Purpose – The aim of this research paper is to discuss the crucial difference between financial offshores and fiscal offshores.Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines narrative with argument and analysis.Findings – It is shown that the decision of a few countries and territories to adopt lax financial regulation do not coincide with those that institute competitive taxation policies. From a methodological point of view, the classic intuition of Becker is intertwined with the new political economy approach, in order to review and comment on empirical tests.Originality/value – The paper suggests common guidelines for the design of international policy against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.