The Center for International Finance The International Companies Act 1981–82 and the International Trusts Act (1984) helped the Cook Islands establish itself as a major hub for international finance in the early 1980s. Since then, the Cook Islands have established a solid framework for Cook Island Asset Protection through revisions to previous acts and the adoption of new legislation. Its emphasis on wealth protection has grown as a result of society's need and right to have wealth secured from those who want to seize it through coercion, legal action, or legislation, whether through unlawful, unethical, or immoral means. Parliamentary democracy The Cook Islands are a democracy in the Westminster tradition, with an elected government. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State and is locally represented by the Queen's Representative. Like in other Commonwealth countries, the legal system is founded on British Common Law. The Privy Council in London serves as the final appel