History of U.S. Government Defaults: Gold, Debt and the Digital Dollar

In this episode of The Swiss View, Urs and Jess explore the economic realities shaping the United States, the European Union, and Switzerland. The conversation moves from GDP performance and what it reveals about the strength of each economy to the everyday impact Americans are feeling at the gas pump, tying it all back to the global price of oil per barrel and the broader energy market.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, the team sits down to discuss the often misunderstood world of private banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, along with an overview of what account opening looks like for Americans and how they can prepare for it. On the episode, WHVP’s Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof-Droese are joined by WHVP's newest member, Executive Assistant, Alisa Bektshi, who is a rising talent in the private banking and wealth management world for Americans looking to open an account offshore.

In this episode of Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof unpack the growing dilemma facing central banks as global uncertainty continues to mount. They begin with the fragile US-Iran ceasefire—asking the key question: will it hold, even in the short term? The discussion explores potential market and economic consequences if tensions re-escalate, and how quickly sentiment can shift in such a volatile geopolitical environment.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, we sit down with Johannes Kern, Managing Director of the Frankencoin Association, to explore stablecoins and why Switzerland has earned its reputation as a stronghold of financial stability. Instead of asking whether cryptocurrencies will replace traditional money, we ask a more important question: How can stablecoins and Swiss monetary principles help investors navigate uncertainty and preserve wealth? Tune in to hear insights on Switzerland’s neutrality, the Swiss franc’s “Swiss steel” reputation, and how these lessons apply to offshore banking, international diversification, and the future of digital money.

In this episode, Jess Roberson and Urs Droese explore how global markets are reacting to rising geopolitical tensions. Beyond market movements, they examine investor behavior: why fear and optimism often coexist, how emotions drive decisions, and what patterns emerge in uncertain times. Tune in for insights that blend macroeconomic analysis with behavioral finance, offering a clear perspective on navigating market turbulence.

In this episode, we revisit the debate between Bitcoin and gold — but from a different angle. Instead of asking which asset will win, we ask a more important question: What can they teach us about building resilient wealth in a volatile world? Over the past few years, investors have experienced liquidity booms, aggressive rate hikes, inflation shocks, and geopolitical instability. Both high-growth assets and traditional safe havens have had moments of strength — and moments of stress. The lesson? Tune in to hear our thoughts.

In this episode of Swiss View, WHVP examines the latest developments in President Trump’s global tariff policy, including the newly announced 10% worldwide tariff and its rapid increase to 15% under Section 122 authority. The discussion unpacks the legal framework behind these measures and explores what escalating tariffs could mean for global markets, supply chains, and economic growth.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, WHVP’s Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof-Droese welcome Daniel Gabrieli, Partner at Wenger Plattner, for an in-depth discussion on how Swiss inheritance law affects U.S. citizens. Together, they unpack one of the most fascinating—and often overlooked—areas of cross-border planning: the legal framework governing inheritance between the United States and Switzerland.

Most Americans think they’re diversified — but are they really? In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, we unpack what U.S. investors consistently misunderstand about offshore banking, currency risk, and true diversification — and why doing nothing may be the biggest risk of all.

Black Friday reached record levels this year — but the headline numbers only tell part of the story. In the newest episode of The Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Vrijhof-Droese examine what rising prices, fewer true discounts, and shifting consumer behavior may signal about the underlying strength of the U.S. economy.

Thinking about renouncing your U.S. citizenship? In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, WHVP speaks with Arielle Tucker, CFP®, about the financial, legal, and emotional realities of expatriation. Learn about the exit tax, embassy process, and planning steps every American abroad should know.

Global instability is reshaping markets. In this episode of The Swiss View, we discuss government debt, currency shifts, and precious metals amid geopolitical tension. Discover why Switzerland’s stability stands out and what investors can learn from the latest global developments.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, WHVP’s team sits down and answers some of the most common questions we hear about Swiss banking for Americans. From the impact of FATCA to the real advantages of opening an account overseas, we break down what’s possible today and what clients can expect when considering Switzerland as part of their financial strategy. We walk through the practical side of compliance and on-boarding, explaining the documents required, how long the process usually takes, and how Swiss accounts differ from those in the U.S. Our team also discusses account structure, including options for holding multiple currencies, precious metals, and even the possibilities around crypto or IRAs.

The Digital Euro is moving closer to becoming a reality, but some clarity is needed to bring the conversation to a more informed level. The recent U.S. job revisions are raising questions about the real strength of the American labor market and how this might affect future Federal Reserve policy. Both the Federal Reserve and the Swiss National Bank are heading into pivotal interest rate decisions; meanwhile, Swiss economic sentiment has started to soften, and we assess what the latest indicators are signaling about growth risks and market confidence.

In this insightful episode, we explore the foundations of cross-border financial planning, designed specifically for Americans. Whether you're considering living overseas, investing internationally, or planning to retire abroad, understanding how to navigate complex financial landscapes across borders is essential. We dive into what cross-border financial planning really means—managing income, assets, and obligations that span multiple countries—and why it's crucial for maintaining compliance, minimizing tax liabilities, and protecting your wealth. We're joined by special guest John McNertney, founder and owner of Green Ocean Global Advisors, who brings deep expertise in helping Americans manage their finances across borders. John shares real-world insights on avoiding common pitfalls, understanding regulatory requirements, and building a solid, globally integrated financial strategy tailored to individual goals.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, hosts Jamie Vrijhof-Droese and Jess Roberson are joined by Blake Harris, founder of Blake Harris Law and a leading expert in asset protection. Together, they explore the power and purpose of Cook Islands trusts—one of the most robust legal tools for protecting wealth internationally.

In this episode of Swiss Money Secrets, WHVP’s Jess Roberson, Jamie Vrijhof-Droese, and Urs Vrijhof-Droese come together for an in-house discussion on the key economic developments shaping the spring of 2025. They explore Switzerland’s current 0% inflation rate and the growing conversation around a potential return to negative interest rates. The team also discusses the U.S. tariffs introduced in recent weeks, offering a Swiss and European perspective on how these measures are being viewed and what impact they are having on global markets and the U.S. dollar.

In this episode of The Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Vrijhof-Droese take a closer look at Switzerland’s inflation and interest rate landscape, putting it in context with the broader economic developments in the U.S. and Europe. They discuss how consumer sentiment is shifting across these regions and explore the political changes influencing fiscal and monetary policy. From Swiss price stability to the Fed’s next move, tune in for a comprehensive macroeconomic check-in.

In the latest episode of Swiss Money Secrets, we dive into the unique experience of being part of a multi-generational, family-run wealth management firm. Our long-time team member Julia shares her journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how WHVP has evolved over the years—balancing tradition with innovation while staying true to its core values. She reflects on the advantages of working in a close-knit environment, how leadership transitions shape company culture, and why long-term relationships with clients and employees alike are at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re part of a family business yourself, interested in career longevity, or curious about the inner workings of a boutique Swiss wealth management firm, this episode offers valuable insights.