London, June 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Access to opportunity is one of the most desirable qualities that any jurisdiction can offer.

This year, the 2023 World Citizenship Report measured 188 countries in the world, looking at what these nations have to offer High Net–Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and the mass affluent who are continually looking past their home borders for better opportunities.

One key motivator that was measured in the report was Economic Opportunity, which measures the overall ability of a nation to extend wealth, material comfort, and other key benefits of a strong economy to all of its citizens.

Greater access to improved business environments and employment opportunities allows individuals to participate in the economy while achieving their goals of securing their financial futures and raising the standard of living for themselves and their families. But it doesn't end there. Apart from the supplementary benefits of social mobility, a reduction in income disparity, and greater capital formation, having the freedom to pursue key financial goals leads to significant investment in an individual's own well–being, their families, and their communities, which, more often, is accompanied by a greater sense of purpose.

Not only have global mass affluent individuals shown to be willing to travel to access more powerful economies globally, but they also desire supportive business environments which enable them to fully realise their entrepreneurial potential.

A shift in economic growth from the West to emerging markets over the past few decades has led to new business hubs worldwide. Regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and South America have seen rapid economic growth, coupled with improved infrastructure and, in some cases, lighter regulation."

Entrepreneurs the world over are capitalizing on this, often by going through the"citizenship by investment"(CBI) route of a country that allows access to profitable business opportunities in booming markets across the globe.

The"World Citizenship Report"looks at the top business hubs globally, among other motivators for individuals looking to widen their prospects. Other motivators explored by the World Citizenship Report are Safety and Security, Quality of Life, Global Mobility, and Financial Freedom."The World Citizenship Report is based on research by London–headquartered leading government advisory and marketing firm"CS Global Partners.

So which countries are the world's most sought–after business hubs in 2023?

5. Switzerland and Japan

Switzerland and Japan both tied at fifth place, ranking at 82.3 in the Economic Opportunity pillar.

Switzerland, the 20th biggest economy in the world, is a well–known financial hub and a great place to invest thanks to its stable economy and strong business culture. The country is also known for its innovation and flourishing start–ups in the major cities.

In addition to its positive economic outlook, Japan is noted for its internal stability. The nation is considered one of the most politically stable countries in the world, as well as"one of the safest to travel in for work or business. Japan's economy has gained momentum in 2023 with surveys of business activity indicating that the economy is growing.

4. Netherlands

Taking fourth place, the Netherlands scored 82.4 and the country continues to be a good place to start a business. Considered as the gateway to Europe, the"Netherlands"has a stable business climate where ambitious companies can tap into innovation ecosystems to accelerate their businesses.

3. Hong Kong (SAR) China

In third place with a score of 83.1 is Hong Kong. The country has a"free–enterprise, free–trade economy and the government has traditionally adopted a policy of non–intervention in the private sector, while at the same time providing the territory with a modern and sophisticated commercial infrastructure and a sound legal and administrative framework.

2. United States of America

In second place is the United States of America. As one of the most recognised economies in the world, the USA offers a lucrative open market that is a powerful growth engine for companies of all sizes. Coupled with a predictable and stable political and judicial system where intellectual property is protected, the USA is a great place for business investment of any kind.

The country scored 83.7 in this year's World Citizenship Report.

1. Singapore
Singapore was crowned as the best place to do business this year with a score of 84.8. Singapore has a conducive environment for business given its regulatory environment, stable and efficient infrastructure to support starting a business, access to financial intermediation and services, and enforcement of contracts. The economy makes it easy for domestic and international businesses to make their mark in the global arena.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8861047)

London, June 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Commonwealth of"Dominica"has been crowned as the safest place in the"Caribbean in the second annual World Citizenship Report published by the world's leading government advisory and marketing firm,"CS Global Partners.

Using data from the World Citizenship Index (WCI), the World Citizenship Report's data–driven tool which measures 188 countries across five motivators most relevant to the mass affluent, the Nature Isle topped the Safety and Security pillar in the region with a score of 76.9, bringing it to the 38th safest place in the international arena.

