trends, and empowering women in tax and corporate services.

Discover key takeaways from Hong Kong’s 2025 Budget, including AI investment, fiscal consolidation, tax relief, and economic growth strategies. Learn how it impacts businesses and investors.

Singapore Budget 2025 introduces a 50% corporate tax rebate, enhanced wage support, and S$4B in R&D investments. Learn how these measures impact businesses and investors.

Major UK non-dom tax changes take effect in April 2025. Learn how the new rules impact expats, inheritance tax, and global income—and explore tax-friendly alternatives.

Explore the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone's benefits: tax incentives, skilled jobs, streamlined operations, and growth across 11 sectors.

In a significant shift in regulatory requirements, the UAE Cabinet of Ministers recently introduced changes to the Economic Substance Regulations (ESR).

Starting in 2025, Singapore’s GST-registered businesses will be required to adopt the InvoiceNow e-invoicing system to transmit invoice data directly to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced a significant update that extends the deadline for the submission of corporate tax returns for specific tax periods.

Alpadis introduces a new brand identity, reflecting its global expansion and commitment to personalized, tech-enabled solutions. 

Japan is a culturally rich and fascinating country, yet unless you understand its business culture and etiquette, doing business there can be hard.

Southeast Asia is too big a market to ignore and expansion into this region needs to happen for sustained growth.

Greater collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore could create more opportunities for economic growth.

The growing interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has led to an increased focus on impact investing among family offices

For those with fixed assets but limited cash, Life Insurance Trusts may be a better, more flexible, and lower cost, option.

New changes set to reshape the landscape for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the United Kingdom. Dubai, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore provide good alternatives.

Hong Kong stands out as a prime destination for establishing a family office due to its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust infrastructure.

As the UAE continues to be a hotspot for new businesses, understanding the corporate tax landscape has become crucial.

On May 30, the UAE and Qatar marked a significant milestone in their economic relations by signing a double taxation avoidance agreement.

Visa to create stable and secure environment for gaming talent, allowing them to grow their businesses and careers.

Alpadis Group Hong Kong celebrates its ten-year anniversary.

The 2024 Hong Kong Budget focuses on economic revitalisation through ending residential stamp duties, boosting tourism, and offering substantial tax reliefs for individuals and SMEs.

UAE makes strides in AML/CFT compliance, removed from FATF grey list, signalling a positive shift for its financial landscape.

Singapore unveils Budget 2024 with an emphasis on international tax compliance, business competitiveness, and supporting local workforce development, among other priorities.

FINMA approval enables Alpadis Group to offer enhanced tax and succession planning services, expand reach in Italy and South America.

Singapore has taken the step to enact section 10L in the Singapore Income Tax Act 1947, treating gains received in Singapore from the sale of foreign assets as income chargeable to tax.

Milestone underlines company’s ongoing commitment to the highest compliance standards and regulatory frameworks in the UAE’s financial services industry.

Read about the recent acquisition to enhance capabilities in taxation and succession planning, broaden reach into the Latam and Italian markets.

MAS to change the tax incentives for Single Family Offices to boost local hiring and investments in equity markets.

Expansion will allow Alpadis Group to offer its range of corporate services in Japan.