Commercial Law & Contracts

Read International Law & Trade updates, alerts, news, and legal analysis from leading lawyers and law firms:

News & Analysis as of May 23, 2013

FATCA: Final Regulations Raise Questions for Trust Practitioners

by Sloane Jumper, Samantha Moore, John Nichols, Kurt Rademacher | Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens and Cannada,... on 2/8/2013

In the wake of a series of scandals involving U.S. taxpayers sheltering their assets from the reach of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Congress enacted the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) on 18 March 2010...more

Commentary on October 24, 2012: Technical Bill

by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP on 11/8/2012

On Wednesday, October 24, 2012 the Canadian Federal Department of Finance tabled in the House of Commons a large detailed Notice of Ways and Means Motion (“NWMM”) to amend the Income Tax Act (Canada) and a variety of other...more

Practical Tips for U.S. Persons Owning Mexican Property Thru a Fideicomiso

by Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. on 8/15/2012

Every time I’m presented with a contract, I’m quickly transported to a small room in which Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder, is vehemently scolding the good natured Charlie Bucket and the poor, protective Grandpa Joe: ...more

U.S. Taxation of Fideicomisos under the FATCA Rules

by Moskowitz LLP on 8/8/2012

Overview of Fideicomisos If you own a home or a vacation home in Mexico, chances are that your property is held in a fideicomiso. A fideicomiso is a contractual arrangement that is arguably something in between a trust...more

Baker & McKenzie: Significant changes to the Reduced Input Tax Credit (RITC) regime effective from 1 July 2012

by Baker & McKenzie Australia on 6/19/2012

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Amendment Regulation 2012 (No. 1) introduces changes that will take effect on 1 July 2012. Under current law it is possible for trustees to have single fee trustee arrangements...more

An Introduction on China’s Senior Pension Mechanism

by Qin Qu on 4/1/2012

While China’s aging population rapidly grows in recent years, combining with raising expanse for living, more and more people are concerning about their retirement fund—how they can support themselves on medical expenses and...more

Is Hong Kong Asia's Next Trust Centre?

by Harney Westwood & Riegels on 3/23/2012

Originally published in ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESS - February 2012. Historically, setting up private trusts offshore has been a preferred vehicle for Asia’s wealthy families and individuals to manage their assets as they crave...more

Doing Transactions in Mexico - Conducting Due Diligence

by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP on 1/11/2012

Conducting due diligence is a key aspect of any transaction, international or otherwise. Attorneys working on transactions conducted in Mexico or that involve Mexican entities ought to be aware of registration and...more