In the"Caribbean,"Grenada (46), St Kitts and Nevis (48), Saint Lucia (50) and Antigua and Barbuda (52) followed"Dominica's"safety and security rank of 38."Iceland (1),"New Zealand (2)"and"Switzerland (3)"kept their top rankings globally for the second year in a row, while economic giants like the US (65) and China (111) trailed much further behind"Dominica.

Dominica"continues to place emphasis on physical safety, rule of law, and political stability and ranks high in categories like voice and accountability, where citizens feel empowered to hold leaders accountable to their demands and needs.

The post–pandemic return to "normal' has been marred by generational inflation, broader macroeconomic volatility as well as the geopolitical instability stemming from the crisis in Ukraine "" which has threatened to upend the "Long Peace' enjoyed since the end of WWII.

The resultant supply chain, energy, and political pressures have pushed the global economy closer to a recession and are forcing governments to enact monetary and fiscal policy changes that are pressurising households the world over. Perhaps more importantly, the upheaval of the last two years that has engendered both restrictions on local and international movement and increased economic headwinds have compelled the world's citizens to reappraise their relationship with their own governments with respect to freedom, safety, and opportunity.

The mass affluent and high–net–worth individuals (HNWIs) are looking for alternative destinations as a bolt–hole for future crises in countries that offer the freedoms that are lacking in their home nations.

With many parts of the world also experiencing an uptick in violent crime due to ineffective policies and rising inequality, smaller jurisdictions in particular are increasingly prioritising efforts to ensure the rule of law for all as part of efforts to boost tourism and attract digital nomads. In the Caribbean for example, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data shows that St Kitts and Nevis saw a 50 per cent reduction in its average crime statistics over the past five years resulting in it being ranked among the safest islands to visit in 2023 by well–known tourist guide "Travellers Worldwide".

Caribbean"nations that offer investment migration schemes such as Dominica, offer global citizens access to some of the best travel and economic markets in the world.

Dominica"began welcoming foreign nationals to obtain citizenship in 1993. The island remains politically and economically stable, with a low crime rate and rich investment opportunities.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8856088)

London, June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caribbean nations with Citizenship by Investment schemes ranked in the top 30 per cent of this year's World Citizenship Report. The Report measures 188 countries across five motivators deemed as most relevant among the mass affluent "" Safety and Security, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, Global Mobility and Financial Freedom."

This year, St Kitts and Nevis kept its position of 48th out of the 188 countries while Grenada (49), Antigua & Barbuda (50), the Commonwealth of Dominica (52) and Saint Lucia (53) followed closely behind.

The Caribbean is considered the cradle of investment immigration due to the high concentration of countries that offer CBI programmes in the region.

Caribbean nations are becoming investment hubs in the global arena, offering attractions such as safety, lucrative financial diversification options and idyllic lifestyles that make them desirable places to take up second citizenship. For example, all the Caribbean nations hosting CBI programmes are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is committed to promoting and supporting a unified Caribbean community that is inclusive, resilient, and competitive to share in economic, social and cultural growth.

These CARICOM members have also pledged to continue to be vigilant in managing the threats to sustainable development in the region.

This includes implementing initiatives that attract foreign direct investment, ensuring that the region is not perceived as high risk by investors, lobbying against the proposed global minimum corporation tax and continuing to build relations with the OECD (Paris–based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and European Union.

For example, earlier this year, heads of state from all five"Caribbean"nations offering citizenship by investment programmes met with several US government officials to discuss ways to enhance security and due–diligence checks which will minimise any potential risks of the various CBI programmes on offer.

Prime Ministers from"St Kitts and Nevis,"Antigua & Barbuda,"Saint Lucia,"Dominica"and"Grenada"were all in attendance, alongside the heads of each nation's Citizenship by Investment Units (CIU). The meeting, which was led by the Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury had some positive outcomes and all nations agreed to follow six processing principles which were suggested by the United States, including:

• The suspension of processing for Russian and Belarussian applicants in all five nations."

