There are excellent reasons for investors, large and small, to look outside their home countries for their wealth management needs. Stable offshore financial centres allow wealth to accumulate in a no or low tax environment.

The term offshore suggests a remote outpost some distance from civilisation and regulatory control. In some instances this may, of course be true, but most offshore locations are geographically close to the world's major financial centres. Many of these offshore locations, such as the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, Dublin and Switzerland provide a high level of security, stability and confidentiality.

As history demonstrates, stock market investments have not only provided investors with an effective hedge against the eroding effects of inflation on their capital but have also provided greater returns than a building society or bank deposit over the longer term. However, the complexity of financial markets and the sheer number of companies and types of investments to choose from can create confusion and unnecessary risk to a potential investor. This is where St James International, as Independent Offshore Investment brokers, can help.