This finely crafted and handsomely bound book will be a handy source of information for those working in both the onshore and offshore world, and who truly need to understand the differences between jurisdictions competing in the provision of offshore companies. Through coverage of the specifics in each country - including corporate legislation, as well as issues relevant to stakeholders, taxation, and related matters - author E. Edward Siemens provides an up-to-date book of real importance to the users of offshore companies and their advisers. All too often, offshore companies are formed with very little thought about the pros and cons of different jurisdictions and, in particular, what may turn out to be very important differences in the duties and liabilities of directors. A number of legal and tax issues are also forgotten as advisors reach for the fastest and cheapest solution to the needs of their clients. Siemens addresses many of these issues, providing a good reminder, to those using offshore companies, of the importance of a careful review in advance which can minimize a costly and unhappy end to the use of offshore companies. Siemens also provides a good overview of the different forms of companies that are available, which can be of extreme importance in determining the right type and location of offshore company to be established. His analysis includes protected cell companies, companies limited by guarantee, as well as hybrid entities. The important area of corporate governance is reviewed, together with issues relevant to the question of directors' liability - and directors' and officers' liability insurance. This detailed study examines 20 offshore jurisdictions including: the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, Mauritius, Seychelles, Panama, Switzerland, Dubai, Labuan, Delaware, and Hong Kong.