Insights

Find a bank that works best for you and your wealth.

Are you unhappy with the banking regulations or lack of investment help in your current jurisdiction? You can choose a country that has better regulations, transparency, and an all-around more secure banking system. This is also beneficial for those who have chosen to expatriate. Many expat destinations don’t have the safest banks. For those feeling the restriction of the investment opportunities at home, offshore banks offer a wide choice of funds and investments that aren’t available in your home country. It’s an easy and great way to diversify your portfolio. Confidentiality is another leading advantage of banking overseas. Many countries have laws that hold banks to strict confidentiality with serious consequences if it is broken. Holding money abroad has also proven to be a smart asset protection technique. In the event in which it’s needed, having money in an offshore account can assure you don’t lose everything. The process of opening an account offshore is not difficult. It can often be completed from home via the internet and courier. Very rarely do banks require applicants to participate in a one-on-one meeting in person. Holding an offshore account plays a key role in conducting international business. Some international customers like to send money to a non-U.S. bank to completely avoid the U.S. banking system. Depending on where your home country is, you may catch some tax breaks for holding your money outside of your tax jurisdiction. Some countries even offer incentives to foreign investors through favorable tax rates in order to attract outside wealth. Tax treatment is one of the biggest reasons an individual may seek an offshore bank account. With an offshore account, it is possible to earn tax-free money in some countries. Many offshore banks allow you to work in another country and earn hefty capital gains with no taxes.

1. Switzerland

Banks play an important role in the Swiss economy. Because of this, Swiss banking is also highly regarded around the world. Choosing Switzerland as a banking destination is choosing years and years of financial stability and growth. Privacy is a leading factor for those looking to bank offshore. With the same expectations as doctor/patient confidentiality, Swiss laws forbid bankers to disclose that someone even holds a bank account or any information about it without the consent of the account holder. If any of the information is divulged, laws require that immediate prosecution begins. Holding a bank account in Switzerland is ideal for many because their home country is not as economically nor politically stable as the Swiss government. They are worried about the security of their domestically stored funds.

2. Monaco

Monaco is home to a unique political and economic environment that can be great for banking and wealth management. Large private banks offer the usual cash counter, safety deposit box, direct deposit, and other usual banking services. Leading banks also offer investment services like multi-currency deposit accounts, equity and fixed income trading, precious metals, foreign exchange, and commodity trading platforms. Many also provide managed investment portfolio services.

3. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a prosperous nation that has developed significantly over the past 40 years. While the country is small, it is highly industrialized with a free-enterprise economy and an important, global financial center. Like other top banking destinations, Liechtenstein is popular because of its confidentiality. There are laws surrounding banking secrecy and privacy. As one of the oldest financials centers in the world, it is one of the safest and most reliable nations to handle your banking needs. To open a bank account in Liechtenstein, the initial deposit and balance is required. As an added bonus, you don’t even have to be at the bank personally to open the account. The banks handle USD, EUR, and CHF.

4. Singapore

As a safe and stable country, Singapore has a reputation as one of the top choices for wealthy investors to store their money. Opening a bank account in Singapore is easy and the banks have access to the latest banking technology that can assure the safety of an individual’s assets. The banks offer wealth management services, funds, and accounts to manage a person’s wealth, as well as trading platforms that account holders can take advantage of. With an account in Singapore, account holders also have easy access to other financial centers such as the United States, Hong Kong, Europe, China, and more.

5. United States of America

As one of the largest economies in the world, there is no question why someone outside of the U.S. may want to open a bank account in the country. With diversification opportunities, investment managing, and forex trading, many are seeking the U.S. as their offshore banking destination. Many of these individuals work with U.S. businesses and, therefore, will want to pay through local methods. PayPal can be unreliable and International Wire Transfers can be expensive. Instead, they open a bank account in the United States.

Alpen Partners and Offshore Banking

Alpen Partners partners with many banks around the world, the most significant and prestigious being in Monaco and Switzerland. Building on many years of experience in private banking in Switzerland, Alpen Partners International provides investment advisory services to U.S. clients. All investments involve certain risks. All investments carry the potential for financial loss, including the loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance should not be viewed as an indicator of future results. Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors. The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions. All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.