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US Expat Services FATCA
Compliant Financial Planning
SJB are in an exceptional position of being both regulated and experienced in Europe as well as the US, meaning we can help US expats living across the world. Please see the link to SJB Global regulations here and SJB US here.
US expats have had very limited opportunities in the financial advice market since FATCA was introduced. We often find individuals are unaware they are considered a US connected person. Many have faced challenges investing assets outside of the US in a legitimate manner due to the limited number of options available. These options come with complex compliance requirements for investors, custodians, advisers, and firms offering these services. Over recent years, more and more providers have begun to specialise in this space to create unique compliant solutions for US expats.
Moving Abroad? Get your FREE expert guide to managing U.S. retirement accounts—fill in the form to access your download and unlock even more resources for Americans overseas.
Understanding FATCA and US-Connected Persons
Navigating the financial rules for Americans abroad can be complex. FATCA regulations, citizenship-based taxation, and cross-border compliance requirements all impact how US citizens and residents can invest or save for retirement overseas. You can read a detailed breakdown of the key US expat filing requirements here, including FATCA, FBARs, and annual IRS reporting obligations.
Whether you hold a US passport, a Green Card, or have US tax obligations, understanding your classification as a U.S. connected person is the first step to building a compliant, tax-efficient investment or retirement plan.
Who Is Considered a US-Connected Person?
The following people are typically classified as US-connected persons:
- Green Card holders
- Certain visa holders living in the US (for example, some H1B visa holders)
- US taxpayers
- Individuals born outside the US with one US parent
- Individuals born in the US, even if they left as children
It’s important to note that your passport nationality doesn’t change your US tax obligations if you were born in America.
If any of these apply to you, or you’re unsure, SJB Global can help you confirm your status and plan accordingly.
What Compliance Requirements Must Be Met?
To use US tax-compliant investment or retirement services abroad, a few key requirements must be satisfied:
- The institution holding your funds must comply with FATCA
- You must file the correct IRS forms annually
- Your financial adviser should be regulated to provide cross-border advice both in the US and in your country of residence
SJB Global is uniquely positioned to assist US expats with these requirements, thanks to our cross-border regulatory structure and international expertise. For a full explanation of thresholds, deadlines, and penalties, view our US Expat Filing Requirements guide.
What Are the Typical Costs and Options?
We offer several compliant and tax-efficient solutions for US-connected investors:
US FATCA-Compliant Investment Plans – Designed for US-connected individuals who want to invest internationally while remaining compliant. These platforms provide access to SEC-regulated investment managers and portfolios of equities, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds — all structured to avoid US tax penalties.
US-Compliant Retirement Plans – US-style personal pension plans created to comply with FATCA while offering additional tax advantages, especially for individuals who may return to the US in the future. These products often provide gross roll-up and strong tax efficiencies compared to non-US pensions.
401(k) Rollover to IRA – While US expats can’t transfer pensions abroad without significant tax consequences, rolling over a 401(k) into an IRA remains a highly attractive onshore option for continued tax-deferred growth and flexible investment choices.
Common Misconceptions
Putting your assets in your partner’s name
Although it may not be the most sophisticated option, having your assets in your spouse’s name (assuming they are non-Americans) at a first glance could appear a simple option to overcome FATCA. Extreme measures often need to be taken to avoid any legal issues. For example, both spouses may need to hold separate bank accounts, split costs completely and even separate living arrangements. This is often a risky avoidance method as opposed to a solution and is not recommended.
Giving up your American Green Card or Citizenship
This might seem like a big step, but more and more are doing it, with over 5,000 yearly cases reported, including Facebook founder Eduardo Saverin. FATCA and double taxation on higher incomes have contributed to this situation. However, there is an exit tax for giving up your Green Card. Whether you pay the taxes depends on your immigration status and financial assets.
Continuing to contribute to your existing accounts in America
Assuming they are open to American expats, which often isn’t the case. This does come with risks though, such as currency exchange fluctuations, and various banking fees. This also isn’t an option for Americans who have lived overseas for 25-30 years, and who no longer have US bank and brokerage accounts in many cases. Another risk is that your US brokerage will eventually follow in the footsteps of many others and close your account.
Your Free Guide to U.S. Retirement Plans Abroad
Get access to our comprehensive PDF guide: U.S. Retirement Plans for Non-U.S. Residents.
Inside, you’ll find expert insights on:
- Managing your retirement accounts overseas
- Rollovers, withdrawals, and tax implications
- Understanding 401(k), IRA, Roth, and other plans
- Key strategies for avoiding double taxation
- Estate planning and cross-border considerations
This free guide is just one of many resources we’ve created for expats. By filling in the form, you’ll unlock access to our entire downloads page, packed with additional guides on tax, pensions, and financial planning for Americans abroad.
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ian killoh
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Paul Simms
I've just completed the transfer of my UK pension to an international setup with SJB Global and Alex Gover as my Advisor. The process was made very clear by Alex... read more
Andrew Taylor
I've just completed the transfer of my UK pension to an international setup with SJB Global and Alex Gover as my Advisor. The process was made very clear by Alex... read more
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Ready to Get Started?
Managing finances across the US and the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. With expert advice, you can stay compliant, tax-efficient, and confident about your financial future.
What does the obligation free call include?
An initial 15-minute introduction call explaining our services and how we can help.
We go through a fact-finding exercise so we can then provide a full financial planning report including a personalised retirement forecast with future projections and work out how on track you are.
Lastly, we will provide a recommendation on any areas where we feel you could improve.
Who is SJB Global and meet your adviser
Our regulations, Independence and Fees
Our process from start to finish
Area we help with including:
UK Pension Advice
Retirement Planning
Investment Planning
Tax Planning
US Expat Services
International Estate Planning
Note: Minimum managed assets for SJB Global is £100,000 or currency equivalent.
Licensing & Regulations
Nexus Global specialises in providing a regulatory platform and compliance support to international financial advisers and intermediaries to enable them to meet regulatory requirements to provide their clients with a professional service. The financial advisers trading under SJB Global are members of Nexus Global. Nexus Global is a division of Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited (BFMI). All approved members of Nexus Global are appointed representatives of BFMI. BFMI is licensed and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (FSC) and bound by the rules under licence number 3647: http://www.fsc.gi/regulated-entity/blacktower-financial-management-international-limited-3647.