Central - but not public

A new-look register of company ownership in the Island is due to be unveiled in the next few weeks.

The Manx government says it's almost reached agreement with the UK Cabinet Office, over a centralised register of the beneficial owners of Isle of Man companies.

Despite international pressure, calls for a public register of company ownership have been turned down.

At present, companies must provide details of their ultimate owners to tax authorities and law enforcers.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says in future, the details will be held by the financial services' regulator on a central - but not public - register: