Offshore Accounts

Definition ∞ Offshore accounts are financial accounts held by individuals or entities in a jurisdiction outside their country of residence. These accounts are often established in regions with favorable tax laws, less stringent financial regulations, or greater privacy protections. While legal, they can be used for tax avoidance or illicit activities if not properly disclosed. The use of such accounts can involve complex legal and financial considerations.
Context ∞ Offshore accounts frequently appear in financial news, particularly in discussions surrounding tax evasion, money laundering, and international financial transparency efforts. The advent of digital assets and decentralized finance has introduced new complexities for tracking and regulating funds held across borders. Global regulatory bodies are continuously working to enhance reporting requirements to mitigate risks associated with these accounts.