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Secrets of Swiss Banking
Book

Secrets of Swiss Banking

An Owner's Manual to Quietly Building a Fortune

Wiley, 2008 more...


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

This guide to the world of Swiss banking offers generally concise, useful information about legally sheltering assets from the American government and the U.S. economic decline. At times, author Hoyt Barber seems almost prescient, such as when he speaks about U.S. banks’ exposure to risky derivatives – and the consequences. He has a distinct political bias, and offers few, if any, kind words about the Democratic Party. However, this is not a theoretical analysis of finance or a political polemic, so such comments are just asides. Overall, getAbstract welcomes his focus on the nitty-gritty practicalities of opening and maintaining a Swiss bank account. These include the legal requirements for reporting to the U.S. government, which are surprisingly simple; the range of services one might expect from a Swiss banker; and the alternatives to Swiss banking, just in case the Swiss system should become less secret for foreign depositors.

Take-Aways

  • American taxes are rising and the U.S dollar is falling.
  • A Swiss bank account can help Americans protect their assets from taxation and inflation. Non-Americans should weigh their options in light of their own nations’ laws.
  • Swiss law keeps your bank activities secret unless you are under criminal investigation.

About the Author

Hoyt Barber is a renowned specialist in tax havens and offshore banking. He has served as a financial consultant to clients worldwide and is the author of 10 books, including Tax Havens Today.


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