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Form a Cayman Islands Foundation
$5,800.00
Establishing a foundation company in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands introduced the Foundation Companies Act, 2017 to provide a hybrid legal structure that combines features of traditional companies with those of civil-law foundations. Designed to be flexible and versatile, the foundation company is a distinct legal entity with a corporate form but operates in ways more aligned with trusts or foundations. It is particularly suited to private wealth management, estate planning, philanthropic ventures, and corporate structuring.
A foundation company must be incorporated in accordance with the Foundation Companies Act (as revised) and registered with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands. It may be formed either with or without share capital, and can be limited by shares or by guarantee. Though based on company law principles, a foundation company cannot distribute profits to members, setting it apart from conventional commercial companies.
These entities enjoy separate legal personality and perpetual succession, allowing them to enter contracts, own property, sue or be sued, and function independently. Members, if any, have limited liability, but their role is optional. In fact, a foundation company may function without members, provided it has at least one supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for oversight and often act in a role comparable to that of an enforcer in a trust.
A significant feature of Cayman foundation companies is their flexible governance. They are managed by a board of directors and must appoint a licensed secretary based in the Cayman Islands, ensuring regulatory compliance. This structure enables operational efficiency while maintaining a local point of contact.
Foundation companies can be used for a wide array of lawful purposes, including commercial, private, charitable, or mixed objectives. Unlike trusts, they are not required to benefit third parties and may be formed for specific non-beneficiary goals. Common applications include acting as holding entities, special purpose vehicles, or private trust company owners. They are also often used to serve as independent protectors or enforcers in trust arrangements such as Cayman STAR trusts.
One key distinction between foundation companies and trusts lies in the lack of fiduciary obligations to beneficiaries. In a foundation company, control rests with the entity and its governing bodies, rather than with beneficiaries, who have no legal rights or enforcement powers. This structure enhances asset protection and operational independence, particularly useful for high-risk investments or international planning.
From a tax perspective, foundation companies benefit from the Cayman Islands’ zero-tax regime. There are no income, capital gains, inheritance, or withholding taxes. Additionally, a foundation company can apply for a tax exemption certificate, which guarantees that its tax status will remain unchanged for up to 20 years. This offers long-term certainty in financial and succession planning.
The design of the foundation company addresses a gap in global structuring tools by offering a vehicle that is more readily accepted in civil law jurisdictions, where the concept of a trust may not be recognized. Its statutory basis and corporate form make it familiar and accessible for use in cross-border estate and investment planning, especially in jurisdictions with forced heirship laws. Cayman law generally does not allow foreign succession rules to override the foundation’s constitution, giving founders more control over wealth transfers.
In summary, the Cayman foundation company is a modern and adaptable entity, suited to a variety of uses. Its unique combination of corporate structure, trust-like function, and regulatory neutrality makes it particularly effective for clients navigating both common law and civil law systems. Its growing adoption reflects a shift toward innovative legal solutions for managing wealth, governance, and international structuring challenges.
Learn more about Cayman Islands foundation companies:
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services to incorporate a Cayman Islands Foundation, and keep it in good standing over time.
Cayman Islands Foundation Formation Services – USD 5,800.00 (All Included)
- Producing the memorandum and articles of association of the Foundation
- Fulfilling the role of the subscriber, first member and secretary of the Foundation.
- Preparing the resolutions, and appointments of Directors, Supervisors, Members, Beneficiaries
- Preparing Supervisors and Director’s Appointment Letters Letters
- Filing Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association with the General Registry
- Payment of the General Registry Incorporation Fee and Articles’ Stamp Duty
- Preparing and filing the Register of Directors and Officers, with the General Registry
- Preparing the Register of Supervisors and Register of Members
- Preparing and executing a Certificate of Incumbency and a Certified set of documents
- Providing Corporate Secretary
- Providing Registered Office and Registered Address
Time to form
We prepare all the incorporation documents and file the foundation with the General Registry within one day. At the time of filing the foundation with the General Registry, there are two procedures available:
- Standard Procedure: It may take for the Cayman General Registry around 1 week to process the foundation registration, and issue the certificate of incorporation and stamped M&AA.
- Express Procedure: The Registrar of Companies will process the registration of the foundation in 1 day, upon payment of an additional ‘express’ fee of USD 650 to the Cayman General Registry (Government Fee).
Nominee Services (Optional)
- Nominee Director – USD 2,500.00 per annum
- Nominee Supervisor – USD 2,500.00 per annum
- Nominee Member – USD 2,500 per annum
Please note that a foundation must have at least 1 supervisor or 1 member (meaning that when nominees are used, either 1 nominee member or 1 nominee supervisor suffices, unless for any specific reason both are needed.
