George Ioannou

Practice Areas

George has significant experience in transactions support and is highly specialised in the provision of tax advice, international tax planning and the application of double tax treaties, wealth planning for high net worth individuals, cross border mergers, mergers of Cyprus companies, transfers of corporate seat, preparation of legal capacity opinions and due diligence reports.

He works on due diligence reviews of Cypriot companies and assists clients with the preparation of transfer pricing documentations, in accordance with the current transfer pricing practice in Cyprus.

Career

Prior to joining the firm, George spent five years in the advisory and tax departments of a big-4 audit firm, where he also qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Professional Memberships

Cyprus Bar Association (2007)

Languages Spoken

English, Greek

Experience

Tax Law

George has the expertise to design, advise on, implement and defend robust tax planning structures built around the Cyprus tax regime which are intended to effectively enhance tax efficiency, reduce risk and avoid tax controversy and at the same time, to deal with matters involving corporate tax, personal tax, employment taxes, VAT and customs duties.

His clients are involved in a wide range of business activities, that include finance, property, shipping, industrial, technology and energy. A significant part of his tax-related work concerns private client wealth and personal tax where George indicatively, advised on tax efficient schemes and incentives for HNWIs, such as yacht and aircraft leasing schemes, the use of trusts, individual tax domicile and residency schemes including the Cyprus non-domiciled regime and the exemptions and incentives available to individuals relocating to Cyprus.

George participated in tax conferences in Europe and Asia where he had the opportunity to speak about the characteristics of the Cyprus tax regime and hear from other tax professionals from across the world.

Corporate & Commercial Law

George has worked on numerous engagements relating to the formation of corporate structures, restructures, mergers and acquisitions of Cyprus companies. He is often involved in due diligence reviews in relation to acquisitions and the issuing of legal opinions in this context. He advises international companies, venture capital firms, listed entities and ultra-high net worth individuals on structuring their investments through Cyprus, each time providing the appropriate tax advice whenever required.

Cross Border Transactions, M&A, Restructures

George has significant experience in cross border transactions, providing Cyprus law advice including related tax advice on restructuring of international groups, mergers of Cyprus and EU companies, takeovers and spin off of companies. His clients include companies listed in European and US stock exchanges, as well as multi-jurisdiction groups of companies.

Trusts, Wills & Succession

George has advised a number of Cypriot and international ultra-high net worth individuals on estate and succession planning, protection and sheltering of assets and resolving of family disputes. His ability to provide legal and tax advice enables him to offer high quality advice and propose the appropriate solution for the needs of each client.

George has significant experience in setting up of Cyprus trusts and has worked extensively with foundations and partnerships.

Education