Global Expansion Masterclass: RBI ODI Regulations and Company Setup Abroad

Your startup is ready to go global. Are you ready for the compliance?

Setting up a foreign subsidiary is the easy part. Navigating RBI's ODI framework, FEMA annual filings, transfer pricing requirements, and the POEM trap without expensive mistakes: that is where most startups stumble.

This 2-session live masterclass gives you the complete regulatory playbook for expanding your Indian startup to the US, UAE, or Singapore, with frameworks, templates, and live case studies you can apply immediately.

What makes this different

• This is not a lecture. It is a working session.
• Small cohort (capped at 50) so you get your specific questions answered
• Real case studies from AVB's advisory practice (anonymized)
• Templates and tools you take away and use immediately
• Two sessions (not one) because cross-border structuring deserves depth, not a rushed overview

Session 1: The Regulatory Framework (May 2, 11 AM IST)

Module 1: RBI ODI Framework (30 min)

• When and how Indian companies can invest abroad
• Automatic route vs approval route: which one applies to you
• ODI filing requirements: Form ODI Part I, Part II, Annual Performance Report
• Common filing mistakes and how to avoid them

Module 2: Setting Up Your Foreign Entity (30 min)

• US: Delaware C-Corp (why Delaware, formation steps, EIN, bank account, registered agent)
• UAE: DMCC vs IFZA vs mainland (cost comparison, visa implications, tax treatment)
• Singapore: Holding company structure (ACRA registration, nominee director, substance requirements)
• Entity comparison matrix: which jurisdiction for which business model

Module 3: The Delaware Flip (30 min)

• When a Delaware flip makes sense (and when it does not)
• Step-by-step process: share swap, valuation, Section 9B tax implications
• FEMA approval requirements and timeline
• Transfer pricing considerations during the flip
• Case study: a Series A startup that flipped successfully vs one that got stuck

Session 2: Compliance, Tax, and Risk (May 9, 11 AM IST)

Module 4: FDI Compliance (20 min)

• FC-GPR filing: what it is, when to file, common errors
• Sectoral caps and pricing guidelines for foreign investment
• Downstream investment rules
• Annual return on foreign liabilities and assets (FLA return)

Module 5: FEMA Annual Filings and Penalties (20 min)

• Annual Performance Report (APR): deadline, format, consequences of non-filing
• FLA return: who files, what data, RBI's enforcement approach
• Compounding of FEMA contraventions: process, cost, and how to avoid it

Module 6: Transfer Pricing for Startups (20 min)

• The arm's length principle: what it means in practice
• Documentation requirements for intercompany transactions
• Common startup TP mistakes: management fees, IP licensing, cost sharing
• Safe harbour rules and when they apply

Module 7: The POEM Trap and Cross-Border Tax (30 min)

• Place of Effective Management (POEM): how India can claim your foreign company is actually Indian
• The three factors tax authorities examine
• How to structure board governance to avoid POEM risk
• DTAA benefits: when they help, when they do not
• Permanent Establishment (PE) risk: what triggers it, how to mitigate
• NRI founder compliance: residential status, FEMA vs Income Tax residency
• Case study: a SaaS startup with US revenue that triggered PE risk

What you get (all included in Rs 999)

• 2 live sessions (May 2 + May 9, 11:00 AM IST, 90 minutes each)
• Lifetime access to session recordings
• FEMA/ODI Compliance Checklist and Calendar (downloadable)
• ODI Filing Tracker Template (Google Sheet)
• POEM Assessment Worksheet (self-assessment tool)
• Entity Comparison Matrix: India vs Dubai vs Singapore vs US (detailed comparison)
• Lifetime access to Global Founders Circle (private community for cross-border founders)
• Live Q&A in both sessions (your specific questions answered by AVB)

Who should attend

• Founders expanding globally: You are setting up (or planning to set up) a US, UAE, or Singapore entity
• NRI founders: You have an Indian company and need to navigate FEMA compliance from abroad
• CAs and CSs: You advise startup clients on cross-border structuring and want practical frameworks
• Finance leaders: You manage compliance for a funded startup with foreign investors or overseas subsidiaries

About the Instructor

CA Adityavikram Banka (AVB) is the founder of A S Banka Advisors Private Limited and TaxUpdate.in.

AVB's advisory practice focuses exclusively on cross-border structuring, FEMA compliance, and global expansion for Indian startups. He has guided founders through ODI filings, Delaware flips, UAE entity setups, Singapore holding structures, and transfer pricing documentation.

He does not teach from textbooks. He teaches from cases he has worked on.

Why Rs 999?

Most masterclasses on cross-border structuring cost Rs 5,000-15,000. We are pricing this at Rs 999 because we are in our audience-building phase. This pricing will not last. The next cohort will be priced significantly higher.

What you get for Rs 999: two live sessions, templates, checklists, a private community, recordings, and direct access to a cross-border structuring specialist. The POEM assessment worksheet alone could save you lakhs in potential tax exposure.

Refund Policy

Full refund if requested before May 1, 2026 (24 hours before Session 1). No refunds after Session 1 begins.

Presented by

Tax Update India (TaxUpdate.in) - India's knowledge and education platform for startup founders navigating finance, compliance, and global expansion.

FAQ

Q: What is the schedule?

A: Two sessions. Session 1: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM IST. Session 2: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM IST. Both on Google Meet.

Q: What if I can only attend one session?

A: You get lifetime access to recordings of both sessions. However, we strongly recommend attending both live for the Q&A and case study discussions.

Q: Is this relevant if I am not expanding to the US?

A: Yes. The masterclass covers US, UAE, and Singapore structuring. The FEMA, ODI, transfer pricing, and POEM modules apply regardless of which country you are expanding to.

Q: I am a CA/CS. Will this help my practice?

A: Absolutely. You will get frameworks, checklists, and templates you can use directly with your startup clients. Many CAs find the POEM assessment worksheet and entity comparison matrix immediately useful.

Q: What if I have already set up a foreign entity?

A: Even better. The compliance, transfer pricing, and POEM modules are specifically designed for companies that already have overseas operations and need to get their ongoing compliance right.

Q: How is this different from the free webinar?

A: The free webinar (April 18) covers the 5 most common mistakes at a high level. The masterclass goes deep: step-by-step processes, templates, case studies, entity comparison frameworks, and live Q&A where AVB answers your specific situation.

Q: Is there a community or ongoing support?

A: Yes. All masterclass participants get lifetime access to the Global Founders Circle, a private community for cross-border founders where you can ask questions, share experiences, and get updates on regulatory changes.

Q: Can I get an invoice for my company?

A: Yes. Townscript generates an invoice automatically. If you need a specific format, email info@asbanka.com after purchase.

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: Full refund if requested before May 1, 2026. No refunds after Session 1 begins.

Q: Will there be future cohorts?

A: Yes, but at a higher price. This is the launch cohort at introductory pricing.