Press Room

In 2018, under the framework of AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information), the Swiss FTA was required to exchange data with the European Union (EU) states as well as a further nine states and territories (Australia, Canada, Guernsey, Iceland, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Norway, South Korea). The first exchange took place at the end of September 2018, however, it did not include Cyprus and Romania as they do not yet comply with international confidentiality and data security requirements. Furthermore, exchanges are still to take place with Australia and France, which are delayed due to technical reasons. The FTA reports that it has not received data from Croatia, Estonia and Poland yet, but is expected. Data has been received by the other partner states.

Act No. 2018-771, the Professional Future Act of September 5, 2018 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), require listed SA and SCA companies to include how parity between women and men is sought in their corporate governance report information. In particular, this applies to committees and the management (Direction Générale). This report also presents the results on gender diversity in the 10% of high responsibility positions (Commercial Code art. L.225-37-4,6°). In case the company doesn’t apply such a policy, the report must explain and justify the reasons for why it does not.

On October 2, 2018, at the ECOFIN meeting the European Union (EU) ministers of finance agreed on the implementation of a number of quick fixes to the current EU VAT system per January 1, 2020. These quick fixes were introduced on October 4, 2017 in a proposal of the European Commission towards a definitive VAT system for intra-EU trade of goods.

Andersen Tax & Legal, the Italian member firm of Andersen Global, yesterday held a prominent policy event featuring Romano Prodi, the former president of the European Commission. The assemblage focused on globalization in the political environment and was held during the 2018 IBA Annual Conference, currently underway this week in Rome, Italy.

Earlier this year in Egypt, 42 Egyptian taxi drivers filed a lawsuit in the administrative court against both Uber and Careem, claiming that they were only registered as internet companies and should hence not be allowed to operate. In turn, the court ordered the government to suspend the operations of the two companies. However, the government, along with Uber, appealed before the Highest Administrative Court. Meanwhile, the government sent parliament a draft law for the regulation of web-based transport services. The law has been duly discussed by experts in the telecommunications and transport sectors and it was finally passed in May 2018. The law, commonly known as the Uber and Careem Law, consists of 19 articles, as well as four preambles. The preambles make it clear that the law aims to allow such services by regulating them in a way that does not harm service providers and protects consumers.

Andersen Global welcomes Anıl Ecevit, a tax expert with 17 years of experience in tax, accounting, finance, M&A and structuring areas. He will be joining Andersen Tax in Turkey, a member firm of Andersen Global.

Due to international obligations, Egypt is due to remove all customs on EU-imported vehicles. Sticker prices of cars imported from the EU are due to drop by 10-15%, given that the USD exchange rate for customs remains stable at its current level. However, cars imported from Europe will still be subject to value added tax depending on their category. While Egypt must comply with its international obligations and treaties, this must be balanced with a need to maintain Egypt’s own economy, especially at a time of economic hardship. This in turn may mean that even if customs are removed, it would be beneficial for the Egyptian economy to recover this money through imposing other fees.

The Federal Council met on September 5, 2018 to discuss improving the attractiveness of Switzerland as an investment fund location. In order to facilitate the market launch of new provisions, instructions have been issued to the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to put forward a proposal, which details corresponding legislative revision by mid-2019.

Andersen Global announces an added presence in Africa with Tadesse Kiros Law Office, one of the largest law offices in Ethiopia. 

Nangia Advisors LLP, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, is a sponsor of the Taxsutra Conclave 2018, a conference hosted by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD). The conference takes place October 11-13 in Gurgaon, India. The collaborating firm, which has over 250 professionals and nearly 38 years of experience, joined Andersen Global in late May 2018. Rakesh Nangia, the founder and Managing Partner of Nangia Advisors LLP, will also act as a session moderator during the three day conference. 

The Luxembourg Government presented a draft law in order to implement the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD - EU Directive 2016/1164) which shall be effective on January 1, 2019. The draft law suggests a post-BEPS tax environment while maintaining an interesting and flexible hub for international tax structures. Existing structures with Luxembourg involvement should be reviewed.

