Swiss bank to pay tax evasion penalty

Public Finance International: Switzerland’s EFG Bank is to pay a penalty of $29m to the US Department of Justice to avoid prosecution for helping its American account holders evade taxes.

Full story: http://www.publicfinanceinternational.org/news/2015/12/swiss-bank-pay-tax-evasion-penalty

Inheritance tax changes are too messy and complex, says Andrew Tyrie

Daily Telegraph: The new rules on passing your main home to your children are complicated and too slow, leaving the elderly with considerable uncertainty, according to the MP.

Full story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/budget/12037511/Inheritance-tax-changes-are-too-messy-and-complex-says-Andrew-Tyrie.html

European parliament endorses Liechtenstein deal

ICAEW: The European Parliament has endorsed a deal between the EU and Liechtenstein that will make it harder for EU citizens to hide cash in bank accounts in the state.

Full story: http://economia.icaew.com/news/december-2015/european-parliament-endorses-liechtenstein-deal

Net closes on evaders

ICAEW: David Gauke, the financial secretary to the Treasury, has launched a new campaign warning off shore tax evaders that time is running out for them to make disclosures.

Full story: http://economia.icaew.com/news/november-2015/net-closes-on-evaders

RSM posts strong results following rebrand

ICAEW: Mid-tier firm RSM saw its revenues and profits rise for the financial year ended 31 March thanks to strong growth in all its service lines.

Full story: http://economia.icaew.com/news/december-2015/rsm-posts-strong-results-following-rebranding

Law firms merge to create private client force

Private Client Adviser: The union will create top-five private client team capable of advising on domestic and international issues.  Law firms Thomas Eggar and Irwin Mitchell have merged to create a private client team specialising in advising mid-market and high-net and ultra-high-net-worth clients.  The merger is estimated to complete in December 2015. The new business will be worth £250m and will create the UK's 11th largest legal business.

Full story: http://www.privateclientadviser.co.uk/news/legal-practice/law-firms-merge-create-private-client-force