Estably Blog | Asset protection
Asset register:
Strategies for asset protection outside the EU
Published on 2.10.2024
The planned EU asset register is currently causing great concern. Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) is pushing for a Europe-wide database to record assets within the EU. Does this pose a threat to privacy and assets? What purpose will the collected wealth data fulfil?
The most important facts in brief:
- The idea of recording assets and their owners has been around in Brussels since 2021
- from 2025, assets worth more than 200,000 euros are to be recorded centrally
- It is intended to ensure greater transparency and less money laundering and tax evasion
- Critics warn of a possible first step towards expropriation and a cash ban
- The Principality of Liechtenstein has the advantage of not being an EU member state and having to implement EU regulations automatically
There is currently no transnational platform on which the assets of EU citizens can be recorded – but the EU wants to change this. Since 2021, there has been a feasibility study on how individual countries can document data on their citizens’ assets. The whole thing is to be called a ‘wealth register’ and is causing many people in Europe to break out in a cold sweat. Opponents fear more control, see a threat to privacy or even fear the first step towards expropriation (to be followed by a potential wealth tax). But what exactly is the planned asset register all about and how can you, as a potential investor, protect yourself against it?
The following article is intended to address precisely these issues and provide you with all the important information on the wealth register, the objectives it pursues and how the Principality of Liechtenstein (as a non-EU state) views it:
Contents
- 1 What is the new EU asset register?
1.1 How it works
1.2 Affected parties
1.3 Entry into force - 2 What are the objectives of the new EU asset register?
2.1 Increasing financial transparency
2.2 Prevention of money laundering
2.3 Combating tax evasion - 3. what options are there for circumventing the EU asset register?
- 4 What role does the asset register play in the Principality of Liechtenstein?
- 5 Our best tips for reacting to the asset register
5.1 Check assets and financial circumstances
5.2 Investing assets profitably and securely via Estably in Liechtenstein
5.2.1 Modern Value
5.2.2 Best of Funds
5.2.3 Asset Protect
5.3 Investing bank deposits with the Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB)
5.4 Get a free consultation now - 6. conclusion: Estably in Liechtenstein offers smart strategies for your assets beyond the EU radar
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1 What is the new EU asset register?
In official language, a ‘register’ is a database in public administration (quasi official statistics). Whether land register, commercial register or population register – such databases are not a novelty in themselves, but sometimes there is no such register for recording (private) assets. And this is exactly what the new EU asset register is supposed to make possible. It collects (sensitive) information on the following assets of citizens within the EU specifically for this purpose:
- Bank accounts
- Overnight and fixed-term deposit accounts
- Shares, bonds, ETFs, funds & company shareholdings
- Real estate
- Cryptocurrencies
- Tangible assets (e.g. vehicles, works of art, precious metals, etc.)
All relevant data is to be recorded and made accessible in a central EU database for this purpose. An automated exchange of information should enable the member states to access this data quickly and efficiently.
1.1 Functionality
Technically, the new EU asset register will be implemented as a centralised database based on a secure cloud infrastructure. The register will link existing national registers and feed assets such as real estate, bank accounts or shareholdings into the central database via standardised interfaces (APIs), while financial institutions, notaries and other obliged entities will also contribute to the reporting of certain transactions. Various encryption techniques and multi-level authentication will then secure the data, while AI-based analyses will help to identify suspicious activities. The implementation will be GDPR-compliant and access will be restricted to authorised authorities. It is uncertain whether this will remain the case or whether any authorities or others will be granted access.
1.2 Affected persons
Essentially all EU citizens who own a single asset with an equivalent value of at least 200,000 euros are affected. While land and real estate were already subject to registration in the relevant property registers, demand deposits and easily realisable assets are now also subject to registration. Natural and legal persons, notaries and lawyers as well as financial institutions and authorities will therefore be required to supply the database with information in future.
1.3 Effects
For individuals, the new EU asset register primarily means the following:
- More bureaucracy: As a citizen, you will have to take additional administrative steps to report your assets correctly and keep changes up to date.
- Data protection risks: The collection and central storage of sensitive financial data raises data protection concerns in particular and increases the risk of data misuse or unauthorised access.
- Tax control: The improved traceability of assets can lead to more intensive tax (re)audits.
- (Additional) tax burden: If wealth tax is reintroduced (in accordance with the equalisation of burdens), you could face unexpected tax obligations if previously undeclared assets have to be discovered and taxed.
1.4 Entry into force
The EU asset register does not yet exist. However, its feasibility was already examined in 2021. At the end of March 2023, the responsible EU parliamentary committees gave the green light for implementation. Experts estimate that the asset register will probably be fully established and operational by mid-2025. Until then, the necessary technical and legal framework will be developed and implemented to ensure a smooth introduction and integration into the existing systems.
Our personal tip for you:
‘The new EU asset register has already been adopted; however, implementation is still pending. It is therefore essential that you use the remaining time to protect your individual assets of more than 200,000 euros, especially sight deposits and quickly liquidisable assets, from the impending registration. It is therefore advisable to take action together with Estably now to minimise the potential impact on your financial affairs!’