The Federal Council met on September 5, 2018 and observed the results of the consultation procedure on an administrative assistance agreement in the customs area with the U.S. On the condition that the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Federal Assembly agree, the Federal Council resolved that negotiations would continue. The current draft agreement was reviewed by the Federal Council, which in its present form, is rejected or at least viewed critically by most business associations and seven cantons.

On September 18, 2018, President Abdel Fatah el Sisi ratified the new Consumer Protection Law, which had been approved by parliament in April of this year. The law is to be implemented in three months, with the executive regulations due to be produced within three months. Its key attributes are protecting consumers from unsafe products and implementing the rights of citizens to allow them to know the details of the services they use or the goods they consume.

International guides Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 have ranked Tufiño & Villegas, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, as a top law firm in Bolivia. Tufiño & Villegas is located in Bolivia with office locations in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. The firm specializes in providing legal services to both local and foreign companies that do business in Bolivia or that plan to carry out operations in this country.

Andersen Global continues its growth in Latin America with news that one of the premier tax law firms in Bolivia, Estudio Jurídico Tufiño Villegas & Asoc., has become a collaborating firm of Andersen Global. 

The process of renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) began on August 16, 2017 with an expectation to be concluded in seven rounds by the beginning of 2018. After a year of talks between the three countries involved (U.S., Mexico, and Canada), on August 27th, an agreement between U.S. and Mexico was finally reached (known as the U.S. - Mexico Trade Agreement).​

Andersen Global announces further growth in South America with the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with BKM Berkemeyer, one of the oldest and largest law firms in Paraguay.

Andersen Global named the members of the European Regional Board of Directors. This regional board will advise the global organization on issues critical to the continent to ensure that the group is working in a seamless way across the different countries of the region, practice areas, industries and also on the management of common protocols.

Mark Davies, Partner and Founder of Mark Davies & Associates Ltd, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, has been highlighted by Spear's Wealth Management Magazine as one of the top 10 private client accountants in the United Kingdom. Spear’s is a wealth management and luxury lifestyle media brand that has established itself as one of Europe's leading media authorities.

Zalloum & Laswi, a prominent law firm with a presence in Amman, Jordan, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Andersen Global, an international association of tax and law firms. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce that a Partner from Andersen Tax & Legal in Portugal, a member firm of Andersen Global, and a Partner from A2Z Tax & Legal, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, have been named top tax leaders in their regions by the International Tax Review (ITR). ITR provides tax professionals with up-to-date news and analysis service in regards to cross-border tax issues. 

A new law has been issued to provide a reduction on the interest applicable for late payments, on the condition that the full original tax due, or was eligible for payment before the issuance of this law, is settled in full.

Andersen Global strengthens its expansion into Eastern Europe with news that the leading and largest independent firm, OrienTax, in Hungary has become a collaborating firm of the international organization.

From July 1, 2018, low value goods costing AUD 1,000 or less supplied to Australian consumers by retailers located in the UK and all other overseas jurisdictions will be subject to Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST). This change is designed to restore a level playing field for Australian retailers and represents a significant overhaul of the current situation for non-resident businesses.

As a reaction to the recent Court of Justice of the European Union judgments limiting significantly the scope of the VAT exemption for supplies of services to the members of an independent group of persons, Luxembourg has introduced a VAT group scheme by amending law of August 6, 2018 into its VAT legislation. The VAT group regime entered into force on July 31, 2018.

In an attempt to address the global issue of money laundering, bribery and corruption, insider dealings, tax fraud, terrorist financing and other illegal activities, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), based on the recommendation of the Financial Action Task Force, an intergovernmental organization, has notified the provisions of Disclosure of Significant Beneficial Ownership of Companies.

Andersen Global continues its expansion in Africa through a Collaboration Agreement with Oliveira & Associados, a law firm based in Angola, founded by Formosa Oliveira in 2016.

Andersen Global continues expansion in Africa with Isalcio Mahanjane e Associados, a law firm headquartered in Maputo, Mozambique. 

In recent times, cryptocurrency has garnered much global attention. While it offers massive wealth creation opportunities, it also provides taxpayers with a platform for new tax planning opportunities. Since its introduction in 2009, it has become widely used across various jurisdictions.

