American Expatriates
The Reality for US Expatriates
Wells Fargo, Merrill Lynch, Fidelity, and more than a dozen other major U.S. financial institutions have already restricted or closed accounts for Americans living abroad. These aren’t isolated cases—and they’re not always easy to resolve.
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. brokerage firms impose account restrictions when a client moves abroad. Add to that the risk of mishandled rollovers—44% result in unexpected tax penalties—and it becomes clear just how complex it can be to retain control of your U.S. retirement accounts from overseas.
These restrictions often come without warning—blocking portfolio changes, cutting off advisory support, and disabling online account management just when you need them most.
"When you lose the ability to adjust your portfolio, you lose the ability to control risk. Having your plans actively managed and aligned with your evolving needs isn’t just convenient, it’s crucial to achieving your long-term goals."
Loadstone is uniquely positioned, with advisors who are SEC-licensed and, through a partnership with Charles Schwab, actively support Americans living abroad with their U.S. retirement accounts.
Our Process
1
Review of Your U.S. Assets
Where do things stand?
We begin with a full review of your U.S.-based accounts, identifying any restrictions, potential compliance issues, risks of forced closure, and opportunities for consolidation or restructuring.
2
Next, we build a coordinated strategy that aligns your U.S. assets with your life abroad. We consider practical access, long-term goals, and the structures available to support them. Your wealth strategy should work with your global plan, not against it.
Strategic Planning Across Borders
How do your U.S. accounts fit into your global life?
3
Structure, Setup & Transfer
Getting everything in place
We help set up the appropriate structure and manage the administrative steps involved, bringing them back into view and aligning them with your broader financial plan. This includes coordinating directly with your existing providers to ensure the assets move securely and without unnecessary complications.
4
With your accounts in place, we shift focus to active management. Through regular monitoring and reviews, we work with you to ensure that your portfolio stays aligned with your goals, adapting as needed when your life and circumstances evolve. We’re not just here for the setup. We’re here to help you build toward retirement, prepare for what’s ahead, and stay with you throughout the journey.
Ongoing Management & Support
Where the relationship begins, not ends
