Update 25 May 2013

ASSAD DEALS BANKING BLOW TO TURKISH FIRMS IN SYRIA

In an apparent attempt to restrain Turkish investments in Syria amid an ongoing feud with Ankara, the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ordered the encashment of bank guarantees given to Turkish firms in the country, Turkish press have learned.This will mean that the Syrian government will confiscate funds Turkish companies have deposited in Syrian banks as collateral for operations and investments inside the civil war-torn country. http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=109113

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES?

What are financial derivatives? Introductory workshop I delivered for C...

25 May 2013

Turkey’s AML concerns ease but country remains on watch list, says FATF

Anti-money laundering concerns about Turkey have eased but the country still remains under scrutiny, according to the Financial Action Task Force. A spokesman for the global standard setter confirmed FATF is keeping a watchful eye despite Turkey introducing tougher new AML legislation earlier this year. In February the state almost became the first to be suspended from FATF’s membership roster following deep unease about its weak AML laws, particularly in relation to terrorist financing. Turkey remains the sole member on FATF’s watch list, which is maintained by the organisation’s International Cooperation Review Group. 
The spokesman said issues with Turkey were all but resolved, although FATF was expecti...

23 May 2013

FATCA News Update

Issue Number:  2013-6; Inside This Issue:

1. Draft Forms W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E and W-9 Released for Comment

1.  Draft Forms W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E and W-9 Released for Comment

Draft Form W-8BEN

Draft Form W-8BEN-E

Draft Form W-9

Model Intergovernmental Agreements (Model Agreements)

Following the enactment of FATCA, Treasury published the Model Intergovernmental Agreement to Improve Tax Compliance and to Implement FATCA. Use the links here to find the current version of the agreement you need.

• Reciprocal Model 1A Agreement, Preexisting TIEA or DTC
  (Updated 5-9-2013)
• Nonreciprocal Model 1B Agreement, Prexisting TIEA or DTC
  (Updated 5-9-2013)
• Nonreciprocal Model 1B Agreement, No TIEA or DTC (Updated 5-9-2013)
• Model 2 Agreement, Preexisting TIEA or DTC...