tax
Hong Kong PE: Institutional outpost
Hong Kong's regulatory approach can cause headaches for GPs, but the territory offers investors a number of advantages as well
Hong Kong tax: A life less certain
Hong Kong introduced legislation intended to give private equity investors greater tax certainty, but the implementation guidelines have moved it further from this goal. The implications could be wide-ranging
Hong Kong tax policy: An unfortunate first
Hong Kong is the only major international center openly seeking to treat carried interest as income rather than capital gain for tax purposes. The private equity industry wants to know where it stands
Tax law eased for Indian start-up investments
India's Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has implemented an exemption on income taxes for investments in some start-ups.
Taxing developments: India and Mauritius
Recent changes to India’s double taxation agreement with Mauritius have brought welcome clarity to the country’s private equity investors, but are also likely to require changes to their business practices
India clarifies safe harbor rules for offshore funds
India's government has clarified the "safe harbor" provision in the country's tax code in a move expected to allow offshore funds doing business in the country to operate with less tax exposure.
Offshore service providers see regulation driving up costs - survey
The law firms, corporate service providers and accountants responsible for the offshore structures that underpin most private equity funds and transactions expect costs to rise as tighter regulations take hold.
Hong Kong profit tax: Breakthrough
The move to extend the profit tax exemption for offshore funds in Hong Kong to include private equity has been more than two years in the making. After various lobbying efforts, plans to extend the exemption – already enjoyed by the hedge fund industry...
Hong Kong introduces tax exemption for private equity
The Hong Kong government has extended the profits tax exemption for offshore funds – from which the hedge fund industry already benefits – to include private equity.
Clarity calls: The PE take on India's budget
The first full budget by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was one of the most eagerly anticipated events for Indian private equity since last year’s election. Did it live up to the hype?
Korean court favors Lone Star in $159m KEB tax case
Lone Star Funds is closing in on a KRW177.2 billion ($159 million) payout from the South Korea tax authorities after a court said the PE firm should be refunded taxes levied on its sale of a stake in Korea Exchange Bank (KEB).
China regulation: Circular progress
China’s foreign exchange regulator has issued new rules simplifying the use of offshore special purpose vehicles for investment purposes. It’s good news for VCs but questions remain about implementation
India's budget: Roadmap to recovery?
India’s recent Union Budget represents the opening salvo from a government that many in the business community hope will get the country moving again. The private equity industry is watching closely
FATCA compliance: A ticking clock
As of July 1, PE firms were supposed to have taken the first step towards compliance with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Few in Asia can exist beyond the regulatory web
Japan regulation: Taxing tactics
Investors are concerned about the potential repercussions for the economy – and their portfolio companies – of Japan’s staged consumer tax hike. Could it really derail the country’s fragile recovery?
Hong Kong promises to push forward with PE tax exemption
Hong Kong’s financial secretary, John Tsang, reaffirmed the government’s plans to extend the profits tax exemption for offshore funds to include private equity, promising to “take forward the legislative work as soon as possible.”
Fund admin: In house or out?
Asian private equity is becoming institutionalized, with increasingly sophisticated and international LPs asking GPs to bulk up their back office capabilities. Third-party administrators sense an opportunity
Australian Tax Office warns foreign investors on compliance
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has written to 130 private equity firms offering to “assist with their compliance” as it scrutinizes the pipeline of upcoming IPOs to ensure foreign investors don’t avoid paying local tax.
Hong Kong PE regulation: The quest for certainty
Proposals have been released on extending Hong Kong’s offshore funds tax exemption to include PE and setting up open-ended investment companies. Market watchers are encouraged, but know they must be patient
India to tax buyback exits by foreign investors
India plans to impose a 20% withholding tax on foreign investors in private companies who exit their holdings through a buyback of shares. Investments routed through jurisdictions such as Mauritius and Singapore to take advantage of double tax treaty...
Hong Kong extends offshore funds tax exemption to private equity
Private equity investors will qualify for the profits tax exemption extended to offshore funds in Hong Kong as part of government efforts to encourage more vehicles to domicile in the territory.
India expects tax settlement with Vodafone, seeks to reassure investors
The Indian government is close to settling its $2.6 billion tax dispute with Vodafone, according to the country’s finance minister. If the issue can be resolved it would reassure foreign investors’ concerned about the tax treatment of transactions...
Private equity tax strategies probed by US authorities
A host of leading private equity firms has been subpoenaed by the New York attorney general as part of an investigation into whether they have engaged in tax evasion strategies.
Thailand eases licensing rules for private equity firms
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has abolished rules requiring private equity and venture capital firms to apply for securities licenses. The move is intended to make it easier to set up funds, thereby facilitating investment into...