Offshore is still perceived as shady

The majority of investors still regard offshore funds as a way for criminals to hide money, shocking research from Standard Life International has revealed. Despite the long-term move to legitimacy by the offshore finance industry, 55% of people still believe that offshore investments are homes for crooks' cash. "It is clear that providers and advisers still need to focus on education to enable consumers to understand the tax planning advantages associated with offshore bonds," warned Murray Drummond, chief executive of Standard Life International. The company's research also revealed tha...