Since its inception a year ago, AG Advisory has built a reputation as a 360-degree, one-stop-shop service provider that specialises in simplifying the complexities of cross-border transactions, VAT compliance, and asset registration for yacht and jet owners.
With over 15 years of expertise in international taxation, maritime operations, and blockchain technology, Georg Oehme, Head of Operations, is spearheading a new era of digitalisation in the industry. From acquisition and leasing to digital onboarding of crew and facilitating crypto payments, the company delivers instant tailored solutions backed by a dynamic network of global partners.
AG Advisory is not just modernising the industry but also solidifying its role as a trusted partner for lawyers, tax advisors, client representatives, family offices and ultimately owners. Georg is also keen to highlight his presence and role in the German market, where AG Advisory is rapidly expanding its presence.
Georg’s professional journey to AG Advisory began in Germany, where a high-powered tax consulting role involved extensive travel and work with automotive clients in financial management. To expand his expertise, he earned a part-time degree in international taxation in Liechtenstein, connecting with wealth managers and luxury asset specialists across Europe. A family move to Malta, drawn by its bilingual culture, led to five years in taxation before a chance meeting with Dr Anthony Galea, then at Vistra, opened the door to the yachting and private aviation sectors.
Yacht ownership now demands comprehensive compliance with global tax regulations, particularly for clients engaged in cross-border activities. Owners must handle VAT filings, social security for crew members, and tax returns across multiple jurisdictions, each with distinct regulatory frameworks. Moreover, the rise of new shipyards, new charter grounds and refit markets demand local expertise and partnerships to manage tax and licensing processes effectively.
Two recent scenarios illustrate the complexities of steering clients through cross-border hurdles. In one case study, a German client purchased a yacht in the U.S. for private use in Europe. AG Advisory supported and coordinated with U.S. law firms to manage acquisition processes and oversee export processes in the U.S. The yacht was imported into Malta, adhering to EU regulations. Concurrently, AG Advisory guided the owner through setting up a yacht operational leasing and yacht registration to ensure compliance and trouble-free cruising for the owner and his family in the EU. Another German client faced uncertainty while purchasing a French-based yacht owned by a non-French company. The yacht had not been VAT-paid, raising potential French tax liabilities at the time of acquisition. AG Advisory structured the transaction to ensure VAT was duly accounted for in Malta, whilst providing for the yacht's registration and setting up a new charter operation for the client.
“We don’t just advise; we provide solutions and then execute them,” Georg emphasises. “From setting up the company to handling crew contracts and bookkeeping, clients benefit from an integrated experience.” Services offered extend to registration, crew management, bank account setup, and financial reporting. Additionally, the firm’s multilingual capabilities enhance client communication, catering to German, Italian, English and soon French-speaking clients—a crucial advantage in an international market. “Each client’s needs are unique,” explains Georg. “We start by understanding their plans—whether they aim to use the yacht privately or for charter operations, whether they aim to leave the yacht in the Med or cruise around the world. Based on these preferences, we design a bespoke structure, considering the best jurisdiction and corporate set-up to own and operate the yacht and flag state for registration and operational efficiency.”
While the firm’s international reach includes clients from the US, UK, France, and Italy, the German-speaking market remains a strategic focus. With his strong background in German tax and accounting regulations, Georg is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of these markets.
“Yachting-specific tax expertise is rare, even among top tax advisors. Our ability to bridge this knowledge gap provides a comfort level for clients and their advisors,” Georg underlines. This customised approach extends to educating stakeholders. The firm provides presentations and guidance to yacht brokers, family offices, and wealth managers on topics such as VAT compliance and tax considerations for yacht transactions.
“By equipping brokers and advisors with the right questions to ask their clients, we streamline the process and deliver optimal solutions. We recently presented to a major German brokerage house on VAT considerations for yacht transactions. Similar initiatives are planned for the Netherlands, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, targeting family offices and wealth advisors,” Georg states.
Unlike traditional marketing strategies, this consultancy relies heavily on personal connections and industry presence. Attending yacht shows, such as those in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Monaco, is a key strategy for maintaining and expanding their network.
