The Cook Islands LLC is designed for asset protection from lawsuits. The Cook Islands are world renowned for their asset protection laws. The limited liability company (LLC) is no exception to the rule. It allows the asset protection of a limited partnership with lawsuit protection elements of a corporate structure. The result is that liability is limited. This means that the members are separate from the identity of the Cook Islands LLC. Thus, an LLC is afforded its own identity, much like individuals have their own legal identity.
Something to note is that while many jurisdictions around the world offer LLCs, they are not all created equal– make sure you do your homework! If you are looking for a politically and economically stable jurisdiction then the Cook Islands are a great option for an LLC. Privacy laws mean the Cook Islands do not hold a publicly accessible register of managers and members. Even more importantly, the two year statute of limitations that applies to assets that are held by a Cook Islands trust covers assets that are placed into the control of a Cook Islands LLC.
Cook Islands LLC Asset Protection
US courts (thanks to the statute of limitations) struggle to touch Cook Islands LLCs when they have been properly structured (unlike US based LLCs). So, you ask, what sets the LLC apart from an International Business Company (IBC)? As mentioned earlier, the LLC is a blend of a typical company structure like an IBC may have, combined with the functions of a limited partnership. This flexibility allows a more diverse range of uses and is widely accepted in any part of the world.
Video from our Asset Protection Planners affiliate.
LLCs can be used for any lawful activity or legitimate business venture. Examples of activities include: holding cryptocurrency accounts, investments, financing arrangements, real estate holdings, manufacturing and as an operational vehicle for international trusts.
Another great point to note is that LLCs have a perpetual lifespan: imagine the asset protection and returns for future generations that could come from that! LLCs can be established in the Cook Islands under the Limited Liability Companies Act 2008, and can be formed quickly.
Cook Islands LLC Legal Structure
Under the legislation an LLC requires a minimum of one manager and one member. The legislation provides the basics for how an LLC can function and the duties of each officer. While not necessary it is preferable that an LLC adopt an operating agreement which will set out the specifics of each officer’s duties and obligations as well as the fundamentals for how the LLC will operate and its activities.
So what does it take to be a manager? A Cook Islands LLC can function with a single or multiple managers, as previously mentioned. Managers can be individuals or companies and can be from any jurisdiction meaning that the structure can be flexible to meet the LLCs purpose.
Our registered agent will conduct due diligence checks on each manager. Provided they meet our standard due diligence requirements then they can be appointed as the Cook Islands LLC manager.
The owner of the LLC membership interests is otherwise known as the member of the Cook Islands LLC. This is equivalent to a corporate shareholder in a typical limited company structure. A member can, like the manager, be any person, company, or trustee from anywhere in the world. There can be one or multiple members. The members are the ones who elect to establish the LLC and appoint its manager(s). The one sole requirement that is nonnegotiable and very specific to Cook Islands LLCs, is the legislative requirement to have a Cook Islands based Registered Agent.
Lawsuit Shield
A Cook Islands LLC can act as a shield against any potential litigation. For the ultimate asset protection structure most of our clients choose to own their LLCs inside the umbrella of an international trust. This enables the direct management of assets with the protection of the trust. So, the trust holds 100% of the membership interest in the LLC. Twice the protection under one umbrella. Moreover, when under legal attack, the trustee of the trust can step in as the manager of the LLC.
When this happens, any judicial orders to return the funds fall on deaf ears. After all, our Cook Islands based law firm that serves as trustee is not subject to foreign court orders. Additionally, one cannot get accused of fraudulent conveyance of assets by enacting this maneuver. After all, no assets are transferred. It is simply a change of management.
If you have any questions or would like to set up a Cook Islands LLC and/or Cook Islands trust, please contact us at by filling out the form on this page or calling one of the numbers listed above. We will be happy to help you tailor the best protective umbrella to fit your needs.