• Introduction of application interviews, either in person or via virtual interview.
• Non–processing of applications of people who have previously been denied visas in other countries.
• Conduct regular audits either annually or bi–annually in line with international standards."
• Introduce additional due–diligence checks to be made through each nation's Financial Intelligence unit.
• Retrieval by law enforcement of all revoked passports

This year's World Citizenship Report found that high–net–worth individuals (HNWIs) and the mass affluent are in search of greater freedoms, and in preparing for the future, they want to have more control over their freedoms.

This group of HNWIs and mass affluent are securing these freedoms by ensuring that they have a second home through residency and citizenship programmes.

For decades countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and France were attractive destinations for many who wanted to migrate. However, those popular countries are all struggling, both financially with threats of a recession and high inflation, as well as experiencing civil unrest in the form of protests and strikes. The mass affluent and HNWIs have begun to look for alternative destinations as a bolt–hole for future crises, countries that offer the freedoms that are lacking in their home nations.

Caribbean nations have been offering precisely this for decades "" Dominica ranked the safest and most secure Caribbean CBI nation, and all five countries were almost equal in terms of economic opportunity.

Small island nations are ensuring their prosperity and sustainability through CBI programmes which continue to be a viable way for Caribbean nations to attract foreign direct investment into their economies which is then used for significant developmental projects.

Dominica's construction of a geothermal plant, another tangible example of how the nation is moving away from fossil fuels in order to become a greener economy, was made possible by the revenue from CBI.

The nation of St Kitts and Nevis is following suit, also moving away from fossil fuel. St Kitts and Nevis has taken the seriousness of its CBI programme one step further by instituting innovative and industry–first regulation that will not only enhance the programme's international reputation but will also ensure that international investors and citizens alike benefit from a safe, secure, stable and economically prosperous nation.

The inflow of funds to the private sector has had a noticeable impact on the economic activity of island nations, in many instances improving fiscal outcomes, facilitating debt repayment and spurring economic growth.

Caribbean nations continue to be politically and economically stable, with a low crime rate and rich investment opportunities "" therefore solid investment options for those looking to attain freedom.

The World Citizenship Report is published by CS Global Partners, a leading investment migration advisory firm.

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• CS Global Partners' WCR 2023

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8855607)

London, April 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The second edition of the annual World Citizenship Report, reveals how high–net–worth–individuals (HNWIs) and the mass affluent are in search of greater freedoms "" whether that means being able to enjoy better social safety and security for oneself and family, increased access to better employment prospects and business opportunities or being able to live in territories with higher social and institutional stability "" the post–Covid "normal' has global citizens looking beyond the confines of their own borders when thinking about their own future, and the future of their families.

With so much change happening so rapidly around us "" inflation, broader macroeconomic volatility, geopolitical instability, energy uncertainty "" it can be challenging to keep up with how all these disparate factors coming to bear on the prevailing attitudes toward global citizenship.

The World Citizenship Report is the world's first–ever endeavour in investigating the value of citizenship through the lens of the global citizen. It answers how can we keep abreast of the shifting kaleidoscope of citizenship values and priorities using the World Citizenship Index, an innovative tool that takes a holistic approach to rank the world's citizenships across multiple dimensions.

The World Citizenship Index is the product of a research–driven approach that goes beyond ordinary concepts of passport strength by placing greater emphasis on the diverse attitudes regarding key facets of citizenship. Unlike other rating tools, the World Citizenship Index ranking is designed to reflect a citizenship's value through the lens of the newest generation of global citizens: the mass affluent population.

Biggest motivators to invest in alternative citizenship include quality of life, safety and security and financial freedom
The World Citizenship Report measures 188 countries across five motivators that are most relevant among the newest generation of global citizens "" Safety and Security, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, Global Mobility and Financial Freedom.

This year, the Quality of Life ranked in first position of the five pillars, overtaking both Physical Safety and Financial Freedom.

