When selecting a financial advisor there are many options an individual can choose from, whether they be an asset management branch of a bank, a private investor, a family office, or an independent investment advisor both domestic or offshore. Since we are based offshore we have already written extensively on why one might choose an offshore jurisdiction for financial services (Switzerland: Safe Haven during Crisis) and also how to choose a financial advisor (How to choose an External Asset Manager for U.S. Citizens). Both of those topics are important and worth spending some time thinking about. However, today we want to delve into what the benefits are of working with an independent registered investment advisor versus being served by the asset management branch of a larger bank.

This article will help your clients and prospects understand the basics of asset allocation, and how their portfolio balances risk and potential returns. Each asset class has its own set of risks and rewards, depending on your time horizon, risk tolerance, and financial goals. The asset allocation strategy you select will allow you and your financial advisor to create a framework that will be able to manage the level of risk your portfolio will hold based on the asset class. You and your financial advisor may make adjustments to your portfolio over the years as your needs change, however, having a selected strategy will help to keep the portfolio balanced and not stray from a healthy level of risk.

Test your own financial knowledge by reviewing these 5 must-know investment basics. Working with a trusted financial professional is important when it comes to strategizing and preparing to meet your financial goals. As most of us handle money on a daily basis, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of financial literacy, especially when it comes to investing. In our blog post we’ve identified five financial basics everyone should know. Understanding these important concepts can serve as a basis for your financial investment standings.

You may be tempted to panic or sell when the stock market is down. However, with a wise strategy you may want to reconsider saying the course. Here's why. Billionaire and real estate magnate Warren Buffet told CNBC in 2016 that buying or selling in a rush may not be the best strategy. “If [worried investors are] trying to buy and sell stocks, and worry when they go down a little bit … and think they should maybe sell them when they go up, they're not going to have very good results." Such a panic move could unbalance your portfolio where you are either taking on more or less risk than you should.

Are you frustrated with the level of growth you experience when you attempt to invest on your own? Do you feel left out when your friends or coworkers talk about how much money they are making in the market while the value of your portfolio barely budges? If the answer is yes, it is probably a good time for you to take the next step in your investing journey and ditch DIY investing by finally hiring a professional. A good financial advisor can bring your portfolio to a higher level.

Recently inherited an IRA? The wrong move could cost a boat load in taxes and penalties, but you have options. Governing bodies like the IRS and legislation such as the SECURE Act have outlined important rules regarding an inherited IRA, such as how much you may owe in taxes as well as whether you will need to begin taking required minimum distributions. These can depend on several factors, such as your relationship to the deceased, whether the IRA inherited is Roth or traditional and more.

While an investment advisor can be helpful in any situation, hiring one is typically more important when you are nearing retirement or have complex issues and questions to sort out. From your needs and objectives to your risk tolerance and timeframe, there are a variety of factors your investment advisor will consider when designing your customized investment strategy. However, before you hire an investment advisor to help you grow your assets, it’s important to ask yourself these four key questions first.

Whether facing a devastating event or an exciting advancement, people frequently make money decisions as a response. At any given point, the market can go up, down or it can remain the same. While many aspects of the virus or even the economy are out of our control, one thing we can control right now is how we handle our financial strategy. In the past, the market has recovered in response to epidemics with an average of 17.17 percent over time. While no two situations are alike, remembering the likelihood of recovery over time - and the market’s nearly inevitable up-and-down movement - can provide a more logical angle to calm the nerves.

Capital gains taxes apply to more than stocks. Capital gains taxes can apply to any other property that acquires value over time. These taxes are calculated by subtracting the cost of the investment from the final selling price of said investment. And the amount you pay will depend on a variety of factors. Here's how capital gains taxes work and a few methods you can use for reducing them.

Learning about a company should be part of doing your due diligence prior to earning. Here’s how to read a company’s quarterly earnings report. Learning how to read companies’ reports comes in handy when assessing the overall position of a company, especially their financial well-being.

Jamie Vrijhof-Droese, a Managing Partner at WHVP Ltd., spoke about opening and managing an offshore bank account. Among the advantages of opening offshore accounts, it is worth noting the withdrawal of part of the funds outside the country, taking advantage of investments in other regions. According to Jamie, if you take 20-30% of your assets offshore, it will reduce the level of volatility and increase the level of capital stability. Jamie also talked about why Switzerland is an excellent financial center. For example, a low level of public debt, when compared with the United States, as well as a stable economy. Regulation.

If you own assets outside of the United States, it's important to understand your potential tax obligations. What's a FATCA, and who does it impact? Here's what you'll need to know.

When deciding who should handle your finances, it's important to find the best advisor for your unique situation. These 6 questions can help your search go smoother.

Are you looking for a Wealth Manager? We spoke about the five things to consider when selecting a wealth manager at last week's Bosco Conference.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a U.S. law that took effect in 2010. It requires foreign financial institutions (like Swiss banks) to report U.S. connected people (e.g. passport holders and green card holders, even if they are residing outside the U.S.) to the U.S. Department of Treasury.

You may think you need to choose a wealth manager in your local area, but there are a lot of reasons not to limit your choices. Here are some factors to consider first when weighing your options.

If you have researched registered investment advisors, you have probably read the term “ADV Brochure”. You have come to the right place if you have wondered what exactly this refers to! This is a document registered investment advisors (RIA) have to submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The ADV brochure provides an overview of the company. RIAs have to update and file it annually. Lastly, the RIA needs to make it publicly available if it manages more than USD 25m.

Some thoughts and considerations when trying to decide which partner is the best fit to help you achieve your financial goals.

If you are considering working with an independent asset manager it is important to know how to do your due diligence. What are relevant questions that help you find the right financial partner for you? Some times it is hard to work through all the information out there and to pick the right questions. To make things easier we have put together a list of 50 essential questions you should consider asking when talking to a potential new asset manager.