In terms of offshore vehicles, few jurisdictions offer such a wide range of solutions as Panama. From the widely-known Panama corporation to limited liability companies and from trusts to foundations, this jurisdiction provides vehicles to address a broad range of needs.

Not surprisingly, Panama vehicles have been used by publicly-held multinational corporations, by private equity funds, by closed-end funds and mutual funds, by companies seeking to establish asset protection trusts, bankruptcy-remote vehicles or collateral trust arrangements and by individuals for their personal investment or family and estate planning purposes.

Panama corporations

Perhaps the most widely used offshore vehicle in Panama is the corporation (sociedad anónima). Based on early 20th century Delaware and New York corporate law, Panama's general corporation law is extremely flexible, a trait that has successfully permitted this vehicle to be used in many forms.

Several NYSE-listed companies are incorporated in Panama, such as Carnival Corporation...