If a Notarized General Power Of Attorney to be designated as attorney-in-fact is required, there is an additional one-time fee of USD 350.00 (Optional)
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Cayman Islands.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 700.00
Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsButterfield Bank (Cayman)USD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesOwners/shareholders need to have a strong justifiable nexus to the Cayman Islands.Cayman National BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesCIBC FirstCaribbean International BankUSD 25,000YesUSD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUDYesNCB Cayman LimitedUSD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accountsRBCUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEntities must have a level of physical presence on the island. Eligibility: Cayman Islands incorporated companies
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Cayman Islands companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsMORABANCUSD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Credit Andorra (Creand)EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDBankUSD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Global Bank of CommerceUSD 25,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesCash Secured Visa Credit CardNorth International BankUSD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsOJSC UnibankUSD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Union BankUSD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.CIBC FirstCaribbean International BankUSD 100,000YesMulticurrencyYesOnly companies registered in the Bahamas. Economic substance required.CitibankUSD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.DeltecUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesCredit Card available on a case by case basis.EFG BankUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Equity BankUSD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBelize Bank InternationalUSD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesCaye BankUSD 1,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Heritage BankUSD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBVI Bank AccountUSD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.VP BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Security BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsExprinter International Bank N.V.USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingUnited International BankN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of CyprusN/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDominica Bank AccountUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CHFYesEqiBankUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesJetonbankN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Dominica Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesThe Kingdom BankN/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsGibraltar Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesGibraltar Bank AccountUSD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00
Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaHKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.DBS BankHKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsIsle of Man Bank AccountN/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsLabuan Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!CitibankUSD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesMayBank International Labuan BranchUSD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBendura BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank OneUSD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesInvestecUSD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBONIUSD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesHamilton Reserve BankUSD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPanama Bank AccountUSD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 1,000NoUSDYesAccounts can be opened remotely on case-by-case basis.
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPuerto Rico Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesCB International Bank LLCN/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Elite International BankUSD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Medici BankUSD 10,000NoMulticurrencyYesStrategic BankUSD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPROVEN BANK (Former BOSLIL)USD 5,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAl SalamUSD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaSGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Credit SuisseUSD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesDBS BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.HSBCSGD/USD 30,000NoSGD, AUD, CAD, RMB, EUR, HKD, JPY, NZD, GBP, USDYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.RHBSGD/USD 30,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.OCBC BankUSD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.UOB BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAmina BankCHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Credit SuisseCHF 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesMaerki BaumannCHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesmBaer BankCHF 5,000YesMulticurrencyYesCompanies must have an expected turnover of at least CHF 3,000,000.SygnumCHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00
USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsUSA Bank AccountUSD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MUSA Bank Accountfrom 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.USA Bank AccountUSD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Metropolitan Commercial BankTypically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.USA Bank AccountN/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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Vanuatu Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Vanuatu Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPacific Private Bank1,500 EURNoEUR, GBP, USDYesOutgoing USD transactions cannot be facilitated.
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00
EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteDNBC (CA) (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesSepagaN/AYesMulticurrencyYesAirwallexN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCurrenxieN/AYesMulticurrencyYesStatrysN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCollect & PayDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesBankeraN/AYesEURYesConnect PayN/AYesMulticurrencyYesDNBC (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesGurupayN/ANoEURYesIBSettleN/ANoEURYesMistertangoN/AYesEURYesNEXPAYN/ANoMulticurrencyYesPayswixN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSettleDeskN/ANoEURYesValyuzN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesVerifoN/ANoEURYesVialetN/AYesEURYes3SMoneyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesAspireN/AYesSGD, USDYesWorldfirstN/ANoMulticurrencyYesBilderlingsN/AYesEUR, GBPYesBVNKN/ANoMulticurrencyYesEQUALS MoneyN/AYesMulticurrencyYesIFXN/ANoMulticurrencyYesInterpolitan MoneyDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesMontifyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesMultiPassN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesPaysetN/ANoMulticurrencyYesTRANSFERRAN/AYesMulticurrencyYesXaceN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
Cayman Islands Foundation Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 5,575.00 (Payable every January)
NOTE: Please note that effective 1st January 2025, the annual fees payable to the General Registry (government fees) have increased for foundation companies. Such increase is already included in the below annual fees.
- General Registry Annual Fees (Government Fees)
- CIMA Annual Levy per serviced company (Government Fees)
- Providing Registered Office Services, including registered address, for the calendar year
- Providing Corporate Secretary Services
- Annual UBO compliance reporting and AML compliance review
- Preparing and filing the Annual Return
- Preparing and filing the Economic Substance Notification (ESN)
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records