Andersen Global expanded its presence in Europe this week through a collaboration with LANSKY, GANZGER + partner (LGP), one of the largest independent law firms in Central Europe. 

Andersen Tax & Legal in Germany provides an update and useful information about recent developments and trends regarding tax and legal issues affecting foreign companies investing and operating in Germany.

Time Magazine through their subsidiary Reo Communications, interviewed Office Managing Director Olaleye Adebiyi of Andersen Tax in Nigeria.

Andersen Global welcomes Paul Weinberg and Yaron Zilberstein as lawyers in Tel Aviv, who will be providing legal services in Israel as collaborating firm, Beneli, Weinberg & Co. 

Fischer & Schickendantz, led by Juan Federico Fischer, and Solution Alliance SRL, led by Juan Ignacio Troccoli, have rebranded this week as Andersen Tax & Legal, a member firm of Andersen Global. 

Andersen Global solidifies its growing presence in Latin America with news that the Andersen name will debut in Ecuador, today unveiling Andersen Global collaborating firms Profile Cia, Ltda. and FIDESBURó Cia, Ltda. adopting the name Andersen Tax & Legal and transitioning to become a member firm of the international organization.

Andersen Global member firm and collaborating firm Partners have been featured in the latest Who's Who Legal guide, Who’s Who Legal: Corporate Tax 2018.

Alem & Associates, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, was top-ranked by the Media Law International Guide as one of the best media law firms in Lebanon. This is the third consecutive year they have received this award. 

Andersen Tax & Legal is complementing the services offered in its Berlin office in the areas of employment, commercial/litigation and construction law. 

Andersen Tax & Legal in Portugal welcomes Pedro Pais Vasconcelos and Pedro Leitão Pais Vasconcelos as Partners in the Corporate and M&A, Economy and Financial and Real Estate areas.

Andersen Global announces an added presence in London with a third location in the United Kingdom with Milestone International Tax Partners LLP, a tax firm specializing in international tax.

Andersen Global continues its growth and robust presence within the Latin American region with the addition of Lotti e Araujo, a law firm with offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Andersen Global announces an added presence in Europe with B.A. Tax Accountants, a tax firm based in Luxembourg City. 

Andersen Tax & Legal welcomes Luis Cortezo as a Partner in the Litigation, Insolvency and Arbitration department of the Madrid office, thus reinforcing the capacities in the area headed by Íñigo Rodríguez-Sastre, which is one of the firm's most important areas of expertise.

Four years after becoming a member firm of Andersen Global, Paris-based STCPartners has officially adopted the Andersen trademark in France debuting as Andersen Tax & Legal. 

Vaish Associates, a leading legal firm with a presence in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, has entered into a Collaboration with Andersen Global, a global association of tax and law firms. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce its presence in India with the addition of Nangia Advisors LLP, a tax practice firm with locations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, Gurgaon and Dehradun.

Solutions Bridge, an Accounting and Corporate Secretarial Service’s firm in Kuwait City, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Andersen Global.

Andersen Tax & Legal in Egypt welcomes three new Partners to the firm, Hazem Shawki, Ahmed Hammouda, and Ahmed Ali.

Andersen Global continues its expansion in Canada as the Partners and professionals at W.L. Dueck & Co. LLP join the existing Andersen Tax team in Canada. 

UNITYFOUR, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, has been recommended as a leading transfer pricing firm in Greece for 2018. The firm is recommended as a leading transfer pricing firm for three consecutive years by the World Transfer Pricing Guide 2018.

Andersen Global is proud to announce a new presence in Mexico through the expansion of Andersen Tax & Legal in Monterrey, an industrial and multi-sectorial city. Monterrey is located in the northeast of the country and is well-known as the industrial capital of Mexico.

Andersen Tax & Legal has opened an office in Seville on May 1st, continuing its expansion in Spain. 

Michael Thierhoff, Office Managing Partner of Andersen Tax & Legal in Frankfurt, was named as one of the world's leading practitioners in the field of German restructuring and insolvency by Who's Who Legal. 

Andersen Tax & Legal strengthens its Privacy, IT & Digital Business area in the Barcelona office with the incorporation of Belén Arribas Sánchez as a Managing Partner.

