PRESERVING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

THE RISING TIDE OF TAXATION

As social costs continue to skyrocket, governments are forced to augment their tax-based revenues. Income tax rate increases are politically costly. And big business won't bear the burden. So the focus has shifted to private wealth.

Luxury taxes are on the rise. Tax planning schemes and shelters are under intense scrutiny. Offshore tax havens are under attack and new legislation has rendered many of our traditional wealth preservation methods completely ineffective.

Thankfully, life insurance remains a powerful wealth-preservation strategy, offering tax benefits and capital protection. The mechanics are simple: a substantial portion of the life insurance policy premium is held in an investment vehicle, where it appreciates over time in a tax-efficient manner. If and when funds are needed, the policyholder may later borrow against the capital in the policy. Borrowed funds and death benefits are generally tax exempt. In certain jurisdictions, the interest on the loan may be tax deductible if the funds are used for investment purposes.

CUSTOMIZED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

At Amphora Life, we pride ourselves on tailoring solutions as unique as the families we serve.

Working closely with our clients and their legal, accounting and investment experts, we analyze each situation in depth and detail. Every insurance solution is individually tailored to maximize tax benefits and capital protection within the limits of the law.

INVESTMENT FREEDOM

In addition to their tax benefits and wealth-preservation potential, Amphora Life insurance policies also represent an excellent investment opportunity.

All funds held within your insurance policy are invested judiciously according to your financial objectives and the prevailing laws in your country of residence.

Unparalleled investment freedom is one of our hallmarks at Amphora. Our investment vehicles include a broad range of fixed income instruments, equities, indexes and other investment products managed by reputable third parties.

Clients are also free to choose funds managed by parties with whom they have established business relationships.

COMPETITIVE RATES

Unlike most life insurers who cater to the mass market, we tend to the needs of high-net-worth families. Our client base is restrained, as are our overhead expenses.

Furthermore, because we work primarily with our clients' professional advisors (lawyers, accountants, actuaries, private bankers and investment managers), we do not pay large commissions to sales agents and brokers.

As a direct result of these operational differences, we offer highly competitive insurance rates and significant savings to our clients.

REINSURANCE

At Amphora Life, we generally retain a small fraction of the amount at risk on high value policies.

The bulk of the exposed policy value is insured with a highly rated reinsurer to ensure maximum security and peace of mind for our clients.

ASSET PROTECTION

The laws in Barbados are as comfortable as the climate. For example, the property and interest in a policy on one's life are completely sheltered from creditors.

Similarly, where a beneficiary other than the personal representative of the insured has been designated, the death benefit does not form part of the estate and is not subject to the claims of the creditors of the insured.

Finally, because the death benefit is paid to the beneficiary and does not form part of the estate of the insured, it is not subject to probate fees and forced heirship rules.

TAX MINIMIZATION

Barbados enjoys an enviable reputation as a safe haven for privately held wealth. It's a reputation well deserved.

As a Barbados insurance company, we benefit from tax treaties with a number of countries including Canada, China, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

The provisions of these tax treaties generally reduce capital gains taxes and withholding taxes on interest, dividends and other income, thereby increasing after-tax returns on policy funds.

In addition, each policy is structured to minimize taxes on the accumulating fund and the death benefit, according to the laws in the policyholder's country of residence.