An IMGW News Report
Ray de Bono, the editor for IMGW News, sat down with Lisa Chanesman, a leading migration law expert, to discuss the future of investment migration. As part of its endeavour to keep readers up to date with the latest news and insights on investment migration, wealth management, and real estate, IMGW regularly features and interviews influential industry players, experts, and professionals who stand out in their fields.
Lisa Chanesman is a leading migration law practitioner and a Fellow of the Migration Institute of Australia (FMIA). She holds a Master of Migration Law and Practice and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. Recognised as an expert and educator in migration legislation and policy, Lisa has lectured at the Australian National University and developed the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law for the Australian Catholic University. Currently, she is a director at Chanesman Global, an Australian firm specialising in migration law, residency, and international citizenship, with offices in London and Dubai.
“My advice to new practitioners is to prioritise continuous education and stay abreast of the latest developments in our field. Engage with professional organisations like the IMC and take advantage of training programmes offered by ‘IMCET‘.”
Lisa Chanesman
Lisa is a full professional member of the Investment Migration Council (IMC), where she consults on training and advises on the introduction of Communities of Practice (CoPs) to enhance knowledge sharing and professional development in the investment migration industry. The IMC, an international body representing operators, professionals, academics, practitioners, and students, seeks to elevate industry standards through education and collaboration.
Q&A with Lisa Chanesman
1. You have been involved in both academia and professional practice. How do you balance these two roles, and how do they complement each other?
– Lisa: Balancing academia and professional practice has been a rewarding challenge. My academic engagement keeps me updated on the latest theories and developments in migration law. Conversely, my hands-on experience as a practitioner enriches my teaching, allowing me to provide practical insights that bridge theory and practice.. The dual roles facilitate the integration of knowledge and enhances adapatabilty whilst ensuring I remain responsive to emerging trends.
2. You’ve emphasised that citizenship is a matter for sovereign states to decide. Could you elaborate on why this principle is so important?
– Lisa: The concept of citizenship is often debated and multi-dimensional. The importance of Citizenship is the fundamental aspect of a country’s sovereignty. It is the prerogative of each state to determine its criteria for granting citizenship, reflecting its values, security concerns, and demographic goals. This principle upholds the autonomy and identity of nations in an increasingly interconnected world. This can be challenging for example, for a supranational entity like the EU.
3. Many people view a second passport as a “Plan B.” How does this perspective influence your work in investment migration?
– Lisa: The concept of a second passport as a “Plan B” is increasingly relevant in today’s uncertain global landscape. Our clients seek security, flexibility, and new opportunities. This understanding shapes our approach at Chanesman Global, where we offer tailored solutions to help individuals and families secure global mobility to safeguard their future.
4. Investment Migration is growing in popularity. What steps do you believe are necessary to ensure its integrity and professionalism, especially in light of new EU AML regulations?
– Lisa: Ensuring integrity and professionalism in investment migration requires rigorous due diligence, ongoing professional training, and a collegial attitude amongst professionals. With the EU’s new AMLD6 regulations, investment migration operators are now categorised as obliged entities, meaning they must adhere to stringent AML/CFT obligations. Compliance with the incoming regulations is crucial, as is cooperation between legal advisers, wealth managers, and government bodies. Organisations like the Investment Migration Council (IMC) play a vital role in setting professional standards and providing training.
5. What role does proper training and education play in the success of Investment Migration operators, particularly through the Investment Migration Council Education and Training (IMCET) platform?
– Lisa: Proper training and education are critical for the success of Investment Migration operators. The IMCET, as the industry’s only provider of certificated professional education and training programmes, plays a crucial role in this. Their courses and qualifications enhance the technical knowledge, competencies, and expertise of those working in or associated with the profession, ensuring the highest standards of service and compliance.
6. You have been a part of various key reference groups and industry think tanks. How has this involvement influenced your perspective on migration law and policy?
– Lisa: This high level involvement has provided me with a broader and diverse perspective on migration law and policy. It has allowed me to contribute to and learn from collective efforts to address complex world-wide migration issues. A collaborative approach is essential for developing innovative and effective migration policies.
7. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the future of investment migration, particularly with the introduction of AMLD6?
– Lisa: Firstly I view the changes as positive. By focusing on transparency, due diligence, and governance we can maximise opportunities and mitigate challenges – these don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The biggest challenges include navigating the evolving political landscape, ensuring compliance with stricter regulations, and addressing public perceptions of investment migration. With the introduction of AMLD6, investment migration operators must adapt to a more rigorous compliance environment, which could increase operational costs and require significant changes to current practices. However, there are also significant opportunities to enhance global mobility, contribute to economic development, and promote the benefits of investment migration.. The IMC, particularly through the IMCET, plays an essential role in elevating the standards of professionals involved, which is key to addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities.
8. What drives people to want to move to another jurisdiction, another country, often on the other side of the planet?
– Lisa: That’s a great question and there is not one answer to this question. People have different perspectives on such a move. What’s clear is that the number of people seeking investment migration options, from residency by investment to citizenship, is on the rise. In today’s globalised world, a Plan B option is not the exclusive realm of the ultra high net worth. Attributing such investment purely to fiscal considerations or tax planning would be naïve. People are more complex than that. Many make this choice based on better education and career opportunities, better access to markets, improved healthcare facilities, superior lifestyle options, and better personal freedoms.
9. What advice would you give to new practitioners entering the investment migration industry?
– Lisa: My advice to new practitioners is to prioritise continuous education and stay abreast of the latest developments in our field. Engage with professional organisations like the IMC and take advantage of training programmes offered by the IMCET. Building a network of colleagues and maintaining a collegial attitude can also provide valuable support and opportunities for collaboration. Above all, uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance to contribute positively to the reputation and effectiveness of the investment migration profession.