Estably Asset Management Ltd
Schaanerstrasse 29
9490 Vaduz
Liechtenstein
Curious about personalised advice and tailor-made strategies for your individual situation? Get your free and non-binding initial consultation with us now!
2 What are the objectives of the new EU asset register?
The new EU asset register aims to improve transparency and tax fairness by providing a comprehensive overview of assets. It aims to combat tax evasion and money laundering, promote financial stability and strengthen co-operation between EU Member States. The following subsections will take a closer look at the main reasons for the introduction of the asset register.
2.1 Increase in financial transparency
By also collecting detailed information on private individuals resident in the EU, the aim is to make financial circumstances more transparent and easier for public authorities to understand in future. The register thus serves as a tool for increasing EU-wide financial transparency.
2.2 Prevention of money laundering
Another reason for the EU is to reduce money laundering. This is because the centralised recording and exchange of information between EU countries and with the relevant anti-money laundering authority makes it more difficult to hide or move illegal funds. Suspicious transactions can be recognised and tracked more quickly, significantly reducing the opportunities for money laundering. This should also curb the financing of terrorism. The upper limit for cash payments (of a maximum of 10,000 euros), which was adopted in May 2024, also plays a role here, although it is not due to be implemented before 2027.
2.3 Combating tax evasion
The asset register rightly offers less scope for potential tax evasion. However, critics see this as merely a preparatory measure for the potential introduction of an EU-wide wealth tax. The register would provide tax authorities with information on large assets that might previously have remained undetected. This would enable a more precise review of tax returns and the targeted identification of discrepancies. Unexpected back tax payments would be the result.
Our personal tip for you:
‘The new EU asset register may initially appear to make sense in terms of creating transparency and combating tax evasion. But be careful: in the long term, it could turn out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing and serve as the basis for an EU-wide wealth tax, which could result in unexpected tax burdens.
Estably Asset Management Ltd
Schaanerstrasse 29
9490 Vaduz
Liechtenstein
Curious about personalised advice and tailor-made strategies for your individual situation? Get your free and non-binding initial consultation with us now!
3. what options are there for preparing for the asset register?
Circumventing the EU’s planned asset register (within the EU economic area) is proving to be a difficult task and should be considered at an early stage, if at all. Firstly, there are still many unknowns regarding the final design of the asset register. The following options could represent possible solutions:
- Transferring assets
Foundations: Transfer your assets to foundations, for example to a family foundation in Liechtenstein (from 5 million euros).
Foundation Light: The advantages of a foundation by means of a Liechtenstein life insurance policy (from as little as 100,000 euros).
Usufruct: Transfer your assets to your children at an early stage (but with usufruct rights for you as parents!).
Asset diversification: Spread your assets across alternative asset classes, such as precious metals. - Business assets: capitalise on investments in your own company now for tax purposes.
- Caution with trusts/holdings: Possible in principle, but there is a risk of add-back taxation abroad.
- Relocating your place of residence outside the EU (e.g. Switzerland or Liechtenstein)
4 What role does the asset register play in the Principality of Liechtenstein?
The Principality of Liechtenstein itself has a cautious attitude towards the planned EU asset register, as there is no automatic mechanism for adopting EU legal standards. The Principality emphasises its sovereignty and decides independently which provisions of the EEA it implements. Parliament and the Constitutional Court play a central role in the approval of international treaties. And that is why Liechtenstein wants to continue to see itself as a safe haven for asset protection in Europe, particularly through strong data protection. In the end, it is this attitude that is extremely positive for private investors.
Our personal tip for you:
‘An EU-wide register of assets is not yet planned in Liechtenstein. Although Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), it does not automatically adopt all EU legal standards. The Principality attaches great importance to its sovereignty and decides independently which laws and regulations are adopted. In the case of measures such as a register of assets, which interferes greatly with privacy, Liechtenstein would carefully weigh up whether to implement such regulations. Find out more about this at Estably!’
Estably Asset Management Ltd
Schaanerstrasse 29
9490 Vaduz
Liechtenstein
Curious about personalised advice and tailor-made strategies for your individual situation? Get your free and non-binding initial consultation with us now!
5 Our best tips for responding to the asset register
The decision for an EU-wide asset register has been taken (as of September 2024), even if implementation is still pending. Nevertheless, it is advisable to actively prepare for this now, as the plan provides for considerable intrusions into privacy. The register could also serve as the basis for future wealth taxes.
‘Wealth is what you can protect and not just what you own.’
In this context, we strongly recommend that you consider alternative investments, particularly outside the eurozone, at an early stage. In the following sections, we present our best strategies for responding appropriately to the asset register.
5.1 Check assets & financial situation
Together with the experts at Estably in Liechtenstein, we recommend that you regularly review your assets and financial circumstances. This is particularly important in order to recognise potential risks at an early stage and to combat legal changes such as the EU asset register in the best possible way. A thorough analysis of your asset structure can therefore help you to develop suitable protection strategies and safeguard your financial interests:
- Asset valuation: carry out a thorough valuation of your assets, including property, financial assets and luxury goods, to determine their current value.
- Collect documentation: Gather and organise all relevant documents such as purchase contracts, valuations and bank statements to get a complete overview of your assets.