The international guide The Legal 500 has highlighted Andersen Tax & Legal in Spain and Portugal as recommended firms in six different areas.

Jaime Olleros, a Partner at Andersen Tax & Legal in Spain, a member firm of Andersen Global, was interviewed by Madrid newspaper Expansión. In this article, Jaime discusses an ambitious media and growth plan for the firm.

Andersen Global expands its presence in Portugal through a Collaboration Agreement with CNA - Curado, Nogueira & Associados (CNA), a law firm located in Porto. The addition of CNA as a collaborating firm of Andersen Global is part of the firm’s growth strategy in Europe.

Andersen Global announces its presence in Argentina with Modo, a leading tax & legal firm in Buenos Aires. The establishment of a Collaboration Agreement with Modo continues Andersen Global’s expansion within Latin America.

UNITYFOUR contributed, for the third consecutive year, to the edition of Doing Business report, issued by the World Bank Group.

The Spanish Supreme's Court Resolution marks a turning point in cross-border inheritance and donations in Spain.

Andersen Global heralds further growth in the United Kingdom (UK) with the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with Mark Davies & Associates, a London-based award winning tax practice focused on advising international clients on cross-border matters. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce the debut of the Andersen name in Kenya as Nexus Business Advisory Limited, a tax and business advisory firm based in Nairobi, becomes a full member firm of Andersen Global. 

Fischer & Schickendantz, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, was mentioned by Uruguayan weekly newspaper Búsqueda. The article discusses the firm’s integration into Andersen Global and highlights Juan Federico Fischer, one of the founders of the firm.

Ligomarc, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, has been recognized by Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). URSB held its 2nd Strategic Development Plan on March 22nd, 2018.  

Andersen Tax & Legal in Spain will move its Madrid office in September to one of the more prominent boulevards in the city, with the aim of continuing the firm's growth plan and offering better service, in line with the firm's commitment to its professionals and clients.

Ligomarc Advocates, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, was recently highlighted in an article by The Independent. The article focuses on general information about the firm, which is based in Uganda, and recent tax changes in the country. 

Andersen Global continues its expansion in Germany as a new office in Berlin opens, joining the existing Andersen Tax & Legal team in Germany, effective March 1, 2018. The Berlin office will be the sixth location of Andersen Tax & Legal in Germany and includes more than 60 professionals in the offices of Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig, and Merzig.

Andersen Global is proud to announce its expansion in the United Kingdom through a Collaboration Agreement with a leading VAT firm in London, RBCVAT Limited. The firm, led by Roger Bevan, is a significant addition to increasing Andersen Global’s platform in this key market in Europe.

Alem & Associates, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, was placed in the top-rank (Band 1) in all practices considered by the Chambers & Partners Global Guide for Lebanon. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce the appointment of the Latin America Regional Board which will assist the global association in continuing its unprecedented growth on the continent by providing advice and guidance on issues critical to the organization’s success.

The World Tax 2018 directory has recommended UNITYFOUR, a collaborating firm of Andersen Global, as a recommended leading tax firm. UNITYFOUR is located in Athens, Greece. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce a presence in Warsaw, Poland by way of a Collaboration Agreement with two leading tax and legal firms, A2Z Tax & Legal, led by Marcin Matyka, and SOL Financial Services, led by Oleg Szczerbak.

Andersen Tax & Legal in Spain welcomes two new Partners, Antonio Ñudi and Carlos Peña, who both specialize in real estate and urban planning law. They will be part of the Public and Regulatory Law Department. Antonio and Carlos join Andersen Tax & Legal in Madrid through the incorporation of Urbe Asesores Jurídicos.

The legal directory Chambers & Partners has highlighted Andersen Tax & Legal as a recommended firm in the area of Dispute Resolution in the new edition of the Chambers Global 2018 guide and includes the firm in the Corporate/M&A ranking for the first time.

The Andersen name launches in Egypt this week as Maher Milad Iskander and Co., an Egyptian tax and legal firm based in Cairo, formally adopts the name Andersen Tax & Legal. 

