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Investing for US expats

If your client is an American expat investing internationally, it can be difficult to find a partner that understands their specific challenges. Our specialist investment management team are highly experienced in helping US citizens invest abroad, allowing your client to meet their long-term financial goals.

The complexities of investing as an American expat

Investing for US expats can be intimidating - whether it’s navigating ‘allowed stocks’, Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) rules, or the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). This is so daunting that it’s led to many financial institutions turning US expat citizens away.

Canaccord Wealth is an exception: we’ve been acting for US expats for decades. We understand the specific challenges your clients face and have the knowledge, experience, and capability to make the right investment decisions on their behalf – while making sure their investments are regulatory compliant.

This service forms part of our wider investment support for financial advisers.

Why advisers choose us for US expat investing

US expat specialists

We are one of the few wealth managers able to support US citizens living abroad

Clearer investment choices

We help you navigate FATCA, PFICs and restricted investment options

Reporting made easier

We prepare and provide your clients' US (1099) and UK tax reporting documents for use in their tax filings

Common questions on American expat investing

Investing as a US citizen living abroad can be complex, with trickier tax reporting requirements and regulatory differences. In fact, many investment platforms restrict access to Americans because of US laws like FATCA.

We don’t turn US citizens away. Our specialist service brings your client decades of experience to make sure their investing is US-compliant, without the need for your client to navigate the complexity themselves.

Effective tax planning is key. Without it, your client might end up paying double the tax on their investments.

While we don’t offer tax advice, we can share our knowledge of the US tax system with you, pointing out the investments your client may need to avoid. This could be because they don’t comply with US tax rules or would be liable for Offshore Income Gains. If exposed, it could also include PFICs and most collective investment vehicles such as international unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs). 

As part of our tailored portfolio service, we prepare and provide your US (1099) reporting documents for use in your tax filings, making the process as straightforward as possible.

A guide to investing for US citizens

Ready to talk?

If you’d like to have an informal, no obligation conversation or have questions about investing for US expats, please get in touch.

If you prefer you can call us on +44 1534 682620.

Typically, we work with clients who have over £100,000 of investable assets. Please note, we do not offer a one-off share sale service below £250,000.

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Important information

Investment involves risk. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back the amount originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The tax treatment of all investments depends upon individual circumstances and the levels and basis of taxation may change in the future. Investors should discuss their financial arrangements with their own tax adviser before investing.

The information provided is not to be treated as specific advice. It has no regard for the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person or entity.