Investment Platforms for Expats
Investment platform options for expats outside of developed markets such as the UK and the US have been limited, but many established onshore firms are entering the offshore market successfully and transforming results.
Platforms are a welcome change for expats as inflexible products flooded the market for years. Expat investors can now enjoy the functionality, transparency and security of only being allowed to purchase reputable, regulated 'clean' funds, something some providers still don't enforce.
Transparency, Flexibility, Value
Non-contractual investment platforms allow fee-based expat financial advisors to give offshore advice with onshore regulatory standards, the same investment guidelines and commission-free, low-cost funds available for purchase without lock-in periods or hidden fees.
Online access and reporting offers detailed statements in just a few clicks, with a paperless process to open accounts quickly and providing access to fund research, comparison tools and online trading.
Lump Sums, Pensions and Saving
Expat pension transfers are now simpler without the antiquated structure of separate trustee and platform, as SIPPs and integrated platforms now house your assets in one place at a reduced cost.
Lump sum Investments are opened quickly and can be invested in thousands of regulated funds, ETF's, discretionary fund managers and model portfolios. Trades cost around $5 or less for portfolio rebalancing.
Start your investment journey with smaller amounts but without the restrictions or high charges of contractual expat saving plans. Your expat financial advisor will only charge for ongoing advice to keep platform and fund costs to a minimum, allowing you to contribute what and when you want. Expat investment platforms offer penalty-free access to savings, so you can save for the long-term without the long-term commitment.
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While platforms are acceptable in most countries, tax residency can impact on suitability. In countries such as Spain, France and Portugal, the use of locally compliant products offer significant tax advantages and should be considered. In such cases however, be sure to understand the costs and avoid fixed charging as detailed in our page on Offshore Bonds.