“Trust is everything in this industry,” he accentuates. “It’s not just about meeting new clients but also about reinforcing relationships with partners, from yacht brokers to legal advisors. These connections enable us to address client needs quickly and effectively, often through informal conversations over coffee.”
Market dynamics reflect broader global economic trends, affecting buyer behaviour and industry focus. “In the sub-24-meter market, there’s a noticeable hesitancy. Clients are waiting to see how the economy evolves over the next one to two years,” Georg observes.
In contrast, the segment for yachts above 35 meters remains active, with robust transaction levels and significant client engagement. A key trend across all segments is the shift towards experiential ownership.
“Owners no longer see yachts merely as status symbols or places for relaxation. They want to actively enjoy the experience, incorporating features like jet skis, e-foils, and even underwater exploration equipment. This experiential shift is evident not just in Germany but globally,” Georg adds. Unlike other asset classes, yachts are not traditionally profit-driven investments. Instead, they offer what the firm describes as an “emotional return on investment.”
Apart from advising on the new and existing client structures, Georg is also the cornerstone of the operations within AG Advisory.
By integrating new technology and fintech into business operations, the set ups we offer are not only meeting regulatory requirements but also delivering enhanced operational efficiencies and experiences. Working with crypto payment providers allows clients to complete transactions in hours rather than days, highlighting the potential of blockchain to enhance transaction efficiency.
Furthermore, blockchain’s transparency and traceability present significant opportunities for asset ownership and transfer. AG Advisory is implementing innovative fintech tools that replace manual processes for crew onboarding and payroll, grant captains instant access to crew data and eliminate the need for extensive email exchanges. A captain can now pay bills digitally, upload receipts instantly, and sync everything with accounting software. Another example of today's tech trends in yachting is Charter itinerary software, which drastically reduces the time required to plan client experiences. “Previously, captains spent hours creating detailed reports for charters, including destinations, activities, and recommendations. Now, with software, this process has been pared down to 20 minutes, incorporating everything from restaurant suggestions to bespoke activities. This level of efficiency was unimaginable a decade ago,” Georg beams.
Compliance procedures, including Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, have been digitised through secure online questionnaires and document uploads. Meanwhile, the company has been working on a new digital dashboard, which will soon provide clients with a comprehensive view of their profiles, from company details to crew accounting. Internally, this platform functions as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, enhancing both efficiency and service delivery.
Georg’s passion for football and coaching has shaped how he has helped build a winning team based on adaptability and a shared vision.
“At the end of the day, managing a team—whether on the pitch or in the office—is about balance,” Georg explains. “In football, you can’t win the championship with 11 strikers or 11 goalkeepers. You need players with different strengths, working cohesively toward a common goal.”
Fostering collaboration and striving for continuous improvement is key, he notes. “Our team members are well-versed in their departments but also have a solid understanding of others. However, unless they operate together in unison,, we will not deliver to the levels expected of us. Clients appreciate this versatility—they can approach one person for an initial response and trust that more specialised expertise will be brought in when needed.”
Despite a busy schedule that includes raising three children, Georg still finds time to play football recreationally. “When I’m in Malta, I play five-a-side football with Anthony. It’s a great way to stay active and clear my mind. Sports teach you discipline, strategy, and the importance of staying physically and mentally sharp—all of which translate into effective leadership.”
By embracing emerging technologies and maintaining a client-first approach, AG Advisory is not just adapting to the future—it’s shaping it.
“In the next 10 years, we expect further integration of AI, automation, and advancements. An area we recently have been discussing is yacht management. We expect new IT software combined with sensors, cameras and monitoring systems, will pave the way for predictive maintenance. Furthermore, these technologies will optimise every aspect of yacht ownership, from crew management to compliance, reducing downtime and preventing costly repairs,” Georg predicts.
Additionally, the demand for yacht refits is expected to grow. With over 6,000 yachts above 30 meters requiring significant maintenance every five years, AG Advisory is focusing on creating structured plans that address the traditional fields associated with such refits while also ensuring efficiencies in tax, VAT, insurance, accountability, and cybersecurity.
The company is setting new standards for operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Guided by Oehme’s vision, AG Advisory is not only alleviating the logistical headaches of yacht registration, accounting and taxation but also pioneering a future where technology and luxury seamlessly converge.
To learn more about AG Advisory, click here.
