Introduction
Welcome to the July edition of Sovereign’s newsletter, bringing you the latest insights, regulatory developments and planning opportunities from across our global network.
This month, we examine significant changes affecting international businesses and private clients, including Bahrain’s expanded SME classification framework, Gibraltar’s pioneering regulatory regime for prediction markets and the growing trend of internationally mobile individuals exploring residency and tax planning options beyond the UK.
We also cover important developments in corporate services, wealth and succession planning, family offices, pensions and cross-border taxation across key jurisdictions including Mauritius, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Isle of Man. In addition, our residency and citizenship experts provide updates from Portugal and Gibraltar, while our marine specialists review new EU guidance affecting pleasure craft.
Rounding off the edition are inspiring updates from the Sovereign Art Foundation and highlights from the Sovereign Asia Conference 2026. We hope you find this month’s insights both informative and valuable
Corporate Services
UK Insolvency Service continues crackdown on firms exploiting Companies House register
Gibraltar enacts world’s first regulatory framework for prediction markets
Mauritius Budget aims to deliver a ‘future-ready’ economy
Malta launches the ‘Malta Business Wallet’ app to streamline corporate due diligence
Mauritius Budget 2026/27: why South African Tech entrepreneurs should pay attention
A 2026 Guide to Saudization and Nitaqat
UK Supreme Court rules on directors’ duties, good faith and unfair prejudice
Isle of Man publishes Sectoral Assessment for Trust and Corporate Service Providers
Private Clients
Beyond the Will: how Indian families should build legacy and succession structures that last
Coming Home: What A South African Returning from Abroad Should Consider
UAE Family Foundations: Key Tax Clarifications Every Family Office Should Understand
Singapore streamlines framework for Single Family Offices
Understanding Private Trust Companies (PTCs) in Guernsey: a guide to Regulatory Requirements
Marine Services
EU issues new Guidance Note on the customs and tax treatment of pleasure craft
The European Commission has clarified how yachts and other pleasure craft are treated under EU customs and VAT rules. The guidance confirms when a vessel qualifies for Union Status, how Returned Goods Relief (RGR) and Temporary Admission (TA) work, and what owners need to know when cruising into or within EU waters.
Sovereign Asia Conference 2026: combining Regional Insight with International Opportunity
Sovereign’s Asia Conference 2026 brought together colleagues, partners and industry leaders in Hong Kong and Shenzhen to strengthen regional collaboration and explore international business opportunities. The programme focused on cross-border expansion, knowledge sharing and building stronger connections across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The conference opened in Hong Kong with a series of internal Sovereign sessions focused on Group updates, regional priorities and cross-border opportunities. Discussions covered developments across Hong Kong, Singapore, the Middle East, Cyprus, Malta, Guernsey and wider international markets to allow offices to exchange insights and devise strategies to support clients with increasingly international needs.
Residency and Citizenship Planning
Leaving Britain? Post-UK International Mobility, Residency and Tax Residency planning
Portugal brings new Nationality Law into force – longer residence but less uncertainty
Gibraltar announces new Residence criteria prior to imminent provisional application of UK-EU Treaty
Portugal Golden Visa: a single path may not be the road to success
South America: emerging alternatives for Global Mobility and Tax Efficiency
Isle of Man brings immigration rule changes to Worker Migrant route into force
QUESTIONS WITH...
Howard Bilton – Group Chairman
This issue we bring you and interview from Wealth Office with our founder.
Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
