In 2022, China topped the global charts for offshore wealth, with over $2.1 trillion held abroad—almost as much as Mexico’s entire economy!
Many Chinese businesses and individuals move their money to places like Hong Kong, where taxes are lower and regulations are more favorable.
The U.S. and the UK also hold wealth abroad, $1.6 trillion and $1.2 trillion, respectively. Other countries, including Taiwan, France, and Germany, use offshore accounts to protect their wealth and reduce taxes.
But why do countries use offshore accounts? The main reasons are to find better investment opportunities and avoid higher taxes at home.
Popular destinations for stashing money include tax havens like the Cayman Islands and Switzerland, where companies can set up “shell corporations” without running real businesses.
Countries like the UK, France, and Germany have over $2 trillion parked offshore, highlighting the global nature of these financial strategies.