International Tax Initiatives to be discussed at IoD lunch

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Trends in global tax initiatives and Jersey’s approach to information exchange will come under the spotlight at the IoD Jersey branch lunch this month. At the lunch, taking place at the Grand Jersey on Tuesday 12th November, Colin Powell will give a talk on ‘International Tax Initiatives’. As Adviser on International Affairs to the Chief Minister of the States of Jersey, Colin is often involved in negotiating tax information exchange agreements between Jersey and other jurisdictions.

Trends in global tax initiatives and Jersey’s approach to information exchange will come under the spotlight at the IoD Jersey branch lunch this month.

At the lunch, taking place at the Grand Jersey on Tuesday 12^th November, Colin Powell will give a talk on ‘International Tax Initiatives’. As Adviser on International Affairs to the Chief Minister of the States of Jersey, Colin is often involved in negotiating tax information exchange agreements between Jersey and other jurisdictions.

Colin’s career in the States started in 1969 as an Adviser on the Island’s economic development, particularly in relation to its role as an international finance centre. A decade long position as Chairman of the Jersey Financial Services Commission followed in 1999. Between 1981 and 2011 he also held the position of Chairman of the Group of International Finance Centre Supervisors, a group of 18 jurisdictions.

In addition, Colin also currently represents Jersey as one of the Vice-Chairs of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes Peer Review Group. This Group is responsible for assessing over 100 member jurisdictions for international compliance standards. He is also engaged in writing a book on the history of Jersey as an international finance centre.

Steven Hunt, Chairman of the Jersey IoD Events committee, said:

“Throughout his distinguished career, Colin has held important roles which have provided him with the authority to speak knowledgeably about both Jersey’s role as an international finance centre and wider global trends surrounding tax information exchange.

“The Island’s position within the international business arena means that shifts in political and industry attitudes towards tax initiatives are of increasing interest to local business, particularly in the wake of Jersey signing an intergovernmental agreement to exchange information with the UK last month. With US FATCA in the pipeline and the global march towards automatic information exchange of information well under way, I am delighted that Colin is able to join us as our guest speaker at our next lunch event.”

The IoD lunch is on Tuesday 12^th November at the Grand Jersey and is open to both members and non-members of the IoD. The lunch starts with networking drinks from 12:00pm and finishes at 14:00. Tickets are £25, inclusive of drinks and a two-course lunch, wine and coffee, and can be purchased from the IoD Branch Officer, Kirsten Higgins on 610799 or at jedirector@localdial.com.