Andersen Tax in Turkey announces the addition of Sümeyye Zullo as a Partner in the Istanbul office. She has been working as a corporate finance specialist for 10 years and has extensive knowledge and experience in corporate finance matters including company valuations, intangible asset valuations, sell-side and buy-side M&A advisory, spin-offs, mergers, IPO, bond offerings, and privatizations. 

Andersen Tax & Legal is ranked as a top ten law firm in Spain as published by the Iberian Lawyer publication.

Andersen Global is pleased to announce an added presence in Dubai via a Collaboration Agreement with GN Global Consulting, a tax firm led by Partner Abdul Wahid Nagda. 

The International Bar Association and M&A Law Committee will be hosting a conference in Mumbai, India on the topic of "Mergers and Acquisitions in India: New Opportunities and Challenges in a Dynamic India." The conference will take place on March 9-10, 2018, and will bring together some of the world's leading practitioners to explore the M&A market in India. 

Andersen Global’s continued growth, integration of services, and strategic build-out with like-minded, synergistic individuals and firms has allowed us to truly become a global firm.

The Eighth Edition of Best Lawyers, a renowned publication about leading lawyers based on peer review, has selected two Partners from Andersen Tax & Legal in Portugal in its 2018 ranking. 

Andersen Tax & Legal in Germany welcomes Arnold Chr. Stange as a Managing Director in the Düsseldorf office. Arnold will be part of the International Tax and M&A group. 

Andersen Tax & Legal in Germany is proud to announce the addition of Daniel Kai Fischer in the Cologne office as a Partner. 

The Eighth Edition of Best Lawyers, a renowned publication about leading lawyers based on peer review, has selected two Partners from Andersen Tax & Legal in Portugal in its 2018 ranking. 

The Andersen name will make its debut in Ireland this week as the Irish collaborating firm of Andersen Global, mgpartners, becomes Andersen Tax.

On December 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Republican tax bill to officially enact the legislation into law. 

In an interview with CNBC Africa, Emeka Onwuka, Partner at Andersen Tax in Nigeria, discusses how Nigeria's high net worth individuals have responded to the Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) so far.

Republican lawmakers are poised to fulfill their promise of final tax reform legislation and score their first major legislative victory of President Trump’s administration.

Andersen Global is proud to announce an expanded presence in the Middle East by way of a Collaboration Agreement with Alem & Associates, the leading law firm in Lebanon. 

The prestigious publication Best Lawyers has selected 27 professionals from Andersen Tax & Legal in Spain in its annual rankings.

Andersen Global is proud to announce an expanded presence in Germany as Thierhoff Müller & Partner, a tax and legal firm with offices in Leipzig and Frankfurt, combines its practice with Andersen Tax & Legal in Germany. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce its collaboration with East African Law Chambers, a leading legal and tax firm in Tanzania. 

Senate Republicans voted early Saturday morning to approve the Senate’s version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with a vote of 51-49 on a party line vote. Bob Corker was the only Republican Senator to vote no. 

Andersen Global continues its expansion in Switzerland as the Partners and professionals at Reviglobal SA join the existing Andersen Tax team in Lugano, effective January 1, 2018. 

Recently, a French first-degree administrative court reopened the debate on the imposition of social contributions to non-resident individuals with French source property income or gains (Administrative Tribunal of Strasbourg; July 11, 2017).

Andersen Global is proud to announce the debut of the Andersen name in Turkey as member firm, NAZALI Tax & Legal, will officially adopt the Andersen name in January 2018. 

In an interview with CNBC Africa, Olaleye Adebiyi, the Country Managing Partner of Andersen Tax in Nigeria, provides insight into Nigeria’s 2018 budget and tax matters. He offers his input into the country’s plan to finance the budget next year.  

Andersen Global is proud to announce a presence in Uganda by way of a Collaboration Agreement with Ligomarc Advocates, a financial and corporate tax and legal firm. 

Andersen Global is proud to announce a new presence in Venice-Mestre, on the Venetian mainland in Italy through the expansion of Italian member firm, Andersen Tax & Legal. 

Ignacio Aparicio analyses the legal and fiscal aspects to consider when deciding whether to establish business ties with Israel or to set up businesses there.