Quality of Life looks at territories' ability to provide its citizens with essential services required for a good standard of living, including higher standards of education and healthcare facilities.

Monaco, Denmark and Hong Kong took the top three spots in the Quality of Life pillar.

The United States came in at 29th position. African countries took the bottom 10 positions, with Somalia taking 185th place.

We are unfortunately living through a period where the standard of living is falling at the fastest rate in over a generation.

At the end of 2022, the UK Office for Budget Responsibility reported that UK households are set to suffer a 7.1 per cent fall in living standards over the next two years, the largest decline in six decades. And, according to the latest United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report published at the end of 2022, living conditions in 90 per cent of the world's countries deteriorated in 2021 "" something that hasn't been seen since the height of the previous global recession caused by the financial crisis in 2007. Moreover, it marked the first consecutive year of decline in the 32–year history of the Human Development Index (HDI).
This data shows why quality of life is so highly coveted among global mass affluents, and indeed all individuals.

The Safety and Security motivator assesses how people in a certain country have the ability to enjoy greater social safety and security for themselves and their families and whether they have a safety net against being trapped in a territory with civil disorder.

Iceland took first place in the Safety and Security motivator, New Zealand came a close second place and Switzerland took third place. Afghanistan scored the lowest in this pillar.

Safety and Security remains an obvious top priority for the average mass affluent global citizen. This comes as no surprise given the uncertain state of the world "" one need to look no further than the war in Ukraine as a painful reminder of the relative fragility of peace. Western nations now have a growing preoccupation or sense of danger around the prospect of war, having an active war so close to home compared with conflicts in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.

The Financial Freedom motivator measures the ability of a country to provide a favourable and stable regulatory climate for the establishment and functioning of businesses, as well as the holding of personal and business assets.

Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore took the first three spots in this pillar.

The growing desire for citizens to conduct their own financial affairs such as wealth management and estate planning without undue surveillance and burdensome regulations appears to be a feature of the current economic climate. While 43 per cent of World Citizenship Report survey respondents placed the heaviest emphasis on the employment opportunities typically associated with economic performance, those that placed importance on investments, estate planning, and wealth planning combined for a total of 37 per cent.

These sentiments reflect the growing perception that the rising costs of living and broader economic uncertainty are being accompanied by a creeping tax burden as state expenditures continue to escalate due to rocketing debt–servicing costs brought on by a tightening monetary landscape, rapid demographic changes, and other factors.

It must also be noted that governments themselves are being stressed by this tightening fiscal landscape due to the rising costs of servicing their debt "" a factor that is fuelling the trend of rising tax burdens globally.

"In the 2022 edition of the World Citizenship Report, we only surveyed high–net–worth individuals (HNWI), this year, we expanded the survey to include a wider audience in order to gain a better perspective of what people prioritise in terms of their own nationality. The expanded audience of over 1000 participants included both HNWIs and the mass affluent from across the globe. Findings from the survey showed that while the research participants came from varied backgrounds and cultures, all with different needs and pain points, they all had one common goal: freedom," concludes Micha Emmet, CEO of CS Global Partners.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8826229)

London, Dec. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global market for immigration investment is expected to grow exponentially, with big growth spurts already witnessed during the international travel restrictions imposed by countries across the world as a result of the Covid–19 pandemic. As immigration and border control become increasingly important to countries and nations across the world, the role of immigration and investment due diligence grows.

As the longest–standing and most credible citizenship by investment programmes are found in the Caribbean, we take a look at what these nations can teach us about this growing industry.

What is immigration and investment due diligence?

In a nutshell, due diligence usually refers to the research that is done on a person or entity before engaging in a financial transaction. When it comes to immigration and investing, it means that certain background and other checks are performed on the applicants that are hoping to immigrate or invest in in a particular country or region.

Each territory that an applicant seeks to invest in will have its own requirements. This also applies to citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes, the first of which was launched globally in 1984 by the twin–island nation of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean.

Why is investment immigration due diligence important?

