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Automatic for the (tax) people: information sharing and cross-border investment in tax havens

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  • Agustín Bénétrix
  • Lorenz Emter
  • Martin Schmitz

Abstract

SummaryThis paper examines the impact of international automatic exchange of information (AEOI) treaties on cross-border investments in tax havens. Using a restricted version of the BIS Locational Banking Statistics, we find that AEOIs significantly reduced cross-border deposits. A sectoral breakdown assessment reveals that households were the key driving force behind this contraction. However, we also document evidence of households’ deposits shifting to non-AEOI haven countries and larger deposits by non-bank financial institutions between tax haven countries, suggesting an increased use of shell corporation networks since AEOI introduction. Extending the analysis to portfolio and direct investment, we observe that changes in investment patterns vis-à-vis tax havens are consistent with a significant impact of AEOI treaties on these forms of cross-border investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Agustín Bénétrix & Lorenz Emter & Martin Schmitz, 2024. "Automatic for the (tax) people: information sharing and cross-border investment in tax havens," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 39(120), pages 853-895.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ecpoli:v:39:y:2024:i:120:p:853-895.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/epolic/eiae041
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    Cited by:

    1. Lorenz Emter & Peter McQuade & Swapan-Kumar Pradhan & Martin Schmitz, 2024. "Determinants of currency choice in cross-border bank loans," BIS Working Papers 1184, Bank for International Settlements.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    G21; G28; H26; H87; K34;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • H26 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Tax Evasion and Avoidance
    • H87 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - International Fiscal Issues; International Public Goods
    • K34 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Tax Law

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