According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas , it is estimated approximately 5.5 million Americans are living beyond US borders.[1]
Recent Financial Times analysis published in June 2025 revealed that a rising number of Americans, ranging from professionals to retirees, are actively pursuing ‘Plan B’ relocation strategies, such as applying for golden visas in Italy.[2]
The FT also recently cited that the number of US citizens applying for citizenship in the UK last year reached record levels of over 6,000 – a clear sign of shifting priorities.[3]
Investing across borders
Even for those not yet ready to relocate permanently, we have seen a significant increase in enquiries from US citizens deciding to invest some of their financial assets abroad , to give their portfolios more international exposure.[4]
While there are many different factors that lead individuals to invest their assets abroad, with or without moving themselves, abroad, whether it be financial, social, or personal, it cannot be mere coincidence that the increase comes at a time of significant economic and political change in the US.
While offshore jurisdictions may offer many different incentives to move, US citizens have little motivation to invest money abroad for tax benefits. US citizenship carries with it the requirement to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on a worldwide basis.
Whatever the motivation to move away from the US, it is essential that US individuals are aware of the implications of moving their assets (or indeed themselves) into new tax jurisdictions and some of the subsequent additional requirements that this entails. Suitable tax and legal guidance is therefore essential, and we maintain strong relationships with leading US/UK specialists across the industry that are well positioned to provide US clients with appropriate advice before establishing their new investment portfolios.
Sarasin Asset Management: putting US citizens first
putting US citizens first In 2003, we established Sarasin Asset Management Ltd (SAM) to specifically look after the investment requirements of US citizens wherever they live. SAM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sarasin & Partners, registered as an Investment Adviser firm with the SEC and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority. We are one of the very few firms
able to look after both US residents and US expats from London.
The majority of Sarasin’s discretionary clients benefit from the ability to invest in our range of in-house funds. For US investors, however, these investments are classified as Passive Foreign
Investment Companies (PFICs), which can be very tax punitive.
Our preference, therefore, is to invest directly into global equities and bonds for US client portfolios. This approach provides greater flexibility when multiple jurisdictions are involved and more importantly it means that US clients are still able to gain exposure to our global thematic equity process but in a tax efficient manner across multiple jurisdictions.
Should you be considering an international move, or simply wish to understand your investment options, we would be very happy to have a conversation. Sarasin’s expertise in managing investments for US clients, combined with our strong network of legal and tax professionals, is helping clients make the right decisions in safeguarding their wealth for years to come.
For more information, contact Nick at +44 20 7038 7086 or [email protected]
[1] https://aaro.org/living-abroad/how-manyamericans-live-abroad
[2] https://www.ft.com/content/01b61c1b-0f2e-4102-95bf-d3132a77416a
[3] https://www.ft.com/content/e20a2ea0-0fa0-4b6ca487-05030f4a4c93
[4] https://www.investopedia.com/where-ultra-rich-areflocking-next-11736703?
Important information
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