- Risk assessment: Analyse possible risks and weaknesses in your asset structure, especially with regard to new legal regulations and tax changes.
Strategy development: Develop customised strategies to optimise and protect your assets to meet current and future requirements. - Regular updates: Plan regular reviews and adjustments to your asset structure in order to be able to react flexibly to changes in the legal framework and market developments.
We will be happy to assist you with these steps.
5.2 Investing assets securely and profitably via Estably in Liechtenstein
In our view, it is even more important to invest your assets safely and profitably today than to react to the changes to the future asset register, the details of which have not yet been finalised.
Estably’s high-yield investment strategies, which have already achieved returns of between 10.41 and 16.48 per cent in the current calendar year 2024 (for comparison: the inflation rate for the current calendar year in Germany is around 2.33 per cent), are suitable for your long-term asset accumulation and individual retirement provision. Specifically, these are hand-picked investments that follow the proven value investing approach (Modern Value & Best of Funds) or use gold as a security anchor to protect your assets (Asset Protect). Find out more about our in-house investment strategies below.
5.2.1. Modern Value
Modern Value is based on 20-25 hand-picked, high-quality individual shares of companies from various sectors (e.g. financial services, service, technology and industry) as well as a bond and cash component. Benefit from this proven strategy from a minimum investment of 20,000 euros and, thanks to fair and transparent costs, reduce unnecessary investment fees that could otherwise significantly reduce your return. Depending on your individual risk strategy, you can opt for Modern Value 20, Modern Value 40, Modern Value 60, Modern Value 80 or Modern Value 100 (where the number reflects the percentage share of equities).
5.2.2. Best of Funds
Best of Funds combines the most successful value and quality investors in one strategy. The focus here is on shares in holding companies, along with a bond and cash component. With Estably, Best of Funds gives you access to a first-class investment product that is otherwise only available to institutional investors due to high minimum investment amounts and investment costs. However, you can invest in this advantageous strategy via Estably from a minimum investment sum of EUR 20,000 and a fair 1.49 per cent management fee and 0.65 per cent product costs, or a 10 per cent performance-related fee. Depending on the risk strategy, you can also choose between Best of Funds 20, Best of Funds 40, Best of Funds 60, Best of Funds 80 or Best of Funds 100 (here too, the number in the product name refers to the percentage of equities in the fund).
5.2.3. Asset Protect
With Asset Protect, you invest in physical gold, which is held for you in the LLB’s vaults, as well as in a cash component in various foreign currencies. You can use our Asset Protect strategy from a minimum investment amount of EUR 50,000 and benefit from favourable fees of 1.49 percent (custody account fees, bank charges, storage and insurance costs as well as tax reporting costs included). You can also choose between our different strategies Asset Protect 20, Asset Protect 40, Asset Protect 60, Asset Protect 80 or Asset Protect 100 (where the number refers to the proportion of foreign currencies).
5.3 Investing bank deposits with the Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB)
For bank deposits that need to be available at short notice, we recommend a call money account with the Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB), where you can currently earn 2.90 per cent interest on call money. For longer-term investments, the choice clearly falls on the lucrative fixed-term deposit offers of the LLB, for which you currently receive between 2.19 per cent (12 months) and 2.85 per cent (3 months). All in all, LLB’s call money and fixed-term deposit products offer you the following advantages:
- can be used from a minimum investment amount of 50,000 euros (unlimited upwards)
- Low costs and fees (0.69 per cent service fee + 0.30 per cent bank charges)
- maximum security for your finances in the Principality of Liechtenstein
- Available in various currencies
5.4 Get a free consultation appointment now
The planned EU asset register could have a significant impact on the protection and taxation of assets. Arrange a free consultation with our experts now and find customised solutions.
6. conclusion: Estably in Liechtenstein offers smart strategies for your assets
With the planned EU-wide asset register expected to be introduced in the coming years (as of September 2024), asset owners should prepare for the potential impact at an early stage. The register could mean extensive invasions of privacy and serve as a basis for future wealth taxes.
However, despite the impending regulatory changes, it is important to keep the most important things in mind: Investing your assets profitably and securely at an early stage to ensure long-term protection and returns. Act proactively, true to the motto:
‘Preserving freedom means thinking ahead wisely.’
Take advantage of Estably’s expertise to develop customised strategies and effectively protect and grow your assets.
Estably, based in Vaduz in the Principality of Liechtenstein, offers investors not only access to high-quality portfolios, but also to the advantages of a stable and flexible financial centre. With recognition in renowned publications such as Forbes, Focus Money and wallstreet:online Estably offers private and institutional investors a wide range of first-class financial services. We look forward to meeting you free of charge and without obligation!
Let us advise you on the topics of finance, asset management, capital investment and much more!
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About Estably
Estably is the first digital asset management company from Liechtenstein to offer first-class wealth management through a blend of technology and human investment expertise. Thanks to the portfolio managers’ many years of experience in the field of value investing, the aim is to achieve above-average returns. The aim is to make professional asset management, which was previously exclusively available to major investors, accessible to everyone – conveniently, transparently and profitably.
