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 Anguilla was first settled in pre-history by Amerindian tribes who migrated from South America. The date of European discovery is uncertain: some sources claim that Columbus sighted the island in 1493, while others state that the island was first discovered by the French in 1564 or 1565.
Anguilla was first colonised by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650. The island was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when it was incorporated into a single British dependency against the wishes of the inhabitants. After a brief period as a self-declared independent republic in 1969 it became a separate British dependency (now termed a British overseas territory) in 1980.
Anguilla's status as an offshore centre is fairly new - the International Business Companies Ordinance came in to effect in 1984 - but its legislation is thoroughly modern. In 1999, ACORN (the Anguilla On-line Registration Network) was created, allowing on-line company formation in 24 hours. Whilst it is currently better known as a tourist location, the Anguillan authorities have been ploughing large amounts of time and resources into the development of the offshore financial sector.
- No disclosure of beneficial owners
- Zero taxation
- Fast incorporation - 24 hour online service
- No foreign exchange controls
- No resident office required
- British Overseas Territory
- Common Law system
- International Business Company status
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