The Isle of Man Government has now published its submission to the inquiry into ‘Offshore Financial Centres’ being undertaken by the House of Commons Treasury Committee, it was announced on Thursday.
The inquiry, part of the Committee’s wider work on financial stability
and transparency, includes aspects of regulation and taxation.
At the invitation of Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK, members of the Committee
visited the Isle of Man on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to learn more about
the Island’s position.
The Chief Minister commented:
"The Treasury Committee inquiry is a valuable opportunity to explain
to an important UK parliamentary body that the Isle of Man is a responsible
international finance centre, and is recognised as such by the OECD."
"In our submission, and in our meetings with the Committee, the Isle of
Man Government has been able to show that the Island is at the forefront of
small jurisdictions working with the OECD to improve the exchange of tax information."
"We have demonstrated that the Isle of Man complies with the highest international
standards of financial regulation, as confirmed by the IMF, and is acknowledged
by authorities in the United States and elsewhere as an active partner in combating
global financial crime."
"The Committee has also learned that the Isle of Man, like the UK, has
normal commercial confidentiality but no banking secrecy laws, and that the
Island is a significant gateway to the City of London, channelling billions
into the City every year."
As the meetings came to an end, Committee Chairman, John McFall MP announced that:
"The Committee appreciates the Chief Minister’s invitation to visit
the Isle of Man and meet with Island Ministers, regulators and business representatives.
The discussions we have had will be very helpful as we progress our work."
The Chief Minister concluded:
"The meetings with the Treasury Committee were a positive opportunity
to follow up on our submission and answer any questions arising from it. I thanked
the Committee for taking the time to visit us, which hopefully has enhanced
their appreciation of what the Isle of Man is all about."