Different countries award citizenship in different ways. Some countries award citizenship by virtue of birth in that country, descent from a parent who is a citizen, or by naturalisation, for example through marriage to a citizen or through an extended period of residence in that country. Citizenship by investment programmes allow successful applicants to obtain citizenship by virtue of a significant investment in a country.

Many families and entrepreneurs turn to citizenship by investment programmes as an alternative form of asset diversification. Global uncertainty is driving the desire among wealthy individuals to incorporate second citizenship as part of their portfolios. However, countries offering CBI programmes still require that applicants be strictly vetted before being granted citizenship. This is to maintain certain standards of the CBI programme and to ensure that applicants comply with certain national and international standards to support safety and security, as criminal background checks are also included in the vetting process.

For more on the requirements for Caribbean CBI programmes, see here.

How is the Caribbean leading the way?

As the acceptance of funds from CBI programmes provide a high level of risk for most banks operating in the Caribbean, as there is usually only one US bank providing corresponding banking services in each of the CBI countries, banks in the Caribbean tend to exercise extreme caution when vetting new customers. Local Caribbean banks therefore exercise their own vetting processes on each CBI applicant before allowing funds from the applicant to enter the local banking sector. As this forms such an important part of the success of each application, this vetting process is usually done before the applicant's application is submitted to the recipient government's CBI unit for processing. This dual process of vetting by the bank as well as vetting by the government agency in charge of CBI adds a necessary and additional level of security to CBI programmes in the Caribbean.

For example, the Dominica CBI due diligence process covers four steps: know–your–customer checks performed by local authorized agents; internal checks including anti–money laundering and counter–terrorism financing vetting by the Citizenship by Investment Unit; mandated international due diligence firms perform online and on–the–ground checks; and regional and international crime prevention bodies check that you are not on any wanted or sanctions lists.

Caribbean governments have also been hard at work to continue making improvements to their CBI programmes and to ensure the quality of their programmes and of the applicants accepted through its programmes. St Kitts and Nevis has recently welcomed a new government administration into power and which has already announced changes to strengthen their CBI programme. In a recent move, a new head of its CBI unit has been appointed.

Caribbean countries have very open and strong relationships with international parties and are always on the lookout at what international law enforcement is saying. For example, security concerns coming out of international law enforcement always trump due diligence service providers. If a due diligence agent gives an applicant a clear review but that same applicant gets a red flag from international law enforcement groups, the country will deny granting citizenship by investment to that applicant.

Another reason why applicants can be refused second citizenship is if an applicant has been refused a visa from a country that the Caribbean countries have visa–free access to.

"When looking at countries which are top–rated, such as those in the Caribbean, we see that they are doing more in upscaling their programmes so that they are not just meeting minimum standards. Their CBI Units are always trying to achieve best practices by asking their due diligence agents on a regular basis how they can improve their risk–based approach, and how they can evaluate applicants better and they are actively involved in the due diligence process from beginning to end," said Karen Kelly, director of strategy and development at Exiger at a due diligence webinar hosted by Financial Times' publication, Professional Wealth Management (PWM) this year. "We find that countries who are already engaging top due diligence intelligence companies have consistent standards across their CBI programmes."

For more information on Caribbean CBI programmes, their offerings and benefits, visit www.csglobalpartners.com.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8719525)

London, Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to CS Global Partners, ongoing conflicts, healthcare crises and rapidly changing social and political landscapes have disrupted and destabilised the world as we once knew it. Global dynamics are changing, giving rise to an era of globalisation, international migration and more and more people moving away from their home countries in an attempt to find stability and create a safe and secure environment for themselves and their families.

With the world is in a continual state of flux, changing and adapting to positive and negative influences, people are looking for innovative ways to escape the tumultuous effects on their home nations in order to stabilise their economic and social position.

High Net–Worth Individuals (HNWIs) have the opportunity to invest in citizenship in countries that are able to provide them with the desired quality of life. The ability to navigate paths to globalised countries with are subjected to less political restrictions.

