US expat investing in the UK
US expats in the UK need tailored investment advice to navigate complex cross-border tax rules and avoid costly mistakes, as Roy Clouse, Senior Investment Director explains.
Senior Investment Director
20 Nov 2025
|Quick summary: a guide to US expat investing in the UK
Having relocated to the UK from the US, you may find it’s not just the accents, weather chat and Tesco vs. Walmart differences that you need to get used to. As Roy Clouse, Senior Investment Director explains, due to complex tax and reporting rules in both the US and here in the UK, it’s likely you’ll also need to adjust to a new way of managing your investments.
1. Who can help a US expat investing in the UK?
A specialist UK-based investment manager, such as Canaccord Wealth, with expertise in US/UK cross-border rules can help US expats invest confidently and compliantly.
2. What will a specialist investment manager consider with a US expat investing in the UK?
They’ll consider your US assets, currency needs, tax reporting and market exposure - tailored to both UK and US rules.
3. What is the main risk of a US expat investing in the UK not getting the best advice?
As a US expat investor in the UK, you risk forfeiting your long-term financial goals if you leave everything to chance and do not pursue the right advice for you.
US expat investing in the UK - it’s time to find the right expertise
There are many potential pitfalls for a US expat investing in the UK. The rules and regulations can seem so overwhelming that many US expats end up avoiding it altogether. However, this is the worst thing you can do. It’s vital to stay on track with your investments to meet your long-term financial goals.
All you need is the right help with friendly and trusted experts. Thankfully, there are specialist investment managers in the UK who understand US expat investment needs and can tailor support to your unique situation.
When looking for the right investment manager, you need to make sure they offer a designated service for US expats – not simply an off-the-shelf solution but one that is specifically tailored to your dual UK/US requirements.
What a US expat investment manager considers carefully
An investment manager who is specifically experienced dealing with US expats will create a complete overview of your situation. This includes looking at:
- US interests and assets, including pension arrangement
- Currency requirements and whether you want to hold investments in sterling, US dollars, euros, other currencies, or a mix
- Requirements for direct exposure to US markets, via government, corporate and municipal bonds or US equities
- Accounting needs and whether you want your accounting done in US dollars using the US tax year
- Requirements for information to complete both UK and US tax returns.
Investment managers that can cater to US expats will also need to work closely with your other tax, accountancy or legal professionals to ensure your investments are compliant across jurisdictions and structured to enable the best possible outcomes.
Subject to their advice, you may need to avoid certain investments including Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) and most collective investment vehicles – these are foreign funds that can trigger complex and punitive US tax rules for American investors. You may also need to be mindful of the implications of using UK wrappers such as ISAs or SIPPs (both of which do not exist in the US).
US expat investing in the UK - don’t leave it to chance
Now you know it’s possible to have the convenience and expertise of a UK-based US-specialist investment manager, don’t leave it to chance. By not getting the right advice, you could be forfeiting your long-term financial goals.
Speak to a wealth management specialist
If you have any questions about investing in the UK as a US expat and need tailored advice, please get in touch.