Capital Security Bank (CSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Horn-Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Horn-Smith has served as CSB’s Chief Operating Officer since February 2021. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and strategic initiatives across all business areas, and possesses a wealth of experience and an enviable track record in financial services. His strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and demonstrable ability to lead in a rapidly evolving market position him as the ideal candidate to guide CSB through its next phase of growth.
Mr. Horn-Smith is succeeding Mr. John Evans, who has been a cornerstone of CSB’s continued success for over 10 years, first as COO and then as CEO. CSB’s Board of Directors expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Evans for his outstanding leadership and contributions during this time. Mr. Evans is gradually handing over his duties and responsibilities to Mr. Horn-Smith to ensure a seamless and efficient transition.
Portugal’s golden visa scheme, which once offered a direct route to residency through property investment, has undergone significant changes. With the government’s tightening of regulations in response to housing concerns, the scheme has evolved, presenting new opportunities for investors.
The golden visa program, launched in 2012, initially attracted considerable funds, primarily from China, Brazil, and the United States, totaling €7.3 billion. However, approximately 90% of this investment flowed into real estate, contributing to rising property prices in Portugal and prompting concerns from both local authorities and the European Commission, which cited security risks associated with such programs.
In response, the Portuguese government shifted its focus away from real estate investments in major cities and introduced new regulations. The latest changes have effectively redirected investors towards alternative channels, with investment funds taking center stage.
Now, to be eligible for the golden visa, applicants must transfer €500,000 to one or more qualifying funds. This shift is expected to become the primary avenue for golden visa investments, a change welcomed by sustainable agriculture investment fund Pela Terra, which is already regenerating farmland in the Alentejo region.
The move towards investment funds aligns with the evolving sentiment among investors who seek alignment with their values and ethics, as well as a desire to contribute positively to the community.
While the full impact of these changes is yet to be quantified, industry experts anticipate that investment funds will soon represent 80-90% of all golden visa investments. However, some caution that the elimination of real estate investments may deter overall investment in Portugal, as neighboring countries like Spain still allow property investments through their golden visa programs.
Despite uncertainties regarding the new rules, Portugal’s golden visa scheme continues to attract interest from investors looking for alternative paths to residency. As the landscape evolves, the resilience and adaptability of the program will determine its attractiveness in an ever-changing investment world.
Sea Front Villa gets its name by being a unique front line luxury property overlooking the sea. It’s located in Quinta da Marinha, a well-known selected resort in the Estoril – Cascais area, considered the Portuguese Riviera for its lovely dune extended beaches, ancient enchanting palaces and refined lifestyle.
Ricardo Oliveira Alves Architectural Photography – fotografia de arquitetura House in Quinta da Marinha | Arq Tailors
Laying in a plot of land of 3.050 m2 and built area of 1.068 m2, this twelve room family house was intended to be a showcase for elegant, contemporary architecture and design.
In order to fulfil this expectation, the project would respect the amazing beauty of the sea view and nature surroundings, by using pure, well framed lines, big volume of fenestration and glass, as special feature.
To serve this indoor- outdoor dialectic purpose, we have specifically elaborated extra slim window frames, of almost non-existent expression, to allow huge spans of glass instead of walls but with a dilution in the space that usually frames don’t have.
Also, materials and finishes were sourced from around the world and selected for their quality as for beauty, rarity and sustainability. Warm woods cover the floor, ceilings and wardrobes, unifying and enlarging the rooms while adding a peaceful, natural quality to living spaces.
All sanitary facilities were covered with marble coming from chosen stone blocks (including a Thasssos block) of which all sections were previously defined, then cut and executed to measure, customising each bathroom.
Some other options and extras reinforce the projects differential aspect, like extended ceiling height or floor-to-ceiling door. Other example is the bathroom equipment with high performance shower and extra-large tubs, stunning range of chrome and nickel bathroom fittings.
Furthermore, the villa contains simple life enhancing technology for people who are not technically aware, yet want to enjoy the benefits of modern life. For instance, light and temperature are balanced by detectors that help ensure the property is constantly comfortable. Light levels, inside and outside the property, are controlled and all the window blinds are automatically corrected, to prevent sunlight damage to decoration and
furniture. Also, certain windows are opened or closed, to maintain ventilation and keep the villa cool with minimal environment impact.
The ground floor features the dining room, living room, one toilet, three bedroom, one suite, an office, a fantastic inner garden and a large and modern kitchen with an island. All oriented towards the sea and outdoor deck to provide a true sense of seamless indoor-outdoor living.
A further two bedroom, two bedroom suites, including the fantastic master suite with a generous sized dressing room, are found on the second floor, along with a private terrace over the Atlantic ocean.
Last but not least, there’s the basement, a natural light area that houses an indoor pool & spa, home cinema, guest apartment with two service bedroom, garage and storage facilities.
Arq Tailor’s is glad to have helped create a singular contemporary design house, refined materials based and attentive to environmental issues.
Citizenship investment has never been a more important consideration for global investors given current global headwinds. These are challenging times and the chance to access greater mobility, opportunity, stability, security and a higher quality of life is alluring indeed. One can see why the industry is rich with activity
There are many jurisdictions vying for supremacy in the field. We see Antigua & Barbuda as leading the way in the Caribbean, with Ecuador, Malta and Turkey offering especially innovative variations on the traditional CIP approach.
St. John’s, Antigua port and skyline at twilight.
These countries offer the wise globally-minded citizen distinct investment migration solutions, while each is an advert for the socio-economic force for good credentials of this industry which continues to suffer from an unfair and malign narrative which posits that such programmes provide a safe haven for undesirables.
