Leave your IRA if you leave USA
Over the past few years, many firms have all but eliminated their IRA offering to non-residents. Some of the biggest names to have taken this step include the following:
- Merrill Lynch
- Morgan Stanley
- PNC Bank
- Vanguard
- Wells Fargo
Even those non-residents who have been able to keep their accounts have found that they face a whole raft of inconveniences and restrictions, including the following:
- Unrealistic minimum account values
- Reduced services
- Inability to access US mutual funds
- Currency exchange risk
And unless the retirement account exceeds $500,000 many companies do not allow the US non-resident to transfer the account or open a new retirement account. So, many US expats have found their retirement funds are frozen, with investments left unmanaged and no longer working in their favour.
FINRA anticipates change
The Washington-based Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has said that a number of expats have complained about the situation they find themselves in with their IRA accounts and it is hoped that these complaints might lead to change.
“Filing complaints with multiple government and oversight agencies could lead to more visibility on the issue and hopefully change the self-serving way some IRA custodians do business,” said a spokesperson with the organisation.
How can Blacktower in the US help?
Blacktower in the US is a specialist wealth manager. Our aim is to provide our clients with the services and products that best support their long-term financial and retirement goals.
We are concerned that many US non-residents with IRA accounts are being told by their custodians that their accounts are being closed.
However, Blacktower in the US works with a custodian who can accept non-resident so, unlike many independent financial advisors, we are in a position to help with all aspects of retirement planning for non-residents.
Additionally, we can help our clients invest globally and make the most of the many domestic and cross-border opportunities available to them. For more information contact us today.
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.
Investment advice and investment advisory services offered and provided through Blacktower Financial Management US, LLC. This communication is for informational purposes only based on our understanding of current legislation and practices which are subject to change and are not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, tax advice, tax recommendations, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.