profile
Mark Bridge the General Manager and Director of Europa Trust Company Limited in Gibraltar
A Bridge Between Continents Mark Bridge the General Manager and Director of Europa Trust Company Limited in Gibraltar tells The Gibraltar Magazine how he came to Gibraltar from South Africa, and explains the benefits of basing a company in Gibraltar and how a client can be legally tax efficient. Europa Trust Company Limited, in its 25th year of practise, is an eclectic mix of individuals who understand the importance of tax and financial planning. The company has a dedication to providing individuals, businesses and families with the means to protect and grow their wealth with an aim of the client being fully tax efficient. Having the support of experienced and multilingual staff speaking a total of eight languages, it’s part of a Swiss independently owned group providing tailor made wealth and tax solutions. Mark Bridge, the General Manager and Director of the Gibraltar office, is originally from Port Elizabeth South Africa. Having qualified and practised as an attorney in South Africa, Mark decided he wanted to travel and started a
14
legal consulting company in London, UK, where he re-qualified as a solicitor of England & Wales. He did a number of short term contracts for the civil service and was a local government litigation lawyer before spending three years with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The Scheme is set up under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and is the UK’s compensation fund of last resort for customers of financial services firms authorised by the Financial
“
Services Authority (FSA). “I heard from a colleague about Gibraltar,” Mark explains of his decision to move from the UK. “I was fed up of living in the dark and cold. I wanted some sunshine and the great outdoors back in my life, with a change of pace. So, I researched Gibraltar and an opportunity came up.” Mark joined Europa Trust, as a legal advisor and money laundering reporting officer. In 2009 Mark became the general manager and later a director.
You know I can’t tell you that, but let’s put it this way, I have been flown all over the world and had some interesting experiences
”
Mark enjoys explaining Europa Trust’s services, a trait he has from previously lecturing for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, in South Africa, “Europa Trust offers what you would understand as a package,” he says. “We can manage the client’s company from Gibraltar even though the company may be based in a different jurisdiction. We provide the client with a registered address, company secretary who deals with annual returns and statutory fillings, as well as assist in setting up a tax efficient structure those who require legitimate privacy, we can provide nominee directors and shareholders”. With agents scattered all over the world the client does not need to be in Gibraltar to register a company. Mark added, “We
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011