United is an independent provider of legal and financial services with a truly personal approach. We unite disciplines, connect networks and cross borders to bring you the services you need and deserve.
Our history
In 2007, Gregory Elias, who had already earned his spurs in the financial world, took his first steps towards the establishment of a new financial services company in Willemstad, Curaçao. He was soon followed by a group of highly experienced legal and financial specialists who left their big-bank jobs to join him. What they wanted was freedom. Freedom to provide high-quality, flexible and truly personal service to corporate, investment industry and private wealth clients. Freedom to go the extra mile - and then a few more.
And that is still what makes us tick.
‘We’ are United. We chose our company name because it breathes our strong team spirit. And because it perfectly reflects the essence of what we do: unite disciplines, connect networks and cross borders to create the best solutions for our clients.
One-stop shop
Over the years, we have opened further offices in jurisdictions where our clients need our services. In 2009, we established our own fully-licensed bank in Willemstad, and became a “one-stop shop” offering our existing clients a comprehensive range of integrated financial and legal services - while also providing a new banking option for other parties in the market.
By now, the United workforce has grown to 150 legal, financial and IT experts, serving over 3000 clients from all over the world. Our outstanding service has earned us many awards. From this solid foundation, our aim is to expand the breadth and reach of our services – always driven by the needs and wishes of our clients. What won’t change is what defines us: our determination to provide truly personal service.
Timeline
First trust services offered, including setting up offshore operations as ancillary service by Dutch and Anglo Saxon Banks.
1950s
Further industry growth due to:
- Fiscal arrangement between NL and Dutch Antilles
- Dutch tax treaties with OECD countries
- Ruling practice
- Favourable Dutch tax legislation
1970s
Unregulated practices lead to increased market regulation and supervision; implementation of EU anti-money laundering guidelines (AML).
1970s
Netherlands Antilles adopts New Fiscal Framework, abolishing the distinction between onshore and offshore companies. United founder Gregory Elias helped shape the reforms, in his capacity as Founder and Chairman of the Offshore Association of the Netherlands Antilles and Special Council in matters of international finance and tax to the Netherlands Antilles government.
1999
Individual jurisdictions respond to EU guidelines by implementing statutory supervision. Money laundering, 9/11 and accounting scandals lead to adverse publicity. As a result banks and law firms increasingly divest their trust activities.
2001-2003
Implementation of further AML regulation. New regulatory and compliance regime has a direct effect and results in renewed respectability for the industry. Renewed interest for the industry underpinned by acquisition of trust service companies by major banks and PE investors.
2004-2008
United Trust established, with nine world wide offices.
EU introduces Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID).
2007
Election of President Obama, introduction of ‘Stop Tax haven Abuse Act 2009’ focused on US tax payers. Introduction of FATCA in 2010. OECD Increases focus on global implementation of internationally agreed tax standards and presents black and grey lists.
2008-beyond
United Bank established.
2009
Curaçao tax reform. The transparent Curaçaoan entity and private foundation with an effective tax rate are new features meeting high international standards.
2011
BEPS Action Plan launched by OECD and G20, aimed at protecting tax bases as well as offering increased certainty and predictability for taxpayers.
2013
EU issues Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD).
2013
BEPS project report and recommendations are published, raising the bar for corporate entities.
2015
What drives us
At United, our mission is to use all our financial and legal knowledge, experience and ingenuity to create the smart, cost-effective solutions you need to achieve your goals. Longer term, our vision is to remain a standard setter in our industry. In our efforts to achieve this, integrity, drive and personal commitment are the core values that support us.
Our added value
At United, we deliver top quality service with a personal touch. All of us, including our management, do business directly with and for you, actively and on your behalf. Because we know you, we can proactively answer your needs before you even ask.
Our network
United, with its wide range of legal and financial services and its global reach, is one entity – and our unified network is our strength. Whatever your needs, and wherever your activities take you, we can tap into our resources around the world to bring you the best solutions.
Our knowledge
Our collective years of experience guarantee a solid foundation of financial and legal knowledge. But that is not enough. Whatever your question about the latest market developments, it is one we have already asked ourselves. Market developments challenge and inspire us to explore new domains and develop new services. By employing people from a broad array of backgrounds and specialties, we ensure a pool of knowledge and creativity that is a match for these challenges.
But besides understanding our own business, we also make it our business to understand yours. Your story makes immediate sense to us. And we help you make sense of the bigger story.
United sector strengths include
Corporate governance
Governance, to United, is the continuous process of aligning the interests of all our stakeholders. More than a box-ticking exercise, it is a mindset that all our people have. Our state-of-the-art IT is a key contributor to strong governance. Because we have our own proprietary cloud, data can be accessed throughout our global organisation, with the best possible protection against cyber threats.
The best guarantee of sound governance, however, is our supremely competent leadership. Our international board of directors is composed of financial service industry professionals with profound knowledge of their specialist fields, proven capacities as senior-level advisors and extensive international business experience. Our Chairman and CEO are familiar with every single client account in the United organisation.
We employ hand-selected, seasoned local management. All our managers have experience as entrepreneurs. Together, they make up local boards that report directly to our international directors.
Compliance
The compliance standards we maintain at United equal—if not exceed—those of our peers operating in the global arena. We made a voluntary decision to adhere to the heaviest regulation in the financial industry, and our success in doing so is certified year after year by a Big Four accounting firm. Our people, our choice of jurisdictions and our licensing ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations. In fact, United people have been instrumental in shaping the laws that help govern the financial services sector.