Citizenship by Investment Programmes allow people to live the life of their dreams in countries that have visionary and efficient governance and positive social environments. They provide investors with an exceptional atmosphere and give them the ability to set up their businesses and achieve their goals by eliminating any cultural or social threats or simply enjoy a peaceful everyday life with family.

Countries such as the Commonwealth of Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia offer some of the best citizenship by investment programmes (CBI) in the world as they provide investors with opportunities far beyond their home shores

Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia provide easy access to international markets and are subject to less political risk. Healthy relationships with countries throughout the world means that people are more interconnected than ever before.

Most people invest in second citizenship for personal freedom, wealth protection and the ability to take advantage of global opportunities. It has become one of the most powerful tools to achieve this and is the ultimate backup plan in uncertain geopolitical environments. Alternative citizenship also allows investors to secure and diversify their wealth while enjoying favourable tax regimes and stable economies. The currency of these three Eastern Caribbean countries is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate, which makes the economies less volatile to economic shocks. The democratically elected governments are stable and transparent and information flows freely as people are free to express themselves

Many countries in Africa are affected by high unemployment rates, rampant corruption and political unrest. The turmoil serves to highlight how important a stable economic structure is for every country. With dynamic market forces in play the management of the economy in any country requires a certain set of skills and proficiency. Economic collapse in some countries has resulted in mass–scale protests and removal of the government in power. Citizens left behind in these tumultuous situations are struggling with uncertainty as the business and service sectors fail to revive.

The social aspects of a country are as important as the financial and economic benefits. Cultural acceptance and cooperation among different races creates a desirable environment to live. The relatively low crime rate coupled with a stable and peaceful environment create the perfect escape from a world filled with uncertainty

People need to be aware of the choices they make while selecting the countries of their second citizenship.

Collaboration between countries is also vital with many countries opting for free–trade agreements and zones to develop stronger business ties and reduce competition. These peace and cooperation agreements are fundamental instruments to stabilising businesses while accelerating the economic growth of those countries. Friendly relations such as these are maintained by the three Caribbean countries, which enables them to offer a politically, economically and socially safe and secure environment.

Caribbean countries like the Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis offer secure, peaceful and pristine environments, creating a perfect destination for families to spend the rest of their lives in, a possibility due to their prestigious Citizenship by Investment Programmes.

The Citizenship by Investment programmes enable individuals to acquire citizenship of that country in exchange for a certain financial contribution to their economy. The CBI Index, published annually by the PWM Magazine of the Financial Times rates these three countries as the safest and most reliable citizenship programmes in the world. The CBI Index ranks countries on the basis of their performance across "Nine Pillars of Excellence".

The Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the greatest countries to live in, considering its efficient governance, security and the ease of establishing business. The country is working hard to mitigate the climate crisis and become the world's first climate–resilient nation with environmental sustainability one of its key objectives.

The CBI Programme of Dominica ranked as the world's number one programme for the sixth consecutive year in 2022. It has performed exceptionally well in conducting due–diligence checks to ensure national security and stability and also achieved a perfect score of ten in six pillars of the nine pillars i.e. Minimum Investment Outlay, Family, Certainty of Product, Due–Diligence, Ease of Processing and Mandatory Travel/Residence.

Individuals can obtain Dominican citizenship by investing in their Economic Diversification Fund or in Real Estate.

The citizenship programme of St Kitts and Nevis is the most family–oriented programme as it gives the main applicant the option to include their spouse, children under and over 18 and, in some circumstances, siblings, parents and grandparents of both the main applicant and their spouse in an application. Investment in St Kitts and Nevis involves a contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund which was established in 2018. Since then, the Fund Option has helped the Caribbean country in advancing standards of education and in the health sector, uplifting the tourism industry and publicising the cultural harmony of the country.

In order to apply for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme an investor will need to make a minimum investment of USD 150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund option.

Saint Lucia provides a platform for individuals seeking to establish and expand their business while embracing the serenity that island life has to offer. With the least travel/residence restrictions it provides investors with global access to major business hubs and hassle–free travelling, making it a highly desirable country to live in.

