Fiduciary Services for US Expats
Expert US Expat – EU Wealth Management Solution
Aisa International, as part of Aisa Group, provides a global investment and insurance service spanning two continents, regulated by four authorities for US expats. With over 25 years of operation and £750 million in assets under management, our global investment and insurance service caters to those who have those embracing expatriate lifestyles due to their jobs, lifestyles, or for tax and retirement planning.
Our team of over 40 advisors, strategically positioned in 20 countries across Europe and the US, specializes in addressing the unique needs and requirements of our clients. With our extensive expertise as investment advisers and financial planners, coupled with our in-depth tax knowledge and regulatory licenses, we are equipped to provide expert guidance to US expatriates, as well as throughout the cross-border EU landscape.
Our US expat clients benefit from Aisa International’s SEC regulatory licence, which allows us to develop custom portfolios utilising clients’ existing US investments. When added to vetted worldwide opportunities, US expat investors are rewarded with the balance, security, and growth of a professionally managed, globally enhanced, custom portfolio.
Financial Connections
US expats usually have financial connections to the US, either as a citizen or past resident. Your biggest challenge is finding expert advice and wealth management from people who are both qualified to give it and understand your individual needs. Also, many EU institutions will not allow US citizens to use their financial platforms or investment products.
Wealth Management
Our wealth management service, OpesFidelio, is based on SEC compliance and requirements in the US. We use the latest technology, investment research, and low-cost platforms that you are accustomed to in the US. OpesFidelio provides comprehensive guidance, support, and professional advice to shape all of your US expat financial goals.
Investments
We believe that a well-balanced portfolio is, first, the best way to make long-term gains. And, second, the best hedge against the risks that are always present in today’s tumultuous global markets. We apply a steady, disciplined approach based on Portfolio Theory. Your investments are structured so that there are allocations to both risky assets with higher returns and safer assets with lower, but more stable gains.
Expertise Beyond Borders
It is something you simply will not get from other so-called “experts” in Europe. Why? There are two types of “experts”. First, many traveling US financial advisers are not actually licensed, regulated or authorized to issue investment advice in the European Union. They often do not know about local tax implications and complex banking regulations in many EU countries. Second, they may be local insurance-based advisers touting themselves as wealth managers with no European investment qualifications. These people have no ability to trade in securities in any EU member state.
Therefore, this inability to consider both sides, the US side and the European side, means that US expats do not receive quality joined up advice.
As a US expat working overseas, you have a wide variety of domestic and foreign investment options at your fingertips. However, you must work with a firm that can fully access all those options for you.
Proactive US Expat Portfolio Planning
We often observe that advisers lack the necessary professional knowledge or genuine investment capability. Therefore, they may overly emphasize “investment bonds” or other financially ineffective opportunities.
However, we center advice around you and your specific portfolio requirements as a US expat residing overseas. We aim to steer clear of problematic foreign investments commonly referred to as PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Corporations).
You can make more informed investment choices when you are aware of the nature of PFICs and their potential adverse impact on your US tax return. The result is that you could save substantial amounts of money both in the present and the future.
The Impact of Foreign Financial Accounts on US Federal Taxes and European Market Options
When it comes to individuals who are still obligated to file federal taxes in the US, an important consideration arises from the potential for a higher tax liability. It is crucial to note that the process is not as straightforward as merely reporting your foreign financial accounts on the necessary Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
However, this aspect can present a conflict with European Market options, as well as tax efficiency within the EU or UK markets. Hence, it is essential to identify and understand the primary aim that guides US expats in such situations.
What US Expats Should Consider When Choosing Your Adviser
Investments such as a 401k, IRA, or a trust investment are often just ignored by EU-based advisers. Their focus is solely on the sale of an insurance product designed to generate commission with no consideration of personal suitability or customized tax implications. Therefore, we implement a 5-point plan just for you.
Your 5-point Plan
1. Discover your true objective and where your tax reporting point will be in the future. (e.g. where do you plan to access investments and possibly retire).
2. Understand how the tax implications from both sides interact and help you make the right decision for you as an individual.
3. Confirm that your chosen adviser is appropriately qualified, and ideally an expert in both US and European investments.
4. Provide access to a tax expert who may be able to support you, who would sit alongside any investment advice (we do not provide the actual tax advice, nor returns).
5. Formulate your plan so that your comprehensive portfolio and investments are invested in the most efficient way and according to your risk profile and objectives.
What Else Could US Expats Be Considering?
What is the best way to legally move large cash assets from US banks, exchanges, and credit unions to financial institutions abroad?
How can I convert my real estate investments to purchase property in Europe or abroad without incurring a US capital gains tax or other unnecessary tax penalties? Is there an international equivalent to a “1031 exchange”?
What are the differences or options between changes in my status abroad (long-term resident / permanent resident /citizen) and how might that ease or alter my US tax liability and maximize my investments?
What is the timeframe for customizing my portfolio and implementing a comprehensive wealth management plan into effect?
What are the options for reporting foreign income, dividends, or financial gain from abroad on my US tax return? And, what are the best alternatives to avoid being “double-taxed” from the country I live in as well as the United States?
What is the best way to purchase assets or invest money I earn abroad in the United States?
Aisa International is a unique investment portfolio manager, with advisers specialising in advice for US and UK expats and is regulated in the EU, UK, and US.