United is fully licensed and regulated by central banks and supervisors in Curacao, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) De Nederlandsche Bank NV (DNB).
We adhere to best-practice principles such as Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) standard no. 16 and Service Organisation Control (SOC) I Type II. Our services are Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70 and International Standard for Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402 certified. What does all this mean? That, as a client, your reputation is as safe as your assets are.
Regulatory / Licences
Anguilla
United Trust (Anguilla) Limited, with registered office at Caribbean Suite, The Valley, Anguilla, British West Indies, registered with the Registrar of Companies under 1013919, is licensed and regulated by the Anguilla Financial Services Commission to carry on general trust business.
Aruba
United Trust Management (Aruba) UTM N.V., with registered office at Italiëstraat 30, Oranjestad West, Aruba, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 35664, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Aruba to provide trust services.
Curaçao
The United Trust Company N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 100495, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to provide trust services.
United International Trust N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 100493. is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to provide trust services.
United International Management N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 101315, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to provide trust services.
Centennial Management N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 100494, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to provide trust services.
United Finance N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 53026, is the group’s financing company.
United Group Holdings B.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 104703, is the ultimate holding company for the group.
United International Bank N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi II, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 107214, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to provide international banking services.
United Payment Services N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi II, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 133162, is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to run a money transfer company and to provide financial services to natural persons.
United International Custody Services N.V., with registered office at Landhuis Joonchi I, Kaya Richard J. Beaujon z/n, Curaçao, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 108408, is the group’s custody company, set up to hold securities on behalf of clients.
Cyprus
United Management (Cyprus) Limited, with registered office at 75 Prodromou Avenue, Oneworld Parkview House, 4th Floor, 2063 Nicosia, Cyprus, registered at the Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver under company registration number HE 245342.
Ireland
United International Trust & Corporate Services (Ireland) Ltd, with registered office at 21 Priory Hall, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, Ireland, registered at the Companies Registration Office under company registration number 467354.
Luxembourg
United International Management S.A., with registered office at 5, Avenue Gaston Diderich, L-1420 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under B142022, is licensed and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (“CSSF”) to perform the activities of Registrar, Client Communication, Administrative and Domiciliation Agent and to provide company formation and management services.
Malta
United International Holdings (Malta) Limited, with registered office at Level 6 – Suite 1, The Plaza Commercial Centre, Bisazza Street, Sliema SLM1640, registered with the Malta Registry of Companies under registration number C46916, is the holding company for the Malta activities.
United International Management (Malta) Limited, with registered office at Level 6 – Suite 1, The Plaza Commercial Centre, Bisazza Street, Sliema SLM1640, registered with the Malta Registry of Companies under registration number C46947, is acting as CSP (Company Services Provider), is licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide corporate services.
United International Trustees (Malta) Limited, with registered office at Level 6 – Suite 1 / Office 6, The Plaza Commercial Centre, Bisazza Street, Sliema SLM1640, registered with the Malta Registry of Companies under registration number C42993, is acting as CSP (Company Services Provider), is licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide trust services.
The Netherlands
United International Holdings (Netherlands) B.V., with registered office at Strawinskylaan 411, 1077XX Amsterdam, the Netherlands, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 34373123, is the holding company for the European activities.
United International Management B.V., with registered office at Strawinskylaan 411, 1077XX Amsterdam, the Netherlands, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 34269697, is licensed and regulated by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank N.V.) to provide trust services.
Perennial Administration Services B.V., with registered office at Strawinskylaan 411, 1077XX Amsterdam, the Netherlands, registered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce under 34323854, is licensed and regulated by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank N.V.) to provide trust services.
United Kingdom
United International Management Ltd, with registered office at 3rd Floor, 10 Foster Lane, London EC2V 6HH, United Kingdom, registered at Companies House under company registration number 06577107, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
United Secretaries Ltd, with registered office at 3rd Floor, 10 Foster Lane, London EC2V 6HH,United Kingdom, registered at Companies House under company registration number 06670458.
EDW Nominees Limited, with registered office at 3rd Floor, 14 Hanover Street, London, W1S 1YH, United Kingdom, registered at Companies House under company registration number 07021032.
Allisten Limited, with registered office at Winnington House, 2 Woodberry Grove, London, N12 0DR, United Kingdom, registered at Companies House under company registration number 06670414.
United States of America
United Technical Services Corp, with registered offices at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 202, Wilmington DE 19803 United States of America, provides technical services.
Clifton LLC, with registered office at 163 Burlington Path Road, Suite K, Cream Ridge, 08514 New Jersey, United States, registered at the Department of the Treasury under company registration number 0600330129.
United foundation
As a financial service provider, United is in business to earn a profit. And with our business activities we most certainly do so. While we reinvest part of our profit in our companies, we also believe in investing in society. Through United Foundation, we provide (financial) support to a wide range of initiatives and organisations related to music, art and culture, sports and social development. As our name suggests, the essence of our corporate culture is uniting. And our services are consistently aimed at giving people the opportunity to realise their ambitions. As for our own ambition with our sponsoring activities, we wish to strengthen the initiatives and organisations that we sponsor, and to build a strong community around them that unites and connects them with our own people and our clients.
News on the foundation’s activities