The role of the advisers in the canton's future

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The legal, tax and fiduciary professions have shaped the history of Zug as much as its politicians and entrepreneurs. They designed the holding structures of the 1950s, advised the commodity traders of the 1970s, structured the crypto foundations of the 2010s and now guide companies through the minimum tax, the sanctions and the new financial regulation. Their role in the canton's future will be equally important. They will help companies adapt to the changing environment, advise the canton on the design of its policies and represent their clients before the authorities and courts.

With this role comes responsibility. The advisers of Zug have sometimes been criticised for helping clients avoid taxes, evade sanctions or hide assets. Most of them act within the law and according to professional standards. The reputation of the profession, and of the canton, depends on their integrity. An adviser who refuses a mandate that would damage the canton's reputation serves the long-term interests of the profession and the canton, even at the cost of short-term income. The professional associations, the supervisory authorities and the courts all play a part in maintaining these standards. In the end, however, the conduct of each adviser decides.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of September 2025.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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