The ongoing global unrest, unstable governments, civil unrest, and political uncertainty have left many feeling insecure about their home countries. Relocating to a safe and secure nation such as those in the Caribbean offers one the stability and solace often sought from the chaos of the world.

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• CS Global Partners

London, Aug. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world's most definitive guide on citizenship by investment, the CBI Index, was published today by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners and offers readers a view of an industry in metamorphosis.

Released amid a year that has, again, been marked by heightened uncertainty, increased security risk, political instability and intensifying calls to act on the global warming threat, the CBI Index comes at a time when most individuals are reassessing the base they call home and are looking for more stable environments that not only offer security but business, health and education opportunities for generations to come.

Despite a tumultuous global environment and an investment industry harrowed by scrutiny from the EU and USA, this year's CBI Index hints at opportunity amidst the chaos "" opportunity for the CBI industry to evolve and perhaps be the answer to those who look to it to harness the world's offerings.

Often thought of as a Plan B, the CBI Index infers that in a post–pandemic reset, there has been a shift in trust away from government as individuals obtain second, or multiple citizenships, and take control of their destinies. The new global citizen will look to invest in "Plan A' and a more positive future for people and planet.

While the CBI Index is a rating system designed to measure the performance and appeal of global citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes across a diverse range of indicators, it is also a voice for the industry and a forward–looking manual that offers readers a glimpse of what the industry could be provided that industry players come together and shape its regulatory environment to benefit not only host countries, but citizens around the world who have realised that home need not be their place of birth, but where opportunities lie.

This Index is intended as a practical tool, both for those who wish to compare CBI programmes as a whole and for those who wish to compare specific aspects of each programme.

Its purpose is to provide a rigorous and systematic mechanism for appraising programmes, to facilitate the decision–making process for individuals considering them, and to bring value to the CBI industry.

The CBI Index assesses all countries with operational CBI programmes, which, in 2022, include Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu.

The CBI Index rates CBI programmes according to these nine pillars: Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product.

Freedom of Movement measures the relative strength of each country's citizenship based on three equally weighted factors: the number of destinations to which a country's passport allows travel without restriction, the number of prime business hubs to which it provides access, and the degree to which a given citizenship provides settlement rights in other nations.

The Standard of Living pillar is a measure of the quality of life offered by the 13 CBI jurisdictions under assessment and this pillar is vital to those who yearn to relocate and secure a prosperous and fulfilling lifestyle. Similarly, it is key to those wanting to take advantage of local business opportunities or needing to transfer and safeguard their assets.

The Minimum Investment Outlay pillar measures one of the most practical and foremost considerations of CBI "" how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of their choosing. The cost of applying for CBI increases with the number of dependants "" or qualifying family members "" included in an application. In some jurisdictions this increase is proportional, while in others the cost only increases following the inclusion of multiple dependants.

Mandatory Travel or Residence examines the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of citizenship.

The Citizenship Timeline pillar looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant.

The Ease of Processing pillar measures the end–to–end complexity of the CBI application process. In some jurisdictions, the application process can be a labour–intensive and painstaking task that is time–consuming for the applicant; in others, it is streamlined, and the applicant receives clear directives on how to proceed. The overall effortlessness of the application process is a particularly important component, and the promise of a smooth, hassle–free process can generate readiness to engage with a programme.

The Due Diligence pillar focuses on each nation's commitment to ensuring that their programme remains transparent and effective at evaluating potential candidates for citizenship. It is therefore a measure of each programme's integrity.

The Family pillar measures the extent to which investors can obtain citizenship for their immediate and extended family. The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application.

Lastly, Certainty of Product encompasses a range of factors that measure a programme's certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation and adaptability. Additionally, it assesses a programme's responsiveness to major global events, such as the Covid–19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine that have had a significant impact on global mobility and due diligence requirements.

As the CBI industry undergoes its own challenges and metamorphosis, the CBI Index gives worldly investors a reliable analysis of reputable programmes that will enable them to choose second citizenship in destinations that will fulfil their needs.

