Based on Jamie Vrijhof-Droese’s talk at the International Living Bootcamp, Portland (August, 2025)

At WHVP, our north star is simple: preserve what you’ve worked so hard to build—so you can enjoy your retirement and pass wealth on confidently. In Portland, our Managing Partner, Jamie Vrijhof-Droese, unpacked why more Americans are opening Swiss bank accounts and adding international investments to reduce risk, strengthen privacy, and safeguard purchasing power.

Here’s the condensed version—clear, practical, and action-oriented.

What Offshore Banking Really Means

“Offshore” simply means banking outside your country of residence. For U.S. families and entrepreneurs, it offers three key advantages. The first is currency diversification. Over decades, the U.S. dollar has steadily lost value against strong currencies like the Swiss franc. That loss often goes unnoticed because most investment statements aren’t adjusted for currency weakness. By holding part of your wealth in Swiss francs and other foreign currencies, you can preserve purchasing power across generations.

The second advantage is privacy. The U.S. experiences frequent data breaches across healthcare, financial services, and even government institutions. Relocating part of your financial life to a well-regulated country such as Switzerland or Liechtenstein adds a meaningful layer of protection from hackers, data brokers, and other bad actors. Importantly, this does not mean hiding from the IRS—U.S. citizens must still report offshore accounts, and we ensure clients receive the annual tax statements they need.

Finally, offshore banking can reduce your exposure to frivolous lawsuits. A quieter financial footprint makes you a less obvious target. While a U.S. court order still applies, combining a Swiss account with an asset-protection structure such as a Cook Islands trust or Nevis LLC can add further resilience. We don’t set up these structures ourselves but can connect clients with excellent attorneys who do.

Why Consider International Investments?

Diversifying internationally isn’t just about spreading risk; it’s about improving outcomes. Markets around the world do not move in lockstep. Keeping all your assets in the U.S. means taking risk without receiving the benefit of true diversification. Studies show that allocating around a quarter of equities outside your home market can meaningfully lower overall portfolio volatility.

There are also valuation opportunities abroad. European stocks, for example, can currently be purchased at discounts not seen in decades, while U.S. markets remain expensive after years of strong performance. History also reminds us that leadership rotates. The U.S. has had long stretches of outperformance, but in past crises and corrections, international markets often held up better. By expanding beyond the U.S., you’re not just protecting wealth—you’re also opening the door to growth opportunities.

At WHVP, we focus offshore portfolios on non-U.S. assets and currencies, often through direct stock and bond selection. This ensures clients get real international diversification outside the U.S. financial system.

Why Switzerland—and Sometimes Liechtenstein?

Switzerland stands apart as a hub for global wealth. With centuries of private banking expertise, a culture of neutrality and independence, and one of the world’s strongest currencies, it offers unmatched stability. The Swiss franc is widely seen as a safe haven during times of uncertainty. Swiss banks are tightly regulated, and our firm is not only licensed in Switzerland but also registered with the U.S. SEC, giving clients dual layers of protection.

Liechtenstein can also be an attractive choice. It shares the Swiss franc and high regulatory standards while offering certain niche services, such as the ability to hold cryptocurrencies at select banks. Which jurisdiction is best depends on individual goals, and we guide clients in choosing the right fit.

How WHVP Supports Clients

WHVP is not a bank. We are a Swiss-based, SEC-registered investment adviser that works with carefully selected Swiss and Liechtenstein custodian banks. Your assets remain in your own name, off the bank’s balance sheet. We guide you through the process—from choosing the right bank, to opening the account, to designing and actively managing a tailored investment strategy. You do not need to travel to Switzerland unless you wish to; everything can be handled remotely.

Our focus is on foreign currencies, international stocks, corporate bonds, and precious metals. We generally avoid U.S. securities within offshore accounts to maximize diversification, though we can accommodate them if needed. Clients receive online account access, quarterly statements, and annual tax documents to ensure compliance with U.S. reporting requirements.

Safety, Protections, and Costs

Swiss law provides strong investor protections. Your investments are always in your own name, and cash deposits are insured up to CHF 100,000 per bank. WHVP holds only a limited power of attorney to manage investments and deduct agreed-upon management fees.

Opening an account requires a minimum of $500,000, though we recommend $800,000 or more to optimize costs. Our transparent fee model starts at 1.5% of assets under management and decreases as the portfolio grows. Banks also charge a small custody fee, typically around 0.25–0.30% annually.

The WHVP Difference

As a second-generation family firm led by Jamie and Urs Vrijhof-Droese, WHVP blends Swiss precision with American client focus. Our close-knit Zurich-based team includes compliance expertise, senior relationship managers with decades of experience, and even Henry, our office dog and “positivity coordinator.”

We build long-term relationships rooted in trust, flexibility, and independence. Our promise is to preserve what you’ve earned while giving you peace of mind in an uncertain world.

Ready to Explore?

If you’d like to learn more, start by watching Jamie’s full presentation here: International Living Bootcamp Presentation on YouTube. You can also request a free digital copy of Swiss Money Secrets, which Jamie co-authored, or schedule a consultation to see whether a Swiss or Liechtenstein account fits your financial goals.

Preserve your wealth. Diversify your risk. Strengthen your privacy. That’s the WHVP way.

Start your conversation with us today—we’ll make the process clear, compliant, and comfortable.