Ciban Management Corp v Citco (BVI) Ltd [2020] UKPC 21

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has today promulgated its advice that Her Majesty the Queen do dismiss the appeal in Ciban Management Corp (formerly Spectacular) v Citco (BVI) Ltd [2020] UKPC 21.  The case explores the scope of duties of nominee directors of BVI companies when the ultimate beneficial owner of such companies effectively pull the strings to control the company but seek to keep entirely out of sight.  Needless to say this set up is very common in the offshore world.

This is believed to be both the first case heard by and the first judgment of Lord Burrows since he was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court in June.

Steven Thompson QC, instructed by Harney Westwood & Reigels, acted for the successful Respondents, Citco BVI Limited and its daughter company Tortola Corporation Company Limited, as he had in the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in 2018 and at trial before Justice Bannister in 2012.

The judgment is available here.

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