Download the full report here to see which of the thirteen countries took top spot and gain further insight into the CBI industry.

London, Aug. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world's most definitive guide on citizenship by investment, the CBI Index, was published today by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners and offers readers a view of an industry in metamorphosis.

Released amid a year that has, again, been marked by heightened uncertainty, increased security risk, political instability and intensifying calls to act on the global warming threat, the CBI Index comes at a time when most individuals are reassessing the base they call home and are looking for more stable environments that not only offer security but business, health and education opportunities for generations to come.

Despite a tumultuous global environment and an investment industry harrowed by scrutiny from the EU and USA, this year's CBI Index hints at opportunity amidst the chaos "" opportunity for the CBI industry to evolve and perhaps be the answer to those who look to it to harness the world's offerings.

Often thought of as a Plan B, the CBI Index infers that in a post–pandemic reset, there has been a shift in trust away from government as individuals obtain second, or multiple citizenships, and take control of their destinies. The new global citizen will look to invest in "Plan A' and a more positive future for people and planet.

While the CBI Index is a rating system designed to measure the performance and appeal of global citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes across a diverse range of indicators, it is also a voice for the industry and a forward–looking manual that offers readers a glimpse of what the industry could be provided that industry players come together and shape its regulatory environment to benefit not only host countries, but citizens around the world who have realised that home need not be their place of birth, but where opportunities lie.

This Index is intended as a practical tool, both for those who wish to compare CBI programmes as a whole and for those who wish to compare specific aspects of each programme.

Its purpose is to provide a rigorous and systematic mechanism for appraising programmes, to facilitate the decision–making process for individuals considering them, and to bring value to the CBI industry.

The CBI Index assesses all countries with operational CBI programmes, which, in 2022, include Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu.

The CBI Index rates CBI programmes according to these nine pillars: Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product.

Freedom of Movement measures the relative strength of each country's citizenship based on three equally weighted factors: the number of destinations to which a country's passport allows travel without restriction, the number of prime business hubs to which it provides access, and the degree to which a given citizenship provides settlement rights in other nations.

The Standard of Living pillar is a measure of the quality of life offered by the 13 CBI jurisdictions under assessment and this pillar is vital to those who yearn to relocate and secure a prosperous and fulfilling lifestyle. Similarly, it is key to those wanting to take advantage of local business opportunities or needing to transfer and safeguard their assets.

The Minimum Investment Outlay pillar measures one of the most practical and foremost considerations of CBI "" how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of their choosing. The cost of applying for CBI increases with the number of dependants "" or qualifying family members "" included in an application. In some jurisdictions this increase is proportional, while in others the cost only increases following the inclusion of multiple dependants.

Mandatory Travel or Residence examines the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of citizenship.

The Citizenship Timeline pillar looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant.

The Ease of Processing pillar measures the end–to–end complexity of the CBI application process. In some jurisdictions, the application process can be a labour–intensive and painstaking task that is time–consuming for the applicant; in others, it is streamlined, and the applicant receives clear directives on how to proceed. The overall effortlessness of the application process is a particularly important component, and the promise of a smooth, hassle–free process can generate readiness to engage with a programme.

The Due Diligence pillar focuses on each nation's commitment to ensuring that their programme remains transparent and effective at evaluating potential candidates for citizenship. It is therefore a measure of each programme's integrity.

The Family pillar measures the extent to which investors can obtain citizenship for their immediate and extended family. The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application.

Lastly, Certainty of Product encompasses a range of factors that measure a programme's certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation and adaptability. Additionally, it assesses a programme's responsiveness to major global events, such as the Covid–19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine that have had a significant impact on global mobility and due diligence requirements.

As the CBI industry undergoes its own challenges and metamorphosis, the CBI Index gives worldly investors a reliable analysis of reputable programmes that will enable them to choose second citizenship in destinations that will fulfil their needs.

Download the full report here to see which of the thirteen countries took top spot and gain further insight into the CBI industry.