New Books Network Paul R. Beckett, "An Anatomy of Tax Havens: Europe, the Caribbean and the United States of America" (de Gruyter, 2023)
Jun 30, 2025
Paul R. Beckett, a seasoned Lawyer and Academic specializing in company and trust law, dives into the shadowy world of tax havens. He reveals how these jurisdictions, once exclusive to the wealthy, now cater to the masses, enabling accountability evasion. The discussion spans the dark implications for local communities and the broader economy. Beckett also critiques the loopholes in ownership laws and the complexities introduced by cryptocurrencies. Ultimately, he calls for greater public awareness of the socio-economic costs associated with these elusive financial escapes.
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What Is a Tax Haven?
- Tax havens vary widely from tropical islands to sophisticated financial centers and even blockchain domains.
- They are defined by low accountability and complex structures, not just by low or zero tax rates.
Origins of Tax Havens
- Tax havens started post-WWII offering simple, low or zero taxation attracting wealthy residents.
- They evolved by creating specialized laws that benefited finance sectors, often disconnected from local populations.
Tax Havens Born from Poverty
- Destitute regions like the Isle of Man, Liechtenstein, and certain US states developed tax haven laws to revive their economies.
- These poor areas relied on legislation rather than traditional industries for growth.
