Global reach through local investment

by Brian Stuart-Young, CEO, Global Bank of Commerce

Since the days of welcoming the British Navy to Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua & Barbuda has been known as a friendly and safe harbour for all its visitors. This tradition of service continues today, with the islands attracting super yachts, megacruisers and international flights from across the globe. Among the many attractions offered to visitors are opportunities for a second home, a second citizenship and a second banking relationship; all of which can be coordinated by most financial institutions in Antigua & Barbuda.

This 38-year-old jurisdiction has vast experience in catering to the wealthy, regardless of whether they are looking for an investment in Antigua itself or a wealth management service, and the nation has consequently developed banking products tailored to suit both Caribbean and international client relationships.

There can be no doubt that Antigua offers a safe financial habitat with a stable business environment to shelter from the ‘storms’ of volatile economies elsewhere. Antigua attracts those international investors from Latin America, Europe and the Far East wishing to balance their portfolios with domestic investments, and whose interest is piqued by real estate investment and other wealth management services in the jurisdiction.

There can be no doubt that Antigua offers a safe financial habitat with a stable business environment to shelter from the ‘storms’ of volatile economies elsewhere.

One of the products offered for commercial development is the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Both developers and investors can benefit from REITs, with the former gaining relatively lower cost capital allowing them to develop institutional grade real estate, and the latter the potential to acquire a total return on their investment by receiving both the capital appreciation and yield. With certain clauses having been incorporated in the REIT regulations, Antigua & Barbuda Real Estate Investment Trust (AB-REIT) is an attractive investment for UHNWI investors and includes D-REIT, I-REIT and EH-REIT options. This is the newest investment option in the Caribbean region, with exciting opportunities for both developers and investors.

And with increasing numbers of investors purchasing properties in the twin islands as vacation and second homes, these investments, together with a satisfactory due diligence procedure, may qualify them for citizenship under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